Can Android Eat Apple's Market ?

Google is giving a tough time to Apple, through its Android OS and apps. But can Android apps beat the market of iPhone apps? This is the talk of the techie's town now. Apple has 3,00,000 Apps in its App Store, which is three times more tha
Android Market. But experts say that things can change quickly in favor of Android. Let us look at the pluses and minuses of Android briefly.

Many a times momentary decisions make users to buy an app in App Store. Because Apple makes it easy to buy. It is bit harder to buy an app in Android Market. There is only one payment method to buy an Android App. It has to be done through Google Checkout. But things are going to change. Google is thinking about alternate payment methods. Then it will be huge advantage for Android app makers.

The percentage of free apps is high in Android market. Even then developers are making money with Android apps. It seems like the ad model is working well for Android. Some of the paid apps in App Store are available for free in Android Market. Charging for apps is not the only way to make money for Android app developers. Android is also the leading mobile platform worldwide. So there is a large scope for Android apps than iPhone apps.

Now anyone can create an app for Android. It becomes easier than ever before. Google's App Inventor promises to assist people in building an app without the help of a programmer. It is considered as a smart move by Google.

On the other side, Apple is still maintaining a restricted environment. It dictates rules for the developers. It lays strict censorship about the content of the app. But this inconsistent rules easily let away giants and grip small developers. Apple also sets harsher regulations about the tools to be used in app making.

Microsoft's Windows became dominant by encouraging third party softwares. Google takes it further to rule the mobile operating system market. Now it is the turn of Apple. Ensuring high quality experience for mobile users is a good thing. But history says open approach is essential to dominate the market.

But there is an other side to this issue. This absolute freedom must not lead to total chaos and land users in the middle of terrible apps. There should be some 'reliable ranking system'. Without doubt, the Android is more developer-friendly tha
Apple. But which is user friendly? The users always find it hard to grab a good app in Android Market. Now it is on the part of Android app developers to show some responsibility and create apps which are worth using.