Google's Android operating system for smartphones and tablets really is snapping at the heals of Apple's iOS now.
The latest Android incarnation - vs 3 aka Honeycomb - is just about ready for release. It's specially tailored for tablets and the first device with it built-in will be Motorola's Xoom, due out possibly in February and definitely in March. And it's had rave reviews from people who've managed to get hold of pre-production units.
Now Google has upped the anti against Apple even more by launching an Android App Store website.
Now you can browse through the apps on offer on your PC - some are paid-for, some free - and with a couple of clicks get them pushed out to your Android-touting phone or tablet. And no wires are needed. Your mobile device will install the app over-the-air. With Apple's App Store, you still need to be wired up to your PC.
Of course, with both systems, you can simply download apps by browsing them on your phone, but it makes it so much easier to use the larger-screened PC to research what you're buying.And with the Apple App Store, you must have iTunes installed on your PC. With Google, it's a website accessible from any computer.
Add to this Android's very efficient way of syncing your calendar and contacts wirelessly in the background without you having to lift a finger, and Google is slowly but surely pulling ahead of Apple in the ease-of-use stakes.
Have a look at the Android Market Store on https://market.android.com/. It's impressive.
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