The Android Marketplace is run a bit different than the Apple iTunes market. The setup is hurting the quality of Android applications ( apps ) says a frequent user of the system, Motorola.
Motorola’s CEO, Sanjay Jha, is giving out some of the reasons why 70 percent of Android devices are returned. They are coming back to the seller because installed apps are degrading the performance of the smartphones. True, processors are getting faster and faster in smartphones, but it seems they can not keep up as well as once thought. Android has what is called “true multitasking”, as compared to the Apple iOS mobile operating system. The iOS platform pauses those apps that are open but not being used, allowing the smartphone’s processor to work on what the user is focusing on. Android, on the other hand, leaves every open app running. Depending on the apps being used, that can put a severe strain on the processor.
The Android Marketplace is a store with mostly free programs to download. The CPU usage of each app is not required to be posted. Anyone at all can upload an app to the Android Marketplace. There is no “standard of efficiency” for apps in the Android store. If it uses all of the CPU processing power, it is still allowed in the store for download. Since the apps are not tested before being posted to the Android store, Motorola says this is impacting the users and ultimately coming back on Motorola.
Motorola developed something called “Motoblur” to install over the Google Android user interface. It was originally meant to improve on user experience over the OEM Android user interface. Now Motorola is using this software to collect information on the use of apps installed in their smartphones. Hopefully Motorola will be able to use this new use of Motoblur to warn their buyers of apps that may be hogging the CPU. The CEO desires that the future will see users warned of the exact percentage of processor power an app will use. The smartphone user will then be able to decide if they want to continue using the app. This will prevent some of the store returns and also educate users to some of the complexities of smartphones.
On the other hand, Motoblur itself also uses system resources. Those opposed to having Motoblur installed on their Motorola smartphone say it is hogging CPU power. What may be the bigger news is that Motorola is said to be developing their own operating system. When questioned, they did not deny the existence of a project to develop a web-based operating system. This would cut out some of their reliance on Google and allow them to provide more reliable apps than what the Android Marketplace currently offers.
