New App Store for the Droid Incredible

On Thursday, November 4th, Verizon announced that their new Droid Incredible software update, which will be available within the next week, will add the V CAST App store to the phone. Basically, Droid Incredible users, who are currently utilizing Android Market for their apps, will have a second app store to browse.

Due to this new change, app developers will now have to decide whether they want to offer their apps with Android Market or the Verizon app store. The only real difference is the billing format. Unlike Google’s app store, which allows users to return their apps for a full refund up to 24 hours after the purchase, Verizon’s V CAST will only consider refunds on a case-by-case basis. One nice thing about the Verizon store though is that it will allow users to send the bill for the apps that they purchase to their existing wireless bill. With the Android Market, users are forced to utilize Google Checkout.

The update that Droid Incredible users will receive next week won’t just give them a new app store, but it will also update their Flash player, improve their visual voicemail application, enhance Yahoo IMAP email, update their Slacker application, give them the ability to attach files that are larger than 5 MB, update COX and Comcast POP3 mail, and a variety of other things.

The V CAST App store was originally launched by Verizon in July of 2009 for the RIM platform. A Verizon spokeswoman said that the company has always planned on expanding the V CAST App store to other platforms. “We think of it as sort of complementary to the other marketplace out there,” she said. "It gives consumers an opportunity for discovery and to choose.”

So far Google representatives have chosen not to respond to the question as to whether or not they view the Verizon app store as complimentary or competitive.

In contrast, Apple offers a single app store. Steve Jobs, chief executive at Apple, has said that Google’s OS itself is “very fragmented.” In an October conference call Jobs said, “Many Android OEMs, including the two largest, HTC and Motorola, install proprietary user interfaces to differentiate themselves from the commodity Android experience. The user's left to figure it all out. Compare this with iPhone, where every handset works the same."

Jobs added, “The multiple hardware/software iterations present developers with a daunting challenge. Many Android apps work only on selected Android handsets, running selected Android versions. And this is for handsets that have been shipped less than 12 months ago. Compare this with iPhone, where there are two versions of the software, the current and the most recent predecessor, to test against."

I think that having two app stores is great. A little competition has never hurt anybody. Verizon says that they are excited about the V CAST App store because it will allow them to have “the opportunity to do marketing and merchandising” for the developers. The Verizon spokeswoman did add that Verizon will offer the same 70/30 revenue split with V CAST that Google offers with Android Market. It will be interesting to see what V CAST has to offer in contrast to what is currently available with Android Market. I think that there are advantages and disadvantages with both of the app stores, so I guess it will simply come down to what apps you are looking for and which store is offering them.

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Apps for Your Health

There's an app for everything these days and your health is no different. According to the LA Times, there are currently over 6,000 health apps available to smartphone-owning consumers.
Most of the apps are inexpensive or even free, and they offer anything from first aid instructions to tips on exercising.

According to the times, doctors are concerned that people will begin using apps in place of actual medical care, because let's face it, when you're running a business or working 10-12 hour days, that doesn't leave a lot of time for much else. But how do you know which apps are reliable? How do you know which ones will give you good information? One way is to discuss the app with your doctor. Another way is to look at reviews from other consumers. But ultimately, there is no exact way to know.

As far as apps go, the LA Times reports that 80% of the apps are iPhone-only. Android has around 500 and BlackBerry has even less. However, as the smartphone app business continues to grow, more apps are expected to be created. If you have a Droid and want an app that's on the iPhone, check and see if there is something that compares to it, or maybe even email the company that created the app and ask if they have plans to make one in the future.

Finally, the LA Times suggests a number of apps that they tested and like and if you're looking to improve your health with a little help from your phone, you might want to start with a few of these. They include:

The American Heart Association's Pocket First Aid & CPR App - For just $3.99, iPhone and Android users can have first aid at their fingertips. Not only was the app reviewed by several physicians, but the app is produced by a reputable group - the AHA.

LoseIt! Calorie Tracker - If you're an iPhone user trying to lose a few pounds, this free app is for you. Simply type in what you're eating and it'll tell you how many calories are in it. It even comes with exercise tips.

Medic ID - This app for Android is just $1.50 and it allows you to key in your medical history, insurance information, and emergency contacts for medical professionals to access in the event of an emergency.

iTriage - Another free app for iPhone users, iTriage helps you find your closes doctor, hospital or pharmacy, as well as give you real-time updates on wait time at your local emergency rooms.

HEARTifacts - Created by students at the University of Miami in Oxford, Ohio, this app allows you to locate the closest automatic external defibrillator in the event of cardiac arrests.

For more information on these apps and more, check out the LA Times.

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