Developers frustrated with Android

BOSTON, MA: Google's Android may be receiving good reviews, but its developers seem to be frustrated and not satisfied with the market, says a recent survey by Skyhook Wireless, a provider location-based services.

According to survey report detailing developers are frustrated with low download volumes, poor marketplace design and discovery options, and lack of an effective consumer billing system. These factors make it difficult for developers to generate revenue.

Key Findings:-

• 82 per cent of those surveyed indicated that the design of the Android Marketplace makes it difficult for apps to be noticed
  
  
• 57 per cent of Android developers are not satisfied with the profits to date. Google Checkout is a major concern for developers
  
  
• 43 per cent report that they would sell more apps if Android used a carrier billing or another simpler billing system; and only 10 per cent of Android developers are currently serving ads.
  
  
• In anticipation of many new Android devices entering the market, fragmentation of the market is a concern. 46 per cent of developers were certain that different versions of Android would make development more difficult.

"Rather than creating opportunity, platform divergence has just created further problems; we simply can't afford to test across all Android phones," said James Grafton, developer of Android apps like Pic Swap and Get Me Home.

He added that Because of these issues, the developers decided to take a step back from Android and reconsider their efforts.

Developers are not generating real revenue via Android apps. This is the result of very low average download volumes, a poorly designed market, lack of an effective customer billing system, and the incapacity to serve ads. Due to these low profits, developers are becoming hesitant to invest more time and effort into apps that do not pay off.

68 per cent of those surveyed are somewhat or not likely to put further work into their apps, compared with when they were first developed. And now, anticipating the release of over 50 Android devices, many Android developers fear that fragmentation will squander the opportunity for widespread app distribution.

Yet developers are widely excited about Android and most have faith in the platform.

According to the Skyhook report, in order to retain developer enthusiasm, Android must develop effective methods for app monetization. Otherwise, developers will lose interest in the platform, and focus their resources where they can best monetize their apps.

"Today, developers are frustrated with their inability to profit from the Android platform," said Kate Imbach, vice president of marketing at Skyhook Wireless.

"This report shows that although developers are excited about the future of Android, the platform may face significant challenges if it does not soon improve monetization options and take steps to protect against the risk of fragmentation," he added.