Google has revealed on its Andoid Developer's Blog that its nascent operating system will include access to an application marketplace, similar to the App Store associated with Apple's iPhone and iPod touch devices. This so-called "Android Market," however, will differ from Cupertino's offering in at least one significant respect, in that there is no approval process required for developers wishing to submit a program. Instead, Google is hoping that a user-powered rating system similar to YouTube's will help weed out poorly-programmed or malicious software -- though early downloaders of new apps would still seem to be at  constant risk. The first version of the Market, included in early Android handsets, will only support free downloads; future updates, however, promise to bring a billing system, versioning, and multiple-device compatibility.

[Via The Register]