Android Market

With the seemingly constant stream of new Android-powered phones and tablets to wireless carriers, the Android app market is now a worthy competitor to Apple's App Store. Because of Android's open developer environment, some security risks are inherent. Though Google regularly checks for malware or other infectious software within the available apps, the open nature of the OS and the ability of developers to post apps directly to the Android market mean that some security threats might filter through. That shouldn't deter you from reaping the benefits of an open source life, it just requires a bit of precaution.

1. Do your homework — Before downloading apps from the Android market, read other users' reviews and reference reviews from respected media sources.
2. Review app permissions — Check what sort of access the application is asking for within your device. Does a solitaire app really need access to your contacts and call logs? If you don't feel comfortable allowing the app creator access to private information, keep browsing the marketplace until you find that Goldilocks app.
3. Password, password, password — As we noted recently, passwords are key in remaining digitally secure. Should your EVO be lost or stolen, a clever password may hamper any efforts to access personal information on the device.

Additionally, there are plenty of security apps, many of them free, available to Android lovers. Remember to read the fine print and reviews to find the apps best for you, and just like email or web pop-ups, if something looks suspect, it probably is.

With the love of the Infuse 4G still swirling in my head, I struck up an IM conversation with a friend of mine about the Android operating system yesterday. I didn't know exactly what I was getting into when I asked, but my friend brought up some really good points about Android that even I didn't consider.

Recently there was a debate as to why more women aren't using Android devices. Some say there's no "emotional attachment" between the female geek population and Android like there is on Apple, but these points my friend and I discussed could be more reason why women (or a large population as a whole) don't "get" Android: it's totally confusing! I've compressed our conversation into three points below. Read through, and tell me what you think in the comments.

It's Insanely Fragmented
Right now, you can find four different versions of Android floating around on several different devices. There's no regulation given that the hardware and software are from different origins. Android 2.2 is on most phones, while only the newer phones can support 2.3. Obviously, 3.0 is for tablets.

Read the rest of our discussion after the break.

Apple has its rigorous screening process to help keep subpar apps out of its AppStore; Google's Android Market is a bit more like the Wild West of mobile app stores — there's no screening or application process, but that also means Google has less control over what shows up in the store. Now, Google has added a new, helpful feature to the Android market, allowing users to "try then buy" apps for Android devices. Users first download a free "lite" version of the app, with the option to purchase the full version via Google's new in-app purchase system.

Because the functionality is new and has just launched, there aren't too many apps taking advantage of it just yet, but Android customers can see how it works with apps that include Tap Tap Revenge and more.

Serious eaters take note: if you're on the lookout for an app that helps you find just the right restaurant, get tips on what to order via notes and photos, and post a review right from the table (after you've eaten, please), then you'll want to check out the latest version of the Zagat app for Android ($10). Don't let the price deter you — this is one app that you may want to splurge on if you're a foodie fanatic.

Check out everything that comes with the newly updated Zagat app when you read more.

At today's big event in Mountain View, Google announced a long-anticipated feature for Android: a web-based Android app market. The store is a one-stop location for both free and paid Android apps, similar to Apple's App Store.

The apps are broken down into categories like Business, Entertainment, Sports, and Social — with many, many more app categories included. Users can also browse through the most popular free and paid apps. And once you purchase or download an app through the store, it's instantly transferred to your device; no syncing required!

Individual app pages allow developers to personalize and include more information about their apps. Sharing and social media tools are built into the store, so it's easy to send apps via Gmail, Facebook, or Twitter to friends.

Amazon is a go-to online market for many of us, and now it looks like it's adding smartphone apps to its selection. Rumors that the marketplace will be offering apps for your Android-powered phone seem to have been confirmed with a source who leaked Amazon's Terms and Conditions agreement for app developers.

The agreement outlines the rules developers must follow in order to participate in the store. It will cost $99 for them to sign up, and they must update the app if they also update the same offering on the Android Market or the Apple App Store.

Get more info on the new store (and another hot Amazon rumor) after the break.

The apps you use on your Android phone may be using your data suspiciously by sending your phone number, SIM card number, or location to advertisers, a new study says.

The report found that 20 of 30 randomly selected popular apps (those that were in the top 50 in each category on the Android Market) send sensitive user information to advertisers, including phone numbers, device IDs, GPS locations, or SIM card numbers.

These 30 apps were a sampling of the over 350 apps identified as those that require Internet permissions along with permissions to access location, camera, or audio data. The researchers created a program to track each time an app sent out information and found that they were sending data even when users were not actively using the app.

The results mean that as many as two-thirds of all Android apps may be misusing your personal data.

Want to find out if you've downloaded any of the culprits? Read more:

Getting a new smartphone is so exciting, but loading it up with apps? Well, that's serious business. There are a lot of crap apps out there, but mixed in are some truly helpful and handy ones that you should download as soon as you break your new Droid X out of the box. For example, these five apps that will have you rocking and rolling long after the new gadget glow wears off.

• Google Goggles — I can't say enough good things about Google Goggles, since it not only helps you translate foreign languages, but you can even search the Internet using photos instead of words. I'm speechless.
• Kindle for Android — Get all of your downloaded books sent to your Droid X so you can read on the go. How can you not — it's free!

See the rest of my list after the break.

The Android Market may be thousands strong, but if you've ever found yourself with the perfect idea for an app that doesn't yet exist, you'll love App Inventor for Android, a Google Labs tool that helps you build your own Android app. App Inventor was created to help people who aren't necessarily web developers; the software has been in development for over a year and was tested everywhere from sixth-grade classrooms to college campuses. According to the project's leader, "The goal is to enable people to become creators, not just consumers, in this mobile world," a strategy that is almost completely opposite of Apple's notoriously difficult and closed iPhone App process.

To find out more about how App Inventor works, keep reading.