In March, analysts predicted that Android Market that Android had already passed the 250,000 app thresh hold, and Google was on their way towards swelling towards 300,000 apps.
Two months later Google revealed that Android Market boasted around 200,000 apps, which was a far cry from analysts estimates earlier.
While Google’s latest app stats may have surprised “phandroids,” the real question is why hasn’t Android shattered the 1 million app marker? (especially when developers lack an app tribunal courtesy of Steve Jobs).
Too Much Fragmentation?
Truth be told Android fragmentation has been a headache for some developers who had to not only test their apps upon different OS versions, but also using different hardware as well.
Fortunately with Google releasing Ice Cream Sandwich soon (the next version of Android for tablets, smartphones, etc.), fragmentation should in theory be a horrible memory in the not so distant future.
Too Many App Stores?
Assuming Google doesn’t use their influence to squash out rivals again, we may see a future where wireless carriers and hardware manufacturers offer consumers alternative Android store.
While many wireless and hardware companies are taking a cue from Apple by embracing the verified app route, developers still have the option of selling their apps upon Android Market (which has just embraced carrier billing).
Android Is An Afterthought?
Despite the hurdles Apple throws at developers (ranging from the app tribunal to the dreaded iTax), many developers still see iOS as the premier place to launch an app first before porting their creations to Android.
Even though Android is growing at a faster rate than iOS (at least as far as smartphones are concerned), many developers are surprisingly still choosing to embrace Steve Jobs walled garden over Android’s wild jungle.
What Else Could It Be?
I’m honestly scratching my head as why Android Market doesn’t have a million apps already despite it’s lower barrier to entry when compared to iOS, webOS or even Windows Phone 7.
For those of you who develop for the platform or consider it superior to iOS in every way (something this iPhone fanboy will not admit), why do you think Android has failed to reach a million apps, let alone surpass iOS?
Image via Teenage Lifestyle
Originally posted on May 17, 2011 @ 5:07 pm