Android Marketplace Officially Announced

Google has officially announced the much anticipated Android Marketplace. Initially the marketplace will only be for free applications, and then a post launch update will turn on the ability to charge for the applications "and more features such as versioning, multiple device profile support, analytics, etc.". The Android Marketplace, unlike Apple's App Store, will allow any developer to post any application. There is no approval process or certification required. That's what we like to hear!

Here is more from Google's Eric Chu:

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. We also intend to provide developers with a useful dashboard and analytics to help drive their business and ultimately improve their offerings.