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Are Developers Shifting Back Toward Apple?
By Jeremy Muncy
Staff Writer
Article Date: 2011-04-26
In somewhat of a shocking turn of events, interest in Android has recently plateaued, according to a recent survey by Appcelerator. They say that fragmentation and lackluster sales of Android tablets are causing some developers to scale-back their enthusiasm and turn back to Apple.
While some developers cool on Android, nearly two-thirds of survey participants believe that Microsoft, RIM, Nokia, and HP will be unable to catch Apple and Android.
"Android remains an exceptionally strong OS but the cumulative effect of unresolved issues with the Android ecosystem are taking a toll on developers. The challenge for Google will be to better align app developer momentum with the momentum of Android device shipment numbers, and therein lies a competitive opportunity for Microsoft, Nokia and RIM", said report series co-author Scott Ellison, VP Mobile & Connected Consumer Platforms.
Some key facts learned in the survey were:
• Apple iOS interest remains high with 91% of developers saying they are ‘very interested' in iPhone development and 86% are very interested in developing for the iPad.
• Google witnessed a plateau in its earlier momentum gains. Reported interest in Android phones fell two points to 85% and Android tablets fell three points to 71% after increasing twelve points in Q1.
• While 71% of developers are very interested in Android as a tablet OS, only 52% are very interested in one of the leading Android tablet devices today, the Samsung Galaxy Tab. Further down the list, only 44% are very interested in the Motorola Xoom and 31% in the upcoming HTC Flyer.
• Microsoft edges RIM to become the third horse, but there is not much cause for celebration in Redmond as respondents' interest in Microsoft and RIM dropped substantially compared to last quarter. Microsoft fell seven points, with only 29% of developers saying they are ‘very interested' in the Windows Phone 7, while BlackBerry phones dropped eleven points to 27%.
It'll be interesting to see how the PlayBook helps RIM out in the battle for mobile OS supremacy.
About the Author:
Jeremy Muncy is a staff writer for WebProNews.com
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