APK of Android Market v3.1.3 Leaked; Adds Google +1 Button, PIN & More
The latest version of Android Market App (v3.1.3) has been leaked on the internet, an APK of which is now available for download. The news of one of the most feverishly visited mobile application stores getting updated comes from rather unexpected corners but now that it’s available (as an APK), at least we can find out what does it have in ‘store’ for us. We managed to grab its APK for testing purpose and we must say that the latest/updated version of Android Market adds a couple of very handy features. Details and download links after the break.
For starters, their is no obvoius difference in the overall interface or icon of the app from the recently reviewed Market Update v3.0.26. However, it’s the welcome addition of Google +1 Button, PIN security for app purchases, a brand new Settings menu and most importantly, much faster and smoother navigation that are among the most noticeable changes in the latest update of Android Market app.
With the whole world going nuts about various social media networking services and the quick sharing features that most of them support, it is rather unsurprising to see Google integrate their +1 button with the latest build of the Android Market.
The added feature of protecting app purchases with a PIN would be embraced by parents and device owners who were rather concerned with the openness of their Google Checkout in the previous version of Android Market that allowed anyone to make purchases from their device, thereby draining their online wallet. However, the Use PIN for purchases feature is optional and can be easily enabled/disabled as required. Set or change PIN option can be found under the the User Controls features within the settings menu of the app. You would be required to feed in the correct PIN in order to unlock relevant settings of the app.
The app also supports some minor yet equally useful features such as categorized view of various app Permissions on the downloads page with brief details on each (tap on a particular category to check), an option to filter search results by apps, books or movies (with icon support) and a bit of renovation in the navigation style of thumbnails that give a much better ‘feel’ while scrolling through products on pages. Much sough-after details such as size of the app, date on which it was last updated, star ratings and the number of downloads have been promoted up the order on a specific app’s info page (just below the screenshots section) for user convenience.
Content Filtering, as the name implies, can be availed to set filtered permissions for apps with various rating levels (low maturity, high maturity or all) that can be viewed/downloaded to your device. Ability to enable/disable Market notifications for updates/downloads and option to Clear search history are other useful features worth mentioning.
Note: Android Market v3.1.3 does not necessarily require a rooted device, however, you’ll have to check Unknown Sources option from the Menu > Settings > Applications to install its APK.
Download Android Market v 3.1.3 (Mediafire Link)
Download Android Market v 3.1.3 (MultiUpload Link)
Does anyone know if the PIN works with preventing installations of FREE apps too? I tried and it allowed me to install free apps. I would like to make sure nothing can get installed without the PIN.