Google to launch Android Market

Google has unveiled plans for Android Market

Google is set to offer Android Market - its own App Store-like content distribution system for the Android mobile phone platform which will allow users to buy, download and install content for the upcoming Android devices.

On a posting for the Android Developers Blog, Eric Chuh explained that developers will be able to make their applications available via the service, which will be hosted by Google.

"Similar to YouTube, content can debut in the marketplace after only three simple steps: register as a merchant, upload and describe your content and publish it," he said. "We also intend to provide developers with a useful dashboard and analytics to help drive their business and ultimately improve their offerings."

Android-based devices are set for a late September release-date in the US, with T-Mobile the carrier and HTC the handset manufacturer. The first devices will feature beta versions of Android Market and support for free applications, according to Chuh.

In related news, the winners of the first Android Developer Challenge were announced this week, with ten finalists receiving $275,000 (£150,000) for creating apps such as a taxi-ordering service and carbon footprint calculator.