Google Launches Android Retail Shop: Androidland
Google and Australia's Testra have teamed up to open the world's first Android store. It looks like a fun place to visit... seriously.
Out of the three major mobile OS players in the North American market, Google is the only company without an actual brick-and-mortar shop focused on serving up dedicated devices. However that has now changed, as the search engine giant recently teamed up with Australian mobile telecommunications company Testra to throw open the doors to the very first Android-themed storefront, Androidland.
"Designed by Telstra in collaboration with Google and handset makers Samsung, HTC, Sony Ericsson, Motorola and LG, Androidland features displays and games that will help shoppers learn about Android phones and tablets," Google said in a blog on December 1. The group started designing the shop-within-a-shop back in July.
From the start, customers are greeted with interactive Android-themed windows outside the door. Upon entering, they're bombarded with a wash of green, white and black. The Android icon decorates the walls throughout while actual Android statues seemingly stand guard over the merchandise. The store even feature what Google calls the "spaceship," an interactive area where customers can Androidify themselves, fly through the sky using Google Earth and test-drive Android apps like Angry Birds via a giant touchscreen.
"We even have Gingerbread smells in the store," said Adrian Newport, GM Merchandising. "Androidland is all about fun, education for our customers, and the full experience."
So far there's no indication that an Android store is heading Stateside, but to be honest, it probably wouldn't hurt to build a few stores near Apple and Microsoft's own brick-and-mortar shops. Even more, build Android-themed playgrounds in front like McDonald's so the kids will ALWAYS want to go to Androidland and play while Mommy and Daddy look around. Eventually parents will give in a buy an Android phone or tablet... or go buy cookies.
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Melbourne? Damn.. Means I'd still have to fly there.
Meh it's not that much to fly there from here (Sydney) soo.. Might go there just for fun haha.
Telstra.
The first thing I would do when i enter this store is to steal the lovely GIGANTIC LARGE ANDROID.
The phones and tablet, are they going to be Telstra locked, anyone?
Never mind. Watched the video and it looks like hte shop is a full fledge Telstra shop with an Android theme. That just kills my mood to visit it. I am not a fan of Telstra at all.
Oh also, just a joke,
"OMG! What is this smell? What product is it for"
"Sorry, I just farted."
LOL!
Androidland.. aptly named for a place looking like a kid's theme park.
Really cool, I like how they arn't copying the Apple Store. Unlike Microsoft who surprisingly has their own similar store to Apple.
Wish we get this soon here in the States.
Hasn't Apple patented the Store already?
Oh my, a lot of green...Google should spin the Android store as being environmentally friendly too.
Love that they finally did this (hope it comes state side) - hate the name though. "Androidland". I feel like a few guys were sitting around trying to think up what to call it, that was the first thing someone said, and everyone else was like "eh, that's good enough". Not very creative, and kind of silly sounding. like it should be part of a national lampoons movie.
Maybe something like "Droidify" or "UDroidia". Hell, partner with Androidcentral.com and call it Android Central - The store.
"Merchandising, Merchandising - spaceballs the tee-shirt, spaceballs the breakfast cerial, spaceballs the FLAME THROWER"!
Closing due to lack of sales / interest in 3...2...1...
Jesus Christ, how many times can you say "experience" in one video? It's just a store, not a party, an adventure or drugs.
..let the malware festival begin!
Visit your local androidland this holiday season to get your daily dose of influenza!
Closing due to lack of sales / interest in 3...2...1...
It would be true if people cares about finding better deal, but a lot of them don't. As which part of the deal is crap, it is not because of the phone, it is Telstra's contract and locking to network that is the crap bit.
It would be true if people cares about finding better deal, but a lot of them don't. As which part of the deal is crap, it is not because of the phone, it is Telstra's contract and locking to network that is the crap bit.
There's a reason this is not being done in the United States; it would be the next Gateway store or Dell mall kiosk (a ghost town).
"Designed by Telstra in collaboration with Google and handset makers Samsung, HTC, Sony Ericsson, Motorola and LG, Androidland features displays and games that will help shoppers learn about Android phones and tablets."
Nice concept but it lacks the usefulness of such store compared to Apple Store where one can Buy and get technical support also. for the Android and Microsoft stores all you can do is browse and learn. Wonder how long they can support such concept.
The first thing I would do when i enter this store is to steal the lovely GIGANTIC LARGE ANDROID.
These aren't the droids your looking for.
I was there and it is great. And I go there again and have some fun.