How about this for something different. What you see above is the Android Market that is on Sony Ericsson’s devices, and yes, they have their own ‘channel’ now. The ‘My Apps’ button has been replaced with Sony Ericsson’s own button which lists all of the apps Sony Ericsson want you to see, this is what they had to say about it.
What it means is that the “My Apps” option in Android Market is replaced by a link to our specific channel. (Don’t worry – “My Apps” is still available as well if you press the menu key.)
We will use this channel for many things, as a starting point this is our plan:– Provide recommendations to help you find the best games & apps that enhance your Sony Ericsson ‘most entertaining’ experience.
– Provide a way to easily find original apps from Sony Ericsson such as Timescape plugins etc.
– From time to time offer exclusive games & apps only available in this channel.
– Help our developer partners promote their apps & games giving them a highlighted market space to our consumers.
Sony Ericsson are the first to do this, so obviously other manufacturers are going to jump on board. We haven’t yet seen this Android Market change appear on our Arc, but Sony Ericsson insists it’s rolling out in the next few days. Though moving the My Apps to a hidden menu, really? We don’t think that’s the best way to go about it, but hey, it’s all gotta start somewhere. What do you think of manufacturers taking over the Android Market on their devices? Hit the source link to get SE’s full explanation of what’s going on.
I don’t like it and i’m guessing Google like it even less
I don’t see how Google don’t like it, they had to approve it.
That’s why I could not find “My App” on the main market screen this morning.. a little bit confusing in my opinion.
The way in which SE have done things is to BREAK the usability of AM for SE handset users. How is a user of an SE handset supposed to check AM for ALL their installed apps to see which ones have updates?
“What it means is that the “My Apps” option in Android Market is replaced by a link to our specific channel. (Don’t worry – “My Apps” is still available as well if you press the menu key.)”
Verizon has been doing that in the states ever since they launched the Motorola Droid and HTC Droid Eris. They keep stuff like their own music ID system, VZW navigator, and other lackluster apps.
“Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it”
As a long-time Debian GNU/Linux user, all I see with this (and Windows Update, etc) are corporations creating poor imitations of APT. Why can’t they just create a generic package manager and allow simple “repositories” (or “channels”) to be added? Why does everyone have to create (or license and modify) their own market app? It duplicates effort and only helps fragmentation.
So here’s the thing – I like this IF they run stock Android on the handsets and allow you to customise your SE handset with SE apps.
I don’t think this is there yet, but God wouldn’t it be grand if that was the direction they’re headed in!