New Android Market Website Allows Users to Find, Buy Apps on their PC

While most of the focus during today's event at Google headquarters went to Android OS 3.0 (Honeycomb) and tablets, there was an announcement that affects smartphone users: the Android Market now has its very own website.

The Market was formerly only available on Android phones, but can now be found online at market.android.com.

This new venue for app shopping allows non-Android users to see what Android has to offer, and gives current users the freedom and ease of use that PCs can provide.

Apps are neatly categorized, and there are tabs on the homepage for the 'top free' and 'top paid' applications.

When a piece of software is purchased online, the user is notified on their smartphone, giving them to option to immediately download their new app.

The new site also lets users view and manage already purchased apps when they log in to their My Market Account.

Today's launch of the Android Market website should help Google better compete against its rival Apple. The iTunes Store -- the method iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad users to buy software -- has been a huge success, at least partially because it allows customers to shop on their mobile device or desktop. 

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