So much more than an app store
The big Android Market related news of the day is that Gameloft is backing away from Android and concentrating their efforts on the Apple App Store. Why? Because even the most experienced, talented developers and dev teams are having serious trouble breaking even publishing Android software. At least that’s Gameloft’s perspective. Are they emblematic of the entire developer community? I don’t know. I’m not a coder and I’m not going to guess. We all know the Market needs help, but Android is just starting to make ripples in the mainstream consciousness. Does it seem a bit early to be giving up on a company with the vision and weight of Google? Can there really be only one big name in the app selling industry?
I have a lot more questions about this topic than I do answers, but I can tell you what I think the primary issue is. Android 2.0 and the new Market represent exactly the right kinds of advancements Android was desperately in need of and I can’t fault Google for their rate or areas of progress. In my mind, Android is going exactly where it needs to go in order to truly fulfil its potential. As far as I can tell, the lacking catalyst is time. There is however, one missing element that could instantly address and shortly resolve my primary qualms with Android; the same weaknesses you’ll see me point out in a video I’ll post tonight in response to a DroidDog reader’s question about the ability of Motorola’s Droid to really bring the battle to Apple’s front door: the management of apps and media and the uniformity of Android programs.
That’s it for me. Those are the reasons I refuse to tell a reader that an Android device is better overall than Apple’s iPhone. I may be an enthusiast, but I’m not here to sell something to people that won’t best serve their needs. For the average consumer, iPhone still wins. And while a desktop client won’t improve the quality of apps the day it is released, it would be a step in the right direction. Of course I could complicate the issue and bring up Android splintering and the effect that’s having on customer confidence and developer sanity, but that would only reinforce my argument for a simpler management solution – one that runs on Windows and Mac at a minimum. At this point, especially considering Google’s impending launch of Chrome, which I finally test drove last night, I’d say Linux support is just as important.
The little boy that cried, “Wolf!” medium-sized blogger that cried, “iPhone killer!” has already convinced, in my estimation, a good chunk of blog readers that there will never be such a thing. So many noble princes have been deemed worthy of slaying the dragon and failed that I think people are starting to view the iPhone as an untouchable golden ring, and Apple as a deity whose throne no mythical concept gadget could even hope to approach. I’m not asking (or attempting to answer, after tonight) any more questions about whether or not this or that phone is as good as Apple’s. When Google presents some sort of desktop media/app management solution that can, in some way, deal with my DRM-crippled tracks, I’ll ponder it’s stature next to iTunes. Until then, I’ll keep circumventing copy protection and dreaming of the day that they do.
Via Reuters
![SGP Neo Hybrid for Galaxy Nexus [Video]](http://www.droiddog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/DD.png "SGP Neo Hybrid for Galaxy Nexus [Video]")
It's funny, when I first read the beginning of this post, I came to the exact same conclusion. In fact, I've been coming to that conclusion for a few weeks now. I really feel, that until google comes out with some sort of webapp(why develop separate desktop app for each os, especially with chrome os coming), they will never come close to the searchability and usability of apps with the iphone. Frankly, when I was first reading into information on Android back in July, I was shocked to find out that there wasn't one already available. It just seems like such a no brainer to me. I would much rather search for apps at my desktop than on my phone.
The way I see it. Three things need to occur to support the Android market.
1. Hardware is meh so far. snapdragon will be a little less meh, but the Tegra chip will bring the performance we need to support good apps. (The memory is finally getting up to speed so I'm not counting it)
2.Battery life has got to quadruple! It only takes me a few hours of use on my phone running GPS, Bluetooth, browsing etc to totally kill my battery. Even extended bulky batteries don't really cut it either.
3. And lastly Google needs to open the market so that anyone from anywhere can sell apps. I can't tell you how many conversations I've had with app developers outside the USA that can't sell their apps themselves. Its to much trouble to go through a US company to share the profits with etc. Now think about how many app developers can't sell their apps, then think about how many more apps we'd have in the Android market if they could. 5 times as many?
Android needs to tighten down its OS. Its gone too many directions in too many various forms of completion. 1.5 device here, 1.6 device there, a 2.0 device over there.. That doesnt bring confidence and ease of purchase to the buyer, it brings confusion which may turn a lot of buyers off and over to another platform such as Apple.
The problem here is that you're using, and falling for the, “MORE APPS = BETTER PHONE!” mentally that Apple created.
Yes, apps are useful. Yes, they are fun and add more functionality to your device. But no, a phone with 5x more apps is not automatically better than a phone with 5x less apps. And no, just because a game developer who specializes in low budget knock offs of big name titles shoved java ports onto Android and is now shocked that compared to their “AAA” built from scratch 3d games on iPhone they're not selling anywhere near as well it doesn't spell the end.
Yeah, the Android market is a little difficult to navigate. There should be more Top lists isn't of just by popularity of date. Their should be a desktop client. But the iPhone has plenty of flaws. You said that the Hero isn't as good or better than the iPhone and I ditched my 3GS for the Hero, being completely awe inspired by the UI. Sense is amazing, from it's facebook integration to the widgets to the browser. I really do think it's better than the iPhone, especially because the data speeds are fast enough that I never even feel the need to turn on wifi.
