Android app store coming August

Johannesburg, 27 Jul 2009

Android Market, Google's mobile application store, will be available to South Africans this August.

This is according to Leaf International, local distributor of HTC products. Stephen Strachan, marketing director at Leaf, says after extensive talks and proof of consumer demand, Google has allowed local Android phone users access to the global Android Market portal for the download of free applications only.

Strachan says he's not certain whether or not Google will grant South Africans access to paid-for applications. “Judging by the lengths we had to go to get Google to allow access to free applications, it could take a while, if ever,” he says.

According to Strachan, Android Market will be available from early August with the new upgrade of the Android software, but he could not commit to a specific date.

He says users will have access to over 5 000 free applications from Android Market, ranging from gaming applications to business and social networking tools.

Leaf has an existing local application portal called OpenMarket, where locally developed, free applications and content are available. “OpenMarket will continue, despite Android Market being available to South Africans, and will offer a more local flavour to applications,” adds Strachan.

The company says users will be able to access the upgraded Android software, which includes Android Market, via the Leaf Web site or by visiting a Leaf regional office or retail store.