Although many Android developers are miffed at Google’s slow-yet-targeted SDK rollouts, some are using the extra time wisely: By taking a good look at what did and didn’t work out so well with Apple’s recent iPhone rollout. In a recent Forbes article, developer Joachim Pfeiffer offered these 5 lessons learned he plans to apply to his Android applications:
1. Respect user privacy. Some new iPhone apps spammed user contact lists, resulting in slews of angry reviews on the App Store site. Pfeiffer resolves to spell out in detail any usage of personal data.
2. Be upfront about money. Applications that use surprise pop-up pay notices or trial periods garner complaints. Users should know the exact deal before installation.
3. Don’t dabble. Make sure the app is full-featured enough to highlight the best aspects of the new phone.
4. Be battery-conscious. Apps should be engineered to be as battery-saving as possible, Pfeiffer says, offering several ways to reduce an app’s battery-sapping potential.
5. Aim high. Applications for the iPhone have raised the bar, Pfeiffer says. Android developer will need to work hard to top them.
The success of the iPhone underscores the fact that Android developers have their work cut out for them. Let’s hope Google’s new OS delivers.
