Love your Android mobile but feel a tinge of jealousy at Apple’s shiny retail stores? Good news (if you live in Melbourne), Google and network operator Telstra have teamed up to open the world’s first Android store, by the name of Androidland.
The store in a multi-floor mecca for all things Android. Telstra’s aim was to make a store that would give punters an opportunity to fully explore Android’s capabilities and to road-test devices from all of the major Android manufacturers.
Google’s involvement is less sales-minded and more quality-control; it’s kept an eye on employee training, to ensure that everyone who works in Androidland is able to answer any question that might get thrown at them.
So what’s inside? Apart from about a million different sized Android mascots and a smattering of phones for sale through Telstra’s network, there’s a few interactive areas all built on Android apps. A flight simulator powered by Google Earth occupies one area, for instance, while another lets users turn themselves into a version of the Android mascot.
There’s also a giant angry Birds screen that lets customers play the game for free. Mobile phones and tablets from Samsung, Motorola, LG, Sony Ericsson and HTC are all on show. Will Androidland be the first in a worldwide smattering of stores? We can but hope.
As it is, we don’t think Apple’s several hundred global store locations have anything too serious to worry about. If you live in Melbourne, let us know what Androidland’s like! Let us know your thoughts on our comments below or via our @Gadget_Helpline Twitter page or Official Facebook group.