What You Need to Know About Android
Is a mobile app in your future? If so, here are some facts, issues and advice you may want to take into account before you launch.
Why Android is Top Dog
Mobile devices that are running the Android operating system (OS) have recently taken 31.2% of the mobile market share, beating out the Apple iOS and Research in Motion (RIM) Blackberry. This is largely due to the open-source nature of Android, which allows it to be utilized on a wide variety of mobile devices.
Android vs. Apple - What About Next Year?
New estimates by technology research firm Gartner indicate that by the end of 2012, nearly half of all smartphones worldwide will run on some version of the Android OS. This growth forecast looks as if it could make Android an easy favorite when choosing which market to develop for first, but there’s more to consider than user base alone.
Should I Develop for Android or iPhone first?
You may think that Android’s ownership of the mobile market makes it the clear winner when it comes to developing a new app, but before taking action, there are several issues you should consider.
- How will consumers get your app?
Whereas Apple benefits from having one well-regulated app market, the situation with Android is quite a bit more confusing. There are currently three Android app stores: the standard Google Android Market, the AppBrain market and the new Amazon Appstore. Plus, while Google’s Android Market (like Apple’s iTunes) is automatically loaded on the phone, both AppBrain and Amazon Appstore markets must be manually downloaded by users.
- What Android operating system will your app utilize?
There are currently several versions of the Android operating system, and not all Android apps work on all Android phones. The list of the versions sounds something like a trip to a community bakery: 2.3 (Gingerbread), 2.2 (Froyo), 2.1 (Éclair) and 1.6 (Donut). If you are going to develop for Android, you should consider choosing your Android audience based on platform. Right now, Froyo is the most popular version, but Gingerbread is on its way up the ladder. If you are looking at tablet app design for the Android, Honeycomb is currently the most popular platform.
This range of OS versions poses another disadvantage in Android app development. The majority of Android users are currently on version 2.2 (Froyo), but to reach all Android users, you must develop for version 1.6 (Donut). Reaching everyone comes with a price: apps developed for 1.6 won’t be able to take advantage of the features included in newer versions. In addition, the variety of Android versions can make it difficult for device manufacturers and app developers to keep up with operating system upgrades (which currently happen several times a year).
- How quickly do you want to get your app on the market?
Each app store has its own set of rules and review processes. iTunes is the most strict in its approval process in order to ensure that it sells the highest quality of apps. Most Android stores are less stringent and some Android stores have a reputation for approving any app that ‘works’. With its less stringent approval process, the Android app markets often approve apps more quickly, so if you can figure out what version you want to utilize, your Android app may get on the market faster.
Conclusions?
Developing for the iPhone and iPad means your app is less likely to get lost in the clutter and more likely to receive exposure. Leading off with Apple may create a user base and generate word-of-mouth hype that will work to your advantage when you later develop for Android. On the other hand, if speed to market (and a larger market, at that) is your primary concern, Android may be the right platform for you.
If you want to do your own research into which mobile platform your app should use, create a functional mobile site that can determine your mobile visitors’ devices. Once you have those stats in hand, you can develop your app for the platform most used by your mobile site visitors.
Whichever platform you choose, before your app is live, it is essential that you have in place a functioning mobile version of your website or a mobile landing page that corresponds with your app so interested users can easily find more information.
If you have more questions, join the crowd! Call Aristotle at 1-800-995-2747 or email us at info@AristotleDesign.com for additional strategic advice and further clarity on your app adventures this year. Aristotle develops award-winning mobile sites and applications that get results.