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.
Refunds are also another huge factor in the differences between the two gadgets. Apple will not allow you to refund the download of applications. Even though the Apple apps are screened and deemed safe, you are still stuck with it no matter what the end result, whether loving it or not having use for it. Android will allow you to sample the app for 24 hours after purchase and refund you the money if you uninstall it within that time frame. This is a much better way to go about purchasing apps you are up in the air about.
Still comparing the two stores, we will look at the Developer Initiation Fee and see that Android has the competitive edge on Apple in this department as well. Android does charge you $25 for being a developer, creating apps, and releasing them on the Android Market. The key to this is that your apps are released on the open market to be shared with other Android users. Apple charges $99 and there is no guarantee your app will be published on the AppStore. The other notable difference is that Apple will keep 30% of your publisher sales should there be a premium and Google uses this 30% to pay out to wireless carriers. This in turn creates a wonderful working relationship to market, promote, and sell Android phones to consumers.
The driving force in the Android application world is the room for improvement, advancement, and upgrade. Apple does charge more, cost more, and have five times the amount of apps. They have earned there place at the top as the innovative company in the beginning of the 21st century. However, Google is making strides with their involvement in the Android phone because they are now aspiring to be the user friendly, cost effective gadget for the advanced mobile phone user. With there only being an estimated 20,000 apps on the Android Market compared to the 100,000 apps that currently exist in the AppStore there is definite room to make modern day strides at improving the sophisticated mobile phone market.