A Brief on Android App Development

Initially developed by Android Inc., later backed and bought by Google, Android is an excellent mobile operating system. It is based on Linux kernel and is written in many software languages frameworks including XML, Java/ Ajax, Flash, C, C++ etc. This allows Android OS (Operating System) to support seamless applications and software’s. Undoubtedly, the requirement of android development was ought to be an obvious outcome.

Currently there are over 900,000 (probably more than that) applications available in the Google Play Store (an official online android application store provided by Google). This availability of applications reflects the significant demand of android development. In fact, with the launch of Android OS in the market, software development companies (providing mobile app development) soon understand the potentiality of Android for supporting numerous applications, related to various industries and with various functionalities. Additionally, Android OS is integrated with OpenGL ES 2.0 3D graphics API (Applications Programming Interface) which allows the android developers to develop rich 3D games as a part of android app development. Excluding the software languages and OpenGL engine Android OS supports and/ or is integrated various other technologies such as HTML5, Exchange ActiveSync, Motion Sensor, Accelerometer, Multitasking, Google Voice Search, Gyroscope, Multi-touch and many more. Even more, it is continuously been updated by Google. Initially released with version Android 1.5 Cupcake, Android 1.6 Donut, Android 2.0/2.1 Éclair, it was updated to Android 2.2 Froyo, Android 2.3/2.4 Gingerbread, Android 3.0 Honeycomb, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, and with the latest Android 4.4 KitKat. This shows the constant growth of Android OS in such a short period of time.

For software development companies offering android app development services and even for android app developers, Google has provided a great Android SDK (Software Development Kit), which allows them to develop great apps and games for Android. The Android SDK primarily consists of HTML, XML, C, C++, Java/ Ajax, Flash, and other such languages frameworks. A software development company skilled on these languages will definitely get an add-on advantage. For beginners or personal users, Google has provided a platform called Android app inventor, which allows the non-technical user to develop his/ her own personal apps without any support.

In fact, just like its competitor iPhone, Android also supports numerous apps and provides seamless options for solutions to industries around the world. Solutions such as:

• Inventory Management
• Accounting Applications
• MIS Reporting
• CRM (Customer Relationship Management) integrating Apps
• CMS (Contact Management System) Apps
• Navigational Apps
• Games
• Office Suites
• PDF Reader
• Apps integrating Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync support
• Industry specific apps
• And much, much more…

All are the part of solutions falling under the category of Android development.

Most importantly, android development is not just limited to mobile phone, and Tablet devices. The technology has move ahead of its time, and now Android OS is also available for gaming devices such as Ouya, NVidia Shield, as well as for car. All these features, allows the entrepreneur to optimize and manage their business with better functionality. Taking the figures into consideration Android was the top-selling smart phone OS of the year 2010. The number reflects its increasing demand and popularity in the global mobile market.

To sum it up, blended with the features such as support of numerous applications, games and integration of top-notch technologies, along with the great SDK and support like Android App inventor, the requirement of Android development is constantly increasing in the world.