Android Market Web store (photos)

During its Honeycomb demo event, Google introduced its new Web-based Android Market, which will allow Android users to search and install new applications for their smartphones and tablets.

The store front, available at http://market.android.com, features a rather simple but attractive interface. The top section shows off some featured apps, and below it you can use the tabbed interface to look through more featured titles, top paid apps, and top free apps. The left-hand navigation allows you to browse by category.

This is a continuation of the store front. Best-selling games are spotlighted just beneath the top section.

Here is an expanded view of the top free apps. From this page, you can see a brief description of the app, user ratings, and an install button.

If you choose to search for apps by category, the Web store will bring up a page showing 12 of the top paid apps for that group. Once again, you can use the tabs at the top to check out top free titles as well. You can also click the "See more" link at the bottom of the page to see all apps listed in that category.

A search function makes it easy for users to look for specific titles as well. The search bar is always displayed in the top-right-hand corner of the store, regardless of what page you are on, so you have easy access to it at all times.

Search results also display product descriptions, user ratings, category, and an install button.

You can click on an app to get more in-depth information, much more so than the phone client. The center section shows the product description, link to the developer's Web site, screenshots, and user reviews. On the left side, you'll find additional titles from the developer, as well as related apps. Finally, on the right, you'll find a quick-and-dirty summary of the app (latest version, system requirements, size, price, and so forth), the ability to share and tweet the app to your friends, and a QR code for easy download.

Some product pages include videos of the apps in action as well, such as Fruit Ninja here.

One you are ready to purchase an app, you'll be asked to sign in using your Google account.

After signing in, you'll get a permissions page and drop-down menu where you can choose which device you'd like to download the app to. From there, you'll be taken to the confirmation and payment page.

Once the purchase is complete, the app will download to your device.

The Android Market Web store allows you to share apps with friends and family via Twitter and e-mail. Both methods will send links to the app's product page in the Web store.

After you've signed in, you can go the My Market Account to view a history of purchased apps, including download date and status.

If you tab over to Settings, you'll also be able to see a list of your devices. There's an option to edit information, such as device nickname and visibility.