Google launch web-based store for Android devices

Google on Wednesday officially unveiled a web-based store for users to browse and download applications for their devices running on Google's Android operating system.

With the new Android Market website, users can now browse and search for apps right from their web browser, Eric Chu, Google's mobile platforms program manager, said in a blog post.

"Previously, you could only access Android Market directly from your device," Chu noted.

Android Market, a software store for Android devices, was launched by Google in 2008.

Thanks to a bigger, brighter interface, the new Android Market website makes it easy for users to find new apps, Chu said, adding that users can also easily manage their apps by signing in to the website to see all the apps they've purchased and downloaded.

The website also allows users to send apps directly to their Android devices, share apps with their friends through Twitter, or post app reviews directly from the web or from their devices.

Apple is also planning a web version of its iTunes store, which may be introduced later this year, technology blog VentureBeat has reported.