Google launches new Android Market

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Google has completely redesigned the Android Market to make it easier for users to access the apps they want.

The changes make it clearer which apps are proving popular and further engage users in the Android Market experience, Google said.

The Mountain View giant said users will now be able to complete a purchase in just two clicks, or taps, when browsing the Android Market.

“In the home screen, we've created a new promotional page that highlights top content. This page is tiled with colorful graphics that provide instant access to featured apps and games,” said Eric Chu, from the Android Developer Ecosystem, in a blog post.

“To make it fun and easy for users to explore fresh content, we've added our app lists right to the Apps and Games home pages. Users can now quickly flip through these lists by swiping right or left, checking out what other people are downloading in the Top Paid, Top Free, Top Grossing, Top New Paid, Top New Free, and Trending lists.”

Some significant changes have been made to the app details page too, moving the app name and price into a “compact action bar” at the top of the page, designed to make it quicker for users to download or purchase apps.

“Directly below, users can flip through screen shots by swiping right or left, or scroll down to read your app's description, what's new, reviews, and more,” Chu continued.

“To help you promote your product more effectively, the page now also includes a thumbnail link to your product video which is displayed at full screen when in landscape orientation.”

There was no mention of improvements to the marketplace's security. Earlier this week, chief executive (CEO) of Trusteer Mickey Boodaei claimed the Android architecture was not prepared to deal with the incoming slew of smartphone security threats.

Yet more malware targeting Android was spotted this week.

See below for a video on the updated Android Market:

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