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Chapter
The Android Market
The Android Market is the primary place for downloading apps for your DROID.
Right now, there are several versions of Android shipping on a wide variety of phones,
and the Android Market sells apps for all of them. So how do you know if your DROID
will run the latest Twitter app? The general rule is that, if you can see an app in the
Android Market on your phone, you can run it. Developers can exclude incompatible
devices from seeing their apps in the Android Market. However, you should always read
the app description just to be sure.
In this chapter, we’ll go into more detail about how you find and download apps, how
you can leave feedback, and how you can try before you buy. You’ll also learn about
must-have apps to download right now.
Using QR Codes
Before we go further, let’s introduce the concept of QR (quick
response) codes. You may have seen these square barcodes on
objects or websites. The QR code was patented by the Japanese
company, Denso Wave. Rather than restrict the use of such codes
with licensing fees, Denso Wave chose to allow anyone to generate
or use QR codes without having to pay a fee, and their use has been
growing as smartphone use has grown.
The example to the right goes to http://zxing.appspot.com/
generator, which is a free QR code generator.
QR codes can contain all sorts of information, including map locations, URLs, notes,
names, phone numbers, and product identification. You don’t have to worry about
scanning them right-side up; upside down and sideways will work, too. They’re easily
read by phone cameras, so they make an ideal way to offer information to phone users
without requiring a lot of typing. In fact, you may want to print a QR code on the back of
your next business card, so smartphone users can scan in your contact information
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