Android Market policies questioned after problems with app

An Android application that allegedly wipes out data on users' G1 devices is under fire from consumers and raising questions about Google's open-door Android Market policies. eMobiStudio's MemoryUp application, introduced earlier this month, promises to improve memory management for devices running on the Android mobile OS, translating to a smoother user experience and increased battery life--instead, some G1 users on the online Android Community forum have complained the app removes contacts and calendar items, and corrupts the device's memory. "Doesn't work at all erased my phone numbers and froze my phone," one user writes. eMobiStudio denies the charges: "We are very disturbed by these reports," chief technical associate Robert Lee tells Wired. "Whatever damage is out there has not been done by our product."

MemoryUp has now been pulled from Android Market, although it's presently unclear whether Google or eMobiStudio is responsible for the move. The allegations against MemoryUp have nevertheless prompted new questions about Google's open policy toward its Android Market virtual application storefront--the web services giant touts the store as an "unobstructed environment" for developers to distribute their software, contending such an approach fosters innovation. By contrast, rival Apple carefully vets all applications available via the App Store, and frequently rejects apps that don't meet its strict criteria.

"As consumers, we all make judgments about what stores we visit and what we buy based on quality, brand, safety and cost," Yankee Group director of consumer research Carl Howe tells Wired. "Problems like these are going to drive away mainstream users... [The open market policy] was one of the real differentiators for the Android Market. But that is also going to mean there is no standard for the apps to be held to. Certainly incidents like these makes it much harder for [Android] to succeed."

For more on the Android Market controversy:
- read this Wired article

Related articles:
Google vows to clean up Android Market
Google confirms premium Android apps coming in Q1
Google to share Android Market revenues with operators