Google Finance Android Application Launches
Nine months ago, Google announced the launch of Google Finance. That very same day I wrote an article on Phandroid called “Android For Day Traders” that predicted the combination of Google Finance and Android would take the concept of real-time stock market information to a new realm. Last night, with the announcement of Finance for Android App, my prediction proved accurate. Keep in mind this is only available to Android Market users in the United States.
Here is a quick video demo:
It’s interesting to see the parallels between Google’s announcement and my post 9 months ago. Here is a snippet of my article from June 3rd, 2008:
But this isn’t only about Google Finance – this about the bigger picture at Google – and this real-time data definitely fits into the Android picture. Because now, folks that were previously glued to their computers, will have real-time access to the stock market via their Android phone.
What doesn’t exist yet? Applications to help them access their accounts, owned stocks, watched stocks, etc… in combination with this newly offered free data. Android will allow developers to create tools that integrate this wealth of information with helpful applications, allowing Android phone owners to hold FULL ACCESS to information and action directly in their palm.
And here is Google – in their Finance for Android App post last night – explaining the source of their inspiration:
Just over a year ago, during a user experience research trip for Google Finance, we were at the home of a stay-at-home mom / day trader. She was frustrated that there were “personal blackout periods” in the trading day when she was entirely disconnected from the stock market — for example, while she was ferrying kids around or at lunch with friends. Her situation wasn’t unique. During our research visits, we had been hearing similar concerns from people who need to stay connected to the market. With the hope of resolving this dilemma, we started to design and build a finance application for the Android platform in our Google 20% time.
While Google Finance for Android syncs your Google Finance Portfolio with your phone and offers information like stock quotes, market data, news, search, auto-suggestion, recent quotes, detailed quotes, charts and more, I think this is just the tip of the iceberg. In reality, all we’re seeing from Android in general is the tip of the iceberg. Just wait until stock brokers release apps that integrate Google Finance and allow you to buy/sell stocks with the flick and tap of your touchscreen.
I was right before and (I think) I’ll be right again. All in good time… It’s coming, trust me.