We are in the age of smart technology, which makes mobile app development a lucrative venture. But for anyone who wishes to venture into mobile app development, the first and very crucial question they need to find an answer to is; what platform should be targeted first? There are several operating systems used to power smartphones today. For larger app development companies, they can decide to pursue development simultaneously across multiple platforms. But for smaller app development companies or indie developers, such resources are not readily available which means they have to make a choice of a particular platform to develop on. The answer to this question will go a long way in determining the success or otherwise of the business.
Among the multiple platforms available for mobile app development, there is an overwhelming acceptance for
Android over iOS, Blackberry, and Windows. And the reason is not far-fetched. Below are ten reasons to opt for Android app development;
1. Open source:
This is one of the most significant edges Android has over other platforms. The open source nature of Android makes it easily accessible by mobile phone manufacturers like Samsung and HTC to be used in their phones. The code for Android is free and can be used by any phone manufacturer. This makes the market for Android devices the largest in the world, surpassing that for iOS, Blackberry and Windows put together. According to one statistics, more than 80% of smartphones produced in the world run on Android. This creates a tremendous market for any Android app developer and makes the niche very lucrative.
2. Portability:
The use of Java Programming Language for Android app development makes it easy for native Android apps to be ported to other mobile operating systems such as Blackberry, Ubuntu, and Symbian. Aside from this, Android apps can easily be ported to Chrome OS. In fact, Microsoft has announced that it will create an easy method for Android apps to port to Windows 10 devices.
3. Easily accessed:
Another reason for the success of the Android operating system is its accessibility. Android development is easy to achieve by any programmer who has knowledge of Java and the Android SDK tool. The Android SDK tool is free and can be accessed quite easily. It has the potential and capacity to create a some of the most innovative mobile apps.
4. Huge marketplace:
Yet another reason to consider Android app development over other platforms is the availability of marketplace.
Google Play Store is the biggest marketplace for mobile apps. There are millions of downloads happening at the store every single day. This gives a ready market for any mobile application that is offered there.
5. Flexibility:
Despite the advantage of the huge marketplace, Android has an added advantage of being able to install from any other source aside from the marketplace. It is easy and possible for the apps to be tested and used on multiple devices. The SDK tool is what makes this possible. The app can also be installed on the device directly or via the command line.
6. Lower entry barrier:
Compared to its closest rival, iOS, Android development has a much lower entry barrier. All that is needed for app developers in India who wishes to develop in Android is to register as a developer on the Android market, get your APK prepared and have it submitted to Android. The cost of registration for app developers in India is a one-time payment of $25. Also, Android development can be done on Linux, Mac or Windows operating system. The entry barrier for Android development is much lower and the approval process is much simpler.
To develop for iOS, app developers in India must use a Mac. Also, to register as a developer on the App store developers will be required to pay a yearly subscription fee of $99.
7. Job prospects:
There are tremendous job opportunities available for app developers in India that are adept at Android app development. One of the reasons for this is that Android is developed in Java. Having knowledge of Java puts you in a good position to go into other fields such as programming and web design. You can choose to work as a data analyst or as a system admin in
app development companies. Once you master Android app development, you can develop applications for other OS.
Aside from that, learning app development allows you to choose to work either as a freelancer or as part of app development companies.
8. Profitability:
The general belief is that iPhones are made for the rich, hence iPhone users will be more likely to spend more on apps as compared to Android users. This may be true in the past, but the status quo is fast changing. In recent times, Android apps have been found to be as profitable, if not more profitable, as an iOS app.
Also, many apps come with ads model, which translates to mean that as long as the ads are shown to users, the developer gets paid. Advertising cost is lower on Android, this means that more users are advertised on Android devices than on iOS devices for the same amount.
9. Penetration of different devices:
Android has found a way to ubiquitous. Everywhere you turn you find a device running on the Android operating system, from Smart TVs to Tablets, from Cameras to Video game players, from Smart Watches to Car systems. You will find Android on drones, smartphones, media players and car DVD players. The number of devices running on Android is staggering.
What does this mean for developers? The answer; opportunities. These different devices offer unique opportunities. Users of these different devices expect peculiar experiences and will have expectations different from smartphone users. Android app developers can, therefore, develop applications for each type of customer segment. This helps to widen their base and increase their revenue by several folds.
10. Social apps:
Android is highly optimized for
social apps, and this is one segment that is really growing. App developers can maximize their revenue by going social. Due to the ease of integration with a wide range of social networks, Android is preferred business owners and developers who have the interest in going social.