Android Market, Google’s version of the App Store, gives users an online software store to browse through thousands of Android apps for Droid devices. The Android “Market” application is preinstalled onto the business user’s chosen device, acting as the go-between for busy individuals and third-party developers. In fact, Android apps jumped in number from 2,300 to over 50,000 for the Android Market with a year. One of the most common applications on the Android phone is hosted Exchange, which can be obtained from Apps4Rent for a great price.

Mobile employees can download Android apps by browsing categories or searching key terms. Once they find the desired application in the Android Market, they can simply press the icon to begin the downloading process. If the app is for sale, an option to “buy it” appears and users will be prompted to sign in to their Google account.

Developers of Android apps can sell them on the Android Market, keeping 70% of the cost. The remaining 30% is split between payment processors and carriers. Developers receive their funds from the Android Market using Google Checkout and must first have a Google merchant account, but developers can then sell applications on their own websites.
How Does the Android Market Help the Business World?

Let’s face it – to compete, you have to be able to work wherever you are. From CEOs and mid-level management to salaried employees, the work force is no longer “mobilizing”; it’s already on the move. The Android Market, however, helps mobile workers with some of the top Android apps for business, such as the Phonebook.

The Phonebook allows users to manage their contacts, missed calls, emails, text messages and even birthdays. Users can also upload contact photos. Much like Apple’s iCal, the Phonebook is one of the many Android apps that make keeping up with life that much easier.

Cab4Me is another, performing services that many a busy traveler would appreciate. Cab4Me helps business travelers find cab companies near by when needing a ride. It includes user reviews and contact information, so the user can make an informed choice.

For individuals dealing with products and inventory, the free Barcode Scanner app blends well with “Inventory”. Simply scan the barcodes and organize products into lists, with images for easy reference. Inventory Droid takes this a step further, offering CSV support, loan reminders, accounts and categories, and an Inventory Asset Grid, among other features.

Like Inventory Droid, many Android apps available seem built with business users in mind. For example, Corporate Directory (for Droid only) links to employee Exchange email accounts. TouchDown with Exchange ActiveSync provides instant sync with corporate hosted Exchange accounts. In fact, it’s the third most popular email solution due to its Exchange ActiveSync features, including PIN locking, Remote Data Wipe and Device Encryption.

Thanks to Android apps like TouchDown, Stocks, Currency, TripIt, Cashbook, Mighty Meeting and Spreadsheet, the Android Market turns corporate productivity into a mobile, upwardly moving industry.