Apple App Store VS Android Market
http://www.brighthub.com/mobile/google-android/articles/74976.aspx
This is a very interesting article that discusses the pros and cons of the app stores of the worlds two most popular mobile device operating systems. After reading through the article, one of the most interesting things I noticed is that Google's approach to apps (Android) and Apple's approach are completely different. Where the Android marketplace is more open and allows for more freedom, the Apple app store is much more controlled.
I noticed that Apple goes to great lengths to control the content available on their app store. To even begin developing an app for Apple, there is a $99 fee. Until then, no SDKs, or instructions can be found. Android however, only charges a $25 fee to become a developer but SDKs and instructions are completely free. This higher fee on the App store makes sure that only more serious developers would create content and that there would be less unfinished / buggy content. Apple also reserves the right to reject any app for anything. Whether the reason is minor bugs or even bad words, Apple can reject an app. However, This "control" may also turn away many third party developers because they may feel as if they are being limited.
Another interesting point that was brought up in the article is that the apps developed for the iPhone / iPod Touch all work perfectly across all devices. However, the same cannot be said about Android apps. This is because there are over 60 devices that use the Android operating system (They also vary in versions of android: 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, etc.) These devices are extremely varied in terms of hardware. Some have QWERTY keyboards, others have touch screens, and others have much higher resolutions than others. This makes developing for Android much harder as there are many more factors to consider. This may be one of the biggest reasons that despite the closed system, the App store (Apple) still has over four times more apps than the Android Marketplace does.
Accesibility is also a major plus for the iPhone's app store. Not only does it have a mobile app store, the app store can be accessed through iTunes on a desktop computer. This makes things much more user friendly.
Based on this article, I think that although the iPhone's app store is more controlled, it is still better. This is because most of the apps are checked for quality by Apple.The user experience is much easier with the app store as well. With both a mobile interface and a PC interface it is very easy to navigate the vast ocean that is the iPhone app store. The iPhone app store is better, and the numbers agree. Every year, the iPhone app store has over $1Billion revenue where the Android marketplace makes less than $100 million.
What do you think is better? the iPhone app store or the Android marketplace?
Definitely the iPhone app, it's easier to use (especially when it comes to technology challenged people). I also think the fact that apple has experienced developers which limits who can join, does not really affect their diversity. A lot of applications range in uses from things like maps to games. It's pretty sad though that many people just jail break their itouches etc. I think that's why apple keeps coming up with newer versions all the time.
ReplyDeleteSomeone told me last week that the android might be better than the iphone. i laughed at them, didnt even give them a chance to explain. i love my iphone and the app store a lot. however is it not crazy how much they have brainwashed us. apple has taken over the marketshare and became its own little monopoly, it is only time until they realize they have 99% of the general population wanting their goods until they start making cheaply made items and that includes iphone apps. there are thousands of apps out there that make no sense and should not even be able to be sold. but i still love my iphone and i will be a hippocrate by never letting it go. lol.just a thought...
ReplyDeletei never had an android but from what i've seen though it i liked the apple one much better....it seems a lot more easier to use...and definitely much less confusing...but i know some people that like the android a lot better than the iphone..
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