With the availability of more and more OS platforms, app developers are presented with a dilemma on what platform should their app be developed. The Android OS, developed by Google remains the top choice for app developers. It is based on the Linux kernel and designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as tablets, and smartphones. It has been the best-selling OS on tablets and on smartphones since 2013, and has the largest installed base.

So why do developers choose Android?

Let's take a look at few of the reasons that make android the top and obvious choice among app developers.

Portability

Android apps are mainly developed using Java programming language, making it easily portable to other mobile operating systems like BlackBerry and Ubuntu. Apart from mobile OS, android apps can also be ported to Chrome OS. Microsoft has already begun developing a new way to port android apps to Windows 10 with more ease.

Custom ROMS

"Rooting" is the Android equivalent to jailbreaking and helps the developers to install customized operating systems on the device. By doing this the developers can learn more about the OS, and improve its performance. Some Android manufacturers even help in "rooting”, where as jailbreaking is an actual crime in the USA.

Low Entry Barrier

Android actually encourages people to develop more apps and the approval process is very simple, in this way android provides a lower entry barrier. The developer has to register on the Android market, prepare the APK and submit it to Android. And the app development can be done on Windows, Mac or Linux. However in the case of iOS devices, development of an app requires a mac and a yearly subscription to the Apple Store.

Versatile Hardware Choice

Android is made to be compatible with almost any device that is manufactured around the globe. This gives the option of using a variety of device for the development and testing of various applications. These developers include a wide range of advanced features into the device, which can then be effectively utilized by developers worldwide. These features are comparable to those available with the expensive models and high-end phones, and are also easy to fit into your budget.

Easier to learn

Google's Android is reported to be much easier to learn than the iOS or BlackBerry, by professionals who have studied both. And it can be learned from scratch, faster than other platforms. Hence, developers starting out with mobile application development will find it very easy to develop for Android.

Introduction Of Marshmallow

Recently Google Inc. revealed the latest and most awaited version of Android OS, i.e. Android M- Marshmallow. It presents developers with exciting ways to enhance their existing apps. Here are a few significant features.

The Android Pay

Android pay allows users to store all the information regarding their debit or credit on the device. This helps developers to market their apps and incorporate micro-transactions within the app. Regular payments can be made to any shopping or game app without having to enter the Credit Card Information all the time.

App Linking

Marshmallow came with an update in improving Android's app linking ability. Now when a user opens a company's domain it automatically opens the company's app if it is installed on the device. It does not ask whether it needs to open in the browser or another app​.

All the above-mentioned features along with being innovative and creative make android the top choice among android app developers across the globe.

There’s a problem of plenty when it comes to the availability of app development companies. The internet will give you a list of developers that’s a yard long. The problem lies in selecting one that is just right for you and your business needs. You don’t want a partner that slips on delivery deadlines, gives you shoddy, compromised work together with other unpleasant surprises. More importantly, you need an app development company that knows the apps business inside out. Which apps are likely to work and which will end up as duds on the apps store. You need to do thorough homework and spend a good time on evaluating potential developers before you hone onto one that not only has great creative ideas but also the technical skills and expertise to help you build your business and maximize revenues.

Insist on client references to check
At the pitching stage, ask the potential mobile app developer for existing and lapsed client references and the permission to speak to them. Their feedback is important as you will get a fair idea of what the developer can deliver basis their actual experiences. Probe for areas where the developer is strong as well as areas where they could be better. Ask both the developer and the past clients about the reasons for their break-up.

Check out their apps
During the evaluation stage, be sure to get a list of clients and the apps developed by the apps developer for them. Check the authenticity of the app with the relevant client. Does the developer have a good, diverse portfolio? Download the apps and test them for yourself. Do they incorporate a great idea, do they look great in terms of design and most importantly do they work well with great interfaces for a great user experience? Don’t look at the coding only. Look at the entire product in terms of idea, design, coding, and functionality and user experience. Remember the words of Amit Kalantri “To assess the quality of thoughts of people, don't listen to their words, but watch their actions.” Check out the resources and work process of the app developer.

Before you select your app developer, it is important to check out their manpower resources and the work process followed. Where possible, a visit to their office is a great idea. Check out the number of employees, the mix of senior and junior developers and the IT and communication infrastructure in the office. Are the software developers certified? Are there enough analysts and UX experts around? A partner that outsources the work is not a good sign. If possible, meet the team that will work on your projects, if you were to award the business. Will they work well together with your team? Is the relationship likely to be durable? Understand the range of services offered by the developer. What is the product development process they follow? All these checks are vital as they impact the agility of your new partner in terms of response times and problem solving. You are more likely to get your apps developed on time and developed right.

Look for good warranty clauses
Look for good warranty clauses in your contract, particularly warranties related to timely delivery, budgets, testing and possible bugs in the final product developed. If the developer is keen on winning your business, you can even ask for special clauses to be included.

Reputations are built on timeliness
Punctuality and turning up on time for meetings is one thing. Actions and delivering apps on time is quite another. Check out what the other clients of the app development company have to say about the company’s record of delivering on time. Before appointing your new partner, discuss what penalties can be built into the contract for project delays.

Buying cheap can turn out to be very expensive
Don’t go by the price alone. Cheap app developers are available a dime a dozen. They are likely to let you down in a crunch. Developers who are rich in skills and experience cost money and very often, they are the ones who are more likely to give you great products. You don’t want to end up hiring and paying a new app developer again because the cheaper one failed to deliver to your expectations.

If you spend time on checking out all these aspects of your developer before awarding the contract, chances are you will get good products on time and a good night’s sleep!