Google unveils new online store for Android apps

Google’s rivalry with Apple heated up as the Internet search giant unveiled its new online market for mobile applications that run on devices powered by its Android software.

The new online Android store lets consumers buy and install applications on mobile devices through an Internet browser, the company said during an event at its Mountain View, Calif., headquarters. Previously, the apps could be purchased only via the devices.

Google also said Wednesday that software developers would be able to create Android applications that charge users for purchases they make, a feature already available on Apple devices. Many developers have complained that they were not able to draw attention to their applications or make money on Android.

Google also briefly teased its upcoming music service but did not discuss it in detail or say when it would be released.

The company made the announcements during an event to showcase a new version of its mobile operating system, code-named Honeycomb. Google is giving Honeycomb to hardware manufacturers for free in hopes of creating a fleet of tablet computers to compete with Apple’s iPad, which leads the tablet market. Motorola is expected to release its Xoom tablet with Honeycomb software this month.

Global shipments of tablets more than doubled in the fourth quarter, with those sporting Google’s Android taking market share from Apple’s iPad, according to research firm Strategy Analytics.

“A lot of this is catch-up,� said BGC Partners analyst Colin Gillis. “But Google knows how to close the gap. Now we will have to see what Apple brings to market.�

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