We’ve developed and managed the deployment for many of the top Android business apps. Along the way we’ve learned a thing or two. One thing is certain, supporting Android poses unique challenges which iOS inherently does not face.
As Android continues to grow in popularity among the BYOD crowd, this is a market you shouldn’t ignore.
We will dive into the issues, and come out with some strategies for attacking them head on:
Hardware Diversity
Android OS Versions
Screen Resolutions
Openness vs Security
MDM vs MAM (Mobile Device vs Application Management)
Phone or Tablet?
Manufacturer Skins
Carrier Craziness
Device Support Lifecycle
Application Support Lifecycle
To view the webinar recording, please visit: http://vimeo.com/apperian/solving-android-multiple-personality-disorder
2. Joe Schwendt
Lead Solutions Architect
jschwendt@apperian.com
“Apps are simple,
Great apps are art.”
3. Hardware Diversity
Android OS Versions
Screen Resolutions
Openness vs Security
MDM vs MAM
Phone or Tablet?
Manufacturer Skins
Carrier Craziness
Device Support Lifecycle
Application Support Lifecycle
4. Soft vs Hard Buttons Keyboard Stylus
@APPERIAN
#AndroidSolved
@JSchwendt
Hardware Diversity
Connectivity Sensors Connectors
It’s only going to get worse
5. Usage share of the different versions, by February 1, 2012
Cupcake 1.5
@APPERIAN
#AndroidSolved
2.3 Donut 1.6
@JSchwendt Eclair 2.0-2.1
2.2
Froyo 2.2
2.0-2.1 1.x 3.x
Gingerbread 2.3
Android OS Versions
4.x
Honeycomb 3.x
Ice Cream Sandwich 4.x
Controlled by Manufacturer & Carrier
Lowest Common Denominator wins
6. Other
320x240
@APPERIAN
480x854
#AndroidSolved 960x540
@JSchwendt
800x480
480x320
4.3”
Other
Screen Resolutions
4”
Resolution 3.7”
Other
1280x800 (10.1”) Physical Size
1024x600 (7”)
Plastic Man to the rescue!
7. Apps run in Own Sandbox
@APPERIAN
#AndroidSolved
@JSchwendt
Users prompted to extend App Reach
Openness vs Security
Users are trained to click OK
Security Software is a necessary evil
8. @APPERIAN
#AndroidSolved
@JSchwendt
BYOD=MAM
Focus on Apps
MDM vs MAM
User Experience Matters
More than Just Installs...
Apps make devices Useful
9. @APPERIAN
#AndroidSolved
@JSchwendt
3”-4.5” Phone
4.6”-6.9” ