Android is a Linux open source OS based on Java library. Most frequently Android is associated with Google, and is quoted to be owned by Google but very few know that it is not just Google Inc. but an open handset alliance (a group of 83+ technology and mobile companies including semiconductor companies, mobile operators, handset manufacturers etc.).
Thanks to this extensive growth in platform population (a number of devices supporting Android OS is increasing monthly),
Android application development is taking off at a high pace these days. According to the latest statistics, there are more than 500,000 Android applications on the Android market.
It is expected that in a year (by the end of 2012), the number of Android applications will be equal to iOs platform statistics, which implies an exponential 20% growth in
Android apps development.
Current version of Android OS is Android Ice Cream Sandwich (following 1.5 Cupcake, 1.6 Donut, 2.0/2.1 Eclair, 2.3 Gingerbread, 3.0 Honeycomb). The major advantage of android application development over iPhone Development is that it allows independent third-party
android application developers and
mobile app development companies to launch their apps within an hour after submission - which is obviously a huge advantage over iPhone development taking up to 2 weeks to have the app reviewed. Android applications are supported on any platform like windows, Linux and MAC OS X.
To take the most out of android platform popularity,
mobile application development companies are in tough competition to provide unique, attractive and cost-effective applications to different sectors, including B2C, B2B and even B2E mobile application.
Creating android applications for business needs doesn't involve large investment as compared to entertainment industry. Therefore professional companies do not need to hire experienced android app developers, but can outsource this to professional android development companies.
The market share of android mobile users is substantial. For this reason android developers need to be very thoughtful when creating B2B android apps. Applications should be useful and user-friendly. With the current competitors level, websites and smartphone apps should be "smart", and not only be a business products catalogue, but their main target is to increase brand loyalty and ROI.