Why the Market Needs to Be More Like the AppStore

Just read two good summaries of the Skyhook Developer Report surveying 30 Android developers on their experiences with the platform, and there was a lot to complain about. The most significant point that arose was that developers aren’t happy about their earnings through the Market. We of course agree since we as Swedes can’t even sell our apps in the Market yet, but even so, the Market leaves a lot to be asked for.

We all know who’s set the benchmark for how to sell apps. But there seems to be a bit of bitterness towards the AppStore in the Android community which is really undeserved. The fact is it’s really well though-out and works really well. Apparently. Developers are complaining it’s hard to get noticed in a store with over 100.000 apps and that the Android Market is better because there are just 10.000 apps there. This is really short-sighted thinking. When comparing the different stores we have to look at the most defining variable which is the amount of money spent on apps per phone user. And here the AppStore outshines the competition with their integrated business model.

We as developers want Google to bring the spenders and then, however which way you put it, it’s always going to be a fight for the money among the developers. Yeah sure, today you have to stand out among 100.000 apps in the AppStore and only 10.000 on the Market, but there’s a reason there’s only 10.000 apps in the Market. You won’t make any money there! The statistically calculated ROI from putting your apps in the Market is still lower than the AppStore. And if we take into account the extra man-hours having to be put into making your apps compatible with all the different Android devices the ROI will be even lower.

Mind you, we at MobisleApps are still very optimistic towards the Android platform but we think a lot has to be done to make the competition fairer between the iPhone and Android. You can’t just put this thing out there and hope for the best, you have to take control of the platform and show the way. Google, are you listening?

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