Thanks to a beefed-up Android Market, Android smartphones and tablets are now more versatile, allowing for direct ebook purchasing and video rentals. You could do similar things before on Android phones — such as buy ebooks through the mobile Kindle app and stream Netflix — but now Google is attempting to cut out the middle man.

IT Pro Portal reports Android Market has added charts that show the most popular entertainment items, as well as staff picks.

If you’ve tried out the updated Android Market, let us know what you think. If you’re used to watching movies and reading books on your device with other apps, what will it take to get you to make a change?

Android Market Upgraded, Now Buy eBooks and Rent Movies [IT Pro Portal via Slashdot]

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