Well folks, it looks like, out of nowhere and overnight, multiple users have reported that they have received the new Google Market update. So far we’ve seen it arriving on the Nexus One and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab, and it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the Android family receives it. If you have Android 1.6, then you should be seeing the update before the end of December.
The UI changes are, without a doubt, noticeable ones. Users can expect a new, clean, fresh streamlined UI with exceptional functionality. Google has moved away from the “tabs” format in favor of placing the content in a single column, making it easier to download apps and games quickly. They have also added a carousel, which works both in portrait or landscape modes. The carousel will display – in touch-flo like fashion – all of the featured apps on the market. Descriptions, reviews and developer info are partially hidden until you tap on the “more” button below them; then, the rest of the content is revealed.
The only major concern that users have, and rightfully so, is that Google has decided to reduce the amount of time you have to return an application. Previously, the market allowed you to evaluate an application for up to 24 hrs before returning it for a full refund. Now, the window has been drastically reduced to a mere 15 minutes. Is this really an adequate amount of time to thoroughly evaluate an app? Most likely, Google has a plethora of data stating something close to the fact that a majority of users typically return an application within the first 15 min of use. But does this stand true for all users? What about users who want to download a GPS application and try it out on the way home? If the 15 min timer begins at the point of purchase, and you’re unhappy with the applications performance, then there is no hope of a return. What about apps that require you to fill in a ton of data first, causing you to exceed that window?
It would seem as though this move is more in the interest – or benefit – of the developer, and not the consumer. It appears that Google is trying to eliminate people from buying games and apps, beating them in the first 3 hrs of use, and then returning the app for a full refund. We admit, it doesn’t seem fair to the developer who put the blood, sweat and tears in to create it, does it? What do you think about it? Is 15 min enough time for you to decide whether or not you like an application? What amount of time would you like to see implemented? Leave us your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to check out the video below showing off the new Market.
