Buddasworld

Is Android Still an Afterthought?

Last week saw the release of the Skype mobile application for the Android platform, a long time since the iPhone received the Skype application.

Statistics are being thrown about over the past few months regarding how the Android platform is outselling the iPhone & Blackberry platform around the world now.

Nielsen reports that among people who purchase smart phones over the last six months, 32% chose Android phones, ahead of the BlackBerry at 26% and the Apple iPhone at 25%.

Still Lacking?

With this statistic in mind I wondered how many other applications that I use on my iPhone are still lacking any Android support after years of being available for the iOS platform?

The Sonos audio system supply a range of networked audio devices which can be controlled from your smartphone, if you have an iPhone - or since September an iPad. It’s a great app, and something which has kept me with the iPhone so far. When people enquire about an Android version, Sonos greet them with the FAQ stating they are “evaluating”. So no joy for Android users for a while still.

Sky TV in the UK provide an iPhone app to control setting your Sky+ recording schedule. Great if you’ve left the house without pressing record, or stuck out and unable to make it home.

So why are manufacturers still not prepared to back Android with 1st class applications to complement their services and devices? Why are Android users left to patch the gaps with homebrew like Linux has suffered for years?

And it’s not just manufacturers - the service businesses also don’t seem to care for Android:

Tesco and their Clubcard app, Cineworld, Natwest bank, and The Trainline and their excellent train timetable app. One that did stand out was the takeaway sandwich seller Subway - who supported both iPhone and Android with their Subcard loyalty card scheme.

Worth Noting

I’m aware that some enterprising hackers have produced 3rd party alternatives to get jobs done on Android. Good to see there’s enough people interested in doing it themselves. 

Sky+ Record It for Android and Sonos Controller for Android are examples I found.

But that leads to another pet peeve I have with Android apps - the sloppy UI and lack of polish often seen (not related specifically to the above Android apps).

Nielsen’s stats also suggest a fair number of Android users – 21% to be exact – still have iPhone envy and would like to make the switch for their next device. I wonder if that’s because they see all the shiny iOS applications available and compare them to their “afterthoughts” running on their smartphone?

On the opposite side, the iPhone has finally received the Google Goggles app which Android users have had access to for years. But it’s a minor benefit that Android has had.

I want an Android phone, but until the platform is considered an important addition to more business models it still seems like a hobby afterthought - and I don’t want to be left waiting for integration with the latest fancy gadget or service!