I received another email today from a third party PR agency about a “revolutionary” app that I should demo – oh and by the way, it is for the iPhone ONLY. It seems like I get one of these every day or two. I’m going to go on a rant now, so be forewarned.
Why is it that third party PR people and small software development houses seem to not get the concept that having an iPhone only app, no matter how innovative is NOT INNOVATIVE? Did these people forget to go to math class when they were growing up? Do they not read? Do they not understand that while the iPhone has been credited for starting the “smartphone era” (and I’ll counter with the argument that Research in Motion’s Blackberry portfolio actually did), it is not the only platform in town? Do they not realize that to be taken seriously as an App, they must support the most devices possible?
Apple recently announced record sales of 37 million iPhones in the most recent quarter. While that is all well and good, in late December, Google’s Andy Rubin announced that 700,000 Android devices were being activated every day. That’s nearly double Apple’s number.
When developing mobile applications, developers must choose a script format that they know and that will reach the largest possible audience. In the past, Javascript has been one of the most popular script choices, as it allowed for unusually complex web applications and was generally widely accepted. However, the complexity of new mobile apps, such as mobile advertising, comes into play leaving developers to look for new ways to build interactive websites with intense and complex media content. Hence, HTML5 is increasing in popularity.
There are several reasons for the growing popularity of HTML5 among developers. For one, HTML5 allows developers the ability to offer richer and enhanced features and applications to their customers without going through the lengthy approval process that some mobile developers require for”on-deck” or “app-store only “apps. The iTunes App Store, for example, has a notoriously lengthy approval process with stringent standards. The app development cycle for the iOS can be frustrating and time-consuming. By developing in HTML5, a developer can introduce new features for its clients without subjecting itself to the approval of the iTunes gatekeepers or any other mobile company. Additionally, new features can be quickly added in HTML5, reducing the time to market considerably as compared to the more traditional route to market.
Second, one of the core advantages of HTML5 over alternatives is that it will provide a rich user experience independent of operating system or browser choice. HTML5 is very versatile and includes new media elements that can be quickly adopted to create complex web pages. Multimedia can be easily introduced using HTML5, and it will provide a rich user experience independent of operating system or browser choice.
While there are other advantages and some disadvantages to HTML5, these two benefits outweigh any negatives. While HTML5 may be new, it is supported by Google, Apple, AT&T, Microsoft, and many others. When choosing a development platform, a universally accepted and supported choice is ideal and will improve the adoption and longevity of your app.
Related Subscriptions :
Education IT Subscription
Education Pulse of the Market
Business Wireless & Mobility Subscription
Please visit Compass Intelligence to learn more: http://www.compassintelligence.com/
Follow @CompassIntel
Subscribe