The Android platform is now a teenager. What started out as a noble endeavor by Andy Rubin in California in 2003 to make the cellphone ‘smarter’, was bought over by Google in 2005 to be turned into the most successful digital platform by both revenue and market share. Google Play is at the forefront of innovation and has brought to fore innumerable success stories. Android application development offers the most versatile technology solutions, which are compatible with the highest amount of mobile device manufacturers in the world.

A Brief History of Android App Development

The journey for android application development began in September 2008 with the release of a few basic Android apps for T-Mobile G1 cell-phone. These initial apps included widgets like the weather, time and place etcetera along with a basic notification system. In Android, a notification system is a message that is prompted even when the app is shut. In present times, these are used in reminder apps, instant messaging and even sale alerts outside shopping apps’ UI, to incite immediate user interaction. Android pioneered the notification system, which remains a huge point of differentiation that sets it apart from its competitors.

The growth of Android App development can be credited in a large part to its open nature. Being an open source platform has enabled many Android app developers to experiment with the platform and thrive with the free knowledge exchange possible on the platform since it facilitates transparency. Any android developer can access the available repository of code and existing features for a nominal registration fee to create a function application. This prevents the creation of any unnecessary entry barriers to creativity and fosters an atmosphere of collaboration that is very conducive to the long-term growth of android app development.

Over the years, Google has released incremental updates in the form of new and improved versions of the Android OS, much to the benefit of Android app development companies. Each version of the interface ranging from Android Alpha (1.0) to the KitKat (4.4 – 4.4.4) has increased the range and reach of the apps’ functionality. The recently released Android L will substantially deepen the Android developer's abilities to build a more interactive and responsive app to further improve the overall user experience.

The Future is Android

Each month witnesses the download of over 1.5 billion Android app thereby creating quite the frenzy in the gadget world. Android apps are delivering a stellar month on month performance on the back of the release of more sophisticated features and enhanced app capabilities. This presents a mammoth opportunity in the Android app development space for anyone looking to grab the bull by the horns.

Android has also paved the way for future growth by overcoming the language barrier. At the time of Android OS Alpha (1.0), the operating platform was primarily available in the English language. But as the years have progressed the developments have become more far-reaching and inclusive with users having the option to access the apps in over 64 different languages. Not only does this expand the possibilities of converting non-English content online for the first time, it deepens the stickiness factor and functionality for multilingual users.

Android has also facilitated the Open Handset Alliance to allow collaboration between a large number of Android app development companies. This furthers the case for android being adopted as the operating software by more reputable handset providers because of the sheer goodwill Google commands in the market following such a move.

Android is favored in all kinds of consumer applications ranging from gaming, infotainment, shopping to news and broadcasting. This is because of the feature-rich functionality of the apps that create high user engagement. Location-based android apps have not only saved countless hours for tourists the world over but have also facilitated seamless logistics and supply-chain management companies to adeptly track the movement of cargo and delivery of merchandise to consumers.