In a most ironic twist, the Android smart phone is not able to do one of the most basic functions of the iPhone/iPod Touch and iTunes –install software from a computer. While Android fans are certainly unhappy about this, app developer Swiss Codemonkeys have gone off to create a solution: the AppBrain Market Sync.
This simple app combines the use of an Android App and a browser function. PC users simply need to go to the official AppBrain website in order to access the Android App store. From there, users can connect to their Android smart phones and queue downloads straight to their computers.
This function is a serious godsend for many Android users as it can be a pain to download large apps straight into a smart phone. Leaving the phone on a constant download drains plenty of battery and leaves a user restricted to not being able to use the device. By allowing the computer to queue downloads and handle installation to the smart phone, users are able to fully maximize having an Android device.
Another great thing about AppBrain is that is actually allows for user feedback regarding app downloads. These recommendations and reviews often give users a good point of view before making a purchased download –which is really useful since the Android Market’s “top picks” category says little about what makes an app good or bad.
The newest version (3.0) of AppBrain’s app provides users with categories, ‘hot apps’, live apps, search, and faster sync functions. In many ways, the success of the AppBrain app should be a warning sign for Google. Many users of AppBrain prefer the app over the actual market place as the interface is easier to use. This means that Google needs to redesign the Android Market to be more user friendly –and also provide PC install functions as well.
Tags: Apple-iPhone, Apps, codemonkeys, Google, google-android, smartphone