The Android market could improve, sure. But I'm really going to stop coming here. You got 100 things wrong in your Hero questions answered videos, you are continously bringing up and rooting for the iPhone here, and it's just the bottom of the barrel as far as Android websites go.
I so agree with you. Apple Iphone is NOT the holy Bible of cell phones. I have had almost every phone that has been out within the last few years and I totally agree, The hero is probably my number 2 favorite phone of all time. It does soo much more than the Iphone does.
and what people seem to forget is that the Iphone didnt start out as great as people make it out to be. I had the first one released and it was awful. I sold it within 3 months from the date I got it. Only thing nice apple has is the Ipod Ingratiation, But beyond that it does nothing special.
and really who needs a thousand and one apps dedicated to Farts?????
I rather have USEFUL apps then an app catalog with USELESS apps.
and don't say I am an apple hater because I am typing this right now from My Macbook Pro
We do not need a program for android to deal with DRM, we need to stop buying DRM files. itunes is an invasive program, not to far from malware in my mind, that has enslaved a good portion of the computer using population in the US. The fact that you can't use files you legitimately purchased on your DROID should not be seen as fault in the DROID or android phones in general, but as a fault with itunes system you have so foolishly embraced. You tied yourself to apple, deal with the consequences.
I agree with Jonathon. These companies need to make the games from scratch or make it work on Android. I've played some of these ports and they suck. Stop wasting your time porting games that were made for the iPhone which also has a better graphics chip and start making it from scratch or make it work smoothly. Yeah, I know it takes time, but isn't that the point? You take the time for the product to work correctly to make money, not taking the easy way out and port it over quickly.
@PhxBlue: No need to blame Android for the different versions of firmware on different hardware. The carrier and manufacturer is responsible for that. Don't blame Android for adding new features. Really, is there confusion among consumers? I have talked to numerous Android users and some of them don't even know which firmware they are on and they don't care as long as the phone does what they want. Although T-Mobile should stop selling the G1 soon since Google has said that 2.0 will not be available for the G1. I'm talking about non-root here.
@Aerimus: That's what AndroLib is for. Yeah, Google doesn't promote it and they should make there own, but AndroLib has grown a lot, updating frequently, QR code, comments, and more. Spread the word!
@Neil Lund: I have GPS, wifi, syncing, and everything one while do some texting, browsing, and calling everyday. It gets me through the day. If I had to do anymore, then I would bring a charger around. Tell me, is there any phone out there that will last a whole day when using the features a lot? I don't know of any, do you? Of course, it depends on how a person uses their phone, but from reading your comment. It seemed like you use it a lot.
I totally agree with you john. check out my opinion of where Google needs to go with their Android Market.
http://thetechbabble.com/android-market-needs-a-jolt/
I totally agree with you john. check out my opinion of where Google needs to go with their Android Market.
http://thetechbabble.com/android-market-needs-a-jolt/
Just viewing apps online that you can scan and download is not good enough. There's no reason why there can't be a web app interface for managing android apps.
The problem that is faced with the attitude that “it's easy, you just do this, and this, and this” just doesn't work for the average consumer. That's why the iphone works so well, it's easy to manage. My wife and I are buying phones this year for Xmas, there is no way I would get her an Android phone, because I would have to constantly be doing things for her. Whereas with the iphone, it will be easy for her to do everything herself. I really feel us techy types shoot android in the foot when we try to be apologetic about these issues. Asking a typical user to scan a QR code in at some site is not ideal….why accept it as the way it should be done?
I completely agree, I have an iPod Touch and I only have about 25 or so apps downloaded and I use it for music and that's about it. I can't stand that everyone likes to compare every new phone that comes out (of course the major ones, Hero, Droid, etc…) they just HAVE to compare it to the iPhone. The iPhone isn't even that good of a device to me, yeah the touch screen is amazing and all and the app store is big in volume, but quantity doesn't equal quality. I wholeheartedly agree with what you're saying, I can't wait until my upgrade date so I can start using an HTC Hero.
I dont think its fair to compare Apples to Robots.
How can you compare the app store to the Android Market? They are only similar in that they are a repository for applications. The market is Androids first attempt at such, but Apple has been in that market for years lest we forget. However in Apples case… the app store is your gateway to EVERYTHING. You can do squat without it unless you jailbreak your phone.
You want music, TV, videos, and of course applications, then come on by… wever got them for you…. otherwise…. nice….. touchy phone…. with nothing on it.
Whereas with Android… you need never visit the Market and still have everything you ever wanted. You want music? No problem….. USB and POW…. external drive. Drag and drop… and listen.
You want apps? You can find em EVERYWHERE on the net (remember to allow phone to download from external sources) and you've got apps. Like I said…. you can have almost any TV show, movie, music, game, application on the phone without ever visiting the market.
Yes the market needs help… I don't understand how the leader in search on the net… makes the worst search for their market… but… its still in its infancy. App Store has 6 years on it…. lets see where Android is in 6 years… I have a feeling Apple better start investing in…. Oranges?
nice post, thanks!
nice post, thanks!
nice post, thanks!