Google’s Android developer blog has just uploaded a preview of a complete visual overhaul of the Android Market client, which it says is due to roll out to most Android phones within the next two weeks.
The good news is this new Android Market redesign will arrive on all Android phones with version 1.6 of the OS and higher, so pretty much everyone out there ought to get the new layout before the end of the month. Here’s a snippet from Google’s announcement:
With a focus on improving discoverability and merchandising, we’ve introduced a new carousel on the home and category screens. Users can quickly flip through the carousel to view promoted applications and immediately go to the download page for the application they want. Developers have been very active in creating great Widgets and Live Wallpapers. To make it easier for users to find their favorites, we’re introducing two new categories for Widgets and Live Wallpapers.
And the goods:
There’s not a huge amount of increased functionality here, to be honest, instead it’s more of a reorganisation of what’s already up there – the biggest tweak is in fact a reduction of the app refund window from 24 hours to 15 minutes. And still no word of desktop browser support or purchases. Read all about it on the Android Developer blog.
Motorola’s latest flagship dual-core Android monster is a massive, original powerhouse, that’s a big improvement on previous MOTOBLUR mobiles – but still isn’t a total winner.
A slim and glamorous phone from Sony Ericsson, with the sharpest display around. It’s no powerhouse and the screen’s not the biggest out there, but we don’t mind. Because it’s cute.
LG’s first glasses-free 3D phone is a heavy, fat monster, with a clever 3D effect that works rather well. As a smartphone, though, it’s heavy and underwhelming.
A very shiny thing from Sony Ericsson, with a 3.7″ screen and Android 2.3.3 inside. But is it exciting enough to win fans in today’s spec-obsessed market? Can man live on one core alone?
INQ’s Android phone is an interesting “boutique” piece of hardware, packed with unique interface customisations that go far beyond the headline Facebook integration. We like it a lot.
Tolper
/ December 11, 201015 minutes isn’t long enough to know if an app is fully functional or not. Suppose it’ll help developers make more money though.
Matt S
/ December 11, 2010If something isn’t functional then you can do a charge back on the card. It’s a lot more hassle than just getting a refund from the built in market though especially for something which might only be 50p :S
k0zmic
/ December 11, 2010True, I still think 15 minutes is still much better than no refund period.
Jennings
/ December 11, 2010There’s a hacked version of the APK floating about in the usual places, if you want to give it a go right now. Not working on my phone, though.
k0zmic
/ December 12, 2010I think it’s for 2.2 onwards.
Lekky
/ December 14, 2010Its for all devices running 1.6 or above :P
You can install it here: http://droid-den.com/app-guides/android-guide-how-to-get-the-new-improved-market
Rik
/ December 15, 2010The apk works really well on my Desire running a generic WWE ROM.
StenvenBe
/ December 12, 2010simple design :X