Why are all of the apps available for the IPhone?

[Mom21]

Ok. I admit I am not tech savvy. I do know that the apps use ITunes so that is the common link. I am with TMobile. I am thinking to upgrading to the Motorola Cliq today. Why can't I get things like the ETicket app or the cool stuff just because I use TMobile? Or maybe it is out there, and, as usual, I am clueless. Wondering if I should really upgrade.

 

[eticketapp]

I think I can offer a bit of insight into this.

Simply put, there is major developer support for only a few mobile platforms. iPhone, Android, and Blackberry. Each platform has it's advantages in terms of hardware capability, development software, and of course number of users.

Out of these three major platforms only one, the iPhone, has the upper hand in all three categories. Android will soon become a contender, but it simply doesn't have a huge number of users yet. Blackberry's hardware is lacking when it comes to running apps.

So when you balance all three factors it's easy to see why all the apps are on the iPhone.

 

[Mom21]

So do you think if I get the Cliq, since it is an android, then apps will become available soon? They have some, but not really many that interest me. Unfortunately I can't get out of my contract so I can't get the IPhone. Looking for options with TMobile.

Oh yeah. And thanks for answering.....LOL. Your ad made me take a look and saw only for IPHone.

 

[EmersonNZ]

As project manager for a few iPhone apps now (check out OtagoMaps, mapping program for our campus) I can tell you the the iPhone is a lot easier to develop on than most other platforms.

Apple provides a really good SDK which essentially has the tools that allow developers to create their applications. In a lot of cases how quickly developers adopt a platform has as much to do with the development tools as it does with the appliance itself or the number of people using it (In reality it is a chicken and egg... developers are more likely to develop for products with good development kits, consumers will buy appliances when a lot of apps are available for them, developers will develop for the appliance with the most users. This example was really in place with the PS3 and XBox 360. PS3 is a cow to develop for and the take-up was slow because of game availability (and price). Now more people have brought them and developers have a handle on the development kit you are seeing more games etc).

At the same time we developed OtagoMaps for the Phone we also did so for Blackberry and a mobile web version and found the iPhone far the easier to work with.

Then there is the "cool" factor... my developers simply wanted to work with the iPhone... I had people lining up to join the project team whereas I kinda had to twist their arm to develop it for other phones etc. (You can great some great stiuff when you have motivated devlopers )

 

[EmersonNZ]

So do you think if I get the Cliq, since it is an android, then apps will become available soon? They have some, but not really many that interest me. Unfortunately I can't get out of my contract so I can't get the IPhone. Looking for options with TMobile.

Oh yeah. And thanks for answering.....LOL. Your ad made me take a look and saw only for IPHone.

I kinda have a rule with technology and buying products..... never buy on a promise. If the application and features you want are not currently available don't buy on the promise they will be in the future.

 

[eticketapp]

See, this starts to get complex because within Android, not all phones are created equal. While any phone that says it's running Android 'is', that doesn't mean all the capabilities Android are available. Phones can run a stripped down or full set of Android features or anything in between.

If apps are your priority and you're on T-Mobile, then you best bet is the new Google Nexus One. Cliq is about $150 and the Nexus $180. There is no comparison, the Nexus is the #1 Android phone. However, I would consider any special data plan requirements if you go with the Nexus. That might add to the overall cost if the Cliq doesn't require the same data plan.


IF eTicket ever comes out on Android it will require a full touchscreen and need all the capabilities of Android. Most apps will want that capability too. So right now that means the DROID or Nexus. Hope this helps!