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Skyhook Wireless survey: There’s still no money in Android apps

Categories: Android
By: , IntoMobile
Sunday, December 6th, 2009 at 4:57 AM

Android Unlike the iPhone apps, Android apps are not pure gold, as not that many people actually buys them. According to the recent Skyhook Wireless’ survey, Android developers are frustrated with multiple issues, including:

  • 82% of those surveyed indicated that the design of the Android Market makes it difficult for apps to be noticed;
  • 57% are not satisfied with the profits to date;
  • 43% report that they would sell more apps if Android used a carrier billing or another simpler billing system (other than Google Checkout);
  • Only 10% of Android developers are currently serving ads.

Finally, as we see Android evolving with the day, developers don’t like the idea of having multiple versions of the OS available for the users – 46% were certain this would make development more difficult.

James Grafton, developer of Android apps like Pic Swap and Get Me Home, said: “Rather than creating opportunity, platform divergence has just created further problems; we simply can’t afford to test across all Android phones. Because of these issues, we decided to take a step back from Android and reconsider our efforts.”

Should Google be worried? Before you answer, make sure to download the full report from here. (PDF)

[Via: CellularNews]

About The Author

Dusan Belic

Dusan has been using smartphones since their introduction and is now following the latest trends in the industry. The "convergence" is what he's most excited about, and writing about it is the next logical thing to do. He thinks that using a smartphone is what everyone who cares about their time should do. In addition to his interests in mobile phones, Dusan also loves to experiment with the latest web and mobile 2.0 services. The idea of accessing and managing your information from any device no matter where you are simply amazes him. Whether it's an online to-do list, note taking service or a video sharing social network, he's there to try it out. He admits though, he's still searching for the ultimate web-based organizational tool, which "sings" perfectly with the mobile PIM application. Dusan used to run SymbianWatch.com which later became part of IntoMobile. He lives in Serbia, South-East Europe, from where he edits the site on a daily basis.

  • Justa Notherguy

    So, I see you failed to mention that this pathetic excuse for a ’survey’ cites a mere thirty (30) respondents. This, when Google say they have more than 15,000 registered developers. In case you flunked Stat 101, I can tell you that a paltry 0.002% response-return makes for a _whopping_ big margin of error. Enormous, even.

    Meanwhile, the responsible party for this ‘study’ – oddly, themselves mobile developers – neglected to reveal their methodology, specific questions, etc. (Maybe they rounded up some local devs, during Happy Hour?) Nor have they conducted any comparable ’surveys’, even if similarly unscientific, for other mobile platforms.

    Given such serious shortcomings, I’m not surprised you haven’t linked to (or cited) the original page of results. Yet this incredible mess is the best evidence you can provide for problems in the Android ecosystem? And, not to mention, it’s your best excuse for useful information and journalistic integrity, as well? Give us a break.