The Rise of Mobile Platforms and App Development

This article discusses the evolving landscape of app development in the context of different platforms. It highlights the shift from traditional platforms like Microsoft and Google to the emergence of mobile platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Apple, and Android. The author argues that developers are no longer bound to a single platform and have a greater choice in determining where to build and distribute their apps.

• The article explores the historical context of platform choices, tracing back to the days of Windows, OS/2, and the original Mac.
• It emphasizes the importance of considering user access, platform stability, and potential competition from the platform itself when evaluating different options.
• The article acknowledges the emergence of new players like Pinterest and Dropbox, which may become significant platforms in the future.

Facebook: A Free-for-All Platform

The article discusses Facebook as a platform that allows for more freedom and opportunity for new app developers compared to Apple's app store. While Facebook is known for its constant changes, which can be both beneficial and challenging, it offers a chance for innovative apps to gain traction. The article acknowledges Facebook's potential to evolve its distribution channels to accommodate the influx of developers shifting from social gaming to mobile applications.

• The article highlights that Facebook's open platform allows for new apps to break in, but it also mentions the instability and frequent platform changes that can make development difficult.
• The author suggests that Facebook's ongoing evolution presents opportunities for developers who are willing to adapt and take advantage of new features.
• The article anticipates that Facebook's competition with mobile platforms might lead to more open distribution channels, offering greater reach for app developers.

Apple's App Store: A Double-Edged Sword

The article discusses Apple's app store as a platform that offers access to millions of users but comes with its own challenges. It highlights Apple's strong focus on distribution and its ability to influence developers to adopt new programming languages and technology stacks. However, the article also notes the increasing difficulty of breaking into Apple's app store due to the growing number of successful apps.

• The article praises Apple's ability to attract developers by offering access to a large user base, despite requiring them to adopt specific technologies.
• It acknowledges the challenge of standing out in Apple's app store, where the competition is fierce and the leaderboard is rapidly filling up with established apps.
• The article suggests that while Apple's platform offers great potential, it is also a challenging market to enter.

Twitter's Limited Platform

The article discusses Twitter's platform as being relatively underdeveloped, with limited marketing channels and a lack of an app store or dedicated apps page. This makes it difficult for developers to promote and gain visibility for their apps. The article highlights the need for Twitter to improve its platform to become more appealing to app developers.

• The article points out the lack of a dedicated app store or apps page on Twitter, making it difficult for developers to showcase and distribute their apps.
• It acknowledges the simplicity of Twitter as a consumer product, which limits marketing options and app discovery.
• The article concludes that Twitter's platform is currently not a strong choice for app development.

Android: Potential but Fragmented

The article discusses Android as a potential platform for app development, but it highlights the challenges associated with its fragmentation. While acknowledging the vast opportunity in the iOS world, the author suggests that Android might become a more attractive option for developers seeking a contrarian approach. However, the lack of a single, dominant Android app store and the fragmentation of the Android ecosystem pose significant challenges.

• The article recognizes Android's potential but highlights the fragmentation issue, making it difficult to reach a large and consistent user base.
• It acknowledges the lack of a proven success story for an Android-first app that has achieved the same level of traction as iOS apps.
• The article suggests that Android might offer opportunities for developers willing to navigate the fragmentation challenge.

The Future of Platforms

The article explores potential future developments in the platform landscape, including the possibility of Windows Mobile regaining relevance and a resurgence of native applications through desktop app stores from Microsoft and Apple. It also mentions emerging companies like Pinterest and Dropbox, which might become significant platforms in the future. The author predicts that the competition between platforms will lead to more open distribution channels, offering developers greater opportunities.

• The article highlights the possibility of Windows Mobile making a comeback and the emergence of native desktop app stores from Microsoft and Apple.
• It mentions the potential of emerging companies like Pinterest and Dropbox to become major platforms in the future.
• The author predicts that the competitive landscape will drive platform providers to loosen their distribution channels, creating more opportunities for developers.