Handango To Offer Android AppsHandango To Offer Android Apps

Handango, a multiplatform app store for smartphones, said it will be offering Android applications in November.

Google's Android platform was announced last November with the goal of bringing the openness and innovation of the Web to the mobile industry. The platform recently got its first hardware, as the search company, T-Mobile, and HTC unveiled the G1.

Many expect mobile applications will be a major factor in whether the G1 and Android get widely adopted, and Google will have an Android Market for distribution. But the company will not allow paid apps initially, and Handango believes it can attract Android developers and consumers.

"We have many loyal customers that we expect will want to try the Android device but are comfortable purchasing from Handango," said Bill Stone, Handango's CEO, via e-mail. "What is interesting and exciting for us is that we can offer customers and developers the choice of free and paid applications at launch as well as the ability to purchase them via the Web and then download to their device."

Handango said it will offer games and content from EA Mobile, which is reportedly holding off on the Android Market until it can charge for apps.

Developers can add Android apps directly to their developer accounts and choose to distribute them in three ways: give them away for free; sell for a one-time purchase fee; or set up a monthly, quarterly, or yearly subscription fee.

While the timetable is unclear, the Android Market is widely expected to offer paid content in the future. Google has said it would not take a cut of the revenue, though, which is in contrast to Apple's 30% cut of all sales from its App Store.