The comparison between Google’s Android and the Apple iPhone has been taking place since the Android launched in 2009 and will continue as long as these two set standards and expectations for one another. The discussion that most people are having is deciphering the differences in operating systems, hardware, and usability. The consumer market rarely debates the difference that exists between the Apple AppStore and the Android Market.  This will soon change as mobile applications evolve into every cell phone that exists in people’s pockets and purses.

The major difference on the surface is that when looking at both from afar you will see Apple using a closed method of app sharing while Android uses an open method keeping the distribution completely in the hands of the users. In a closed system, Apple takes applications from developers and filters them through the Apple development team before they are released or shared. This is good because it keeps malicious and pointless apps to a minimum. However, they have total control over everything and have the power to dictate premiums and altercations to any app submitted.  On the flipside to this, Android Market is allowing apps to be developed and distributed without the filtering process that takes place in a closed system. Android Market uses a comment and community rating system that allows people to look at the history of a said app and take the appropriate actions based on the experience of others. (more…)