Google launched its Android Market store today, Oct. 22, to coincide with the launch of T-Mobile's G1 with Google smart phone, the first gadget based on the Android mobile operating system.

Android Market is a place where users can download applications for their G1 and future Android phones, and even rate or comment on apps they liked or hated.

Android Mobile Platform Product Manager Eric Chu said in a blog post that there are already over 50 apps available in Android Market today, though I count only 30 as of 2:30 EDT in the showcase. Is Google keeping the other 20 on the bench for the big game? If so, when will they play?

Available Android applications include Android Developer Challenge winner Ecorio, which lets people track their daily travels and see what their carbon footprint looks like; BreadCrumbz, a photo mapping service; and the PicSay image editor.

One of my favorite ideas is iSkoot for Skype, which lets users access Skype contacts, make and receive Skype calls, and send instant messages to friends. This is an interesting concept, but T-Mobile has already said the G1 doesn't support Skype. Hmm. Wonder how that will work out.

I also appreciate Maverick, an instant messaging client that works with Google Talk and lets you add "photos, scribbles, audio clips, location and graphical emotions" to your IM experience.

Chu also has some news for programmers who are new to Android and its Market. Programmers will be able to register, pay a one-time $25 application fee and upload their applications starting Monday, Oct. 27.

Developers can make money from their apps! In the first quarter of 2009, developers will be able to sell applications and get 70 percent of the sales from each purchase.

But check this out: Google isn't taking a cut. Chu said the remaining cash goes to carriers and billing settlement fees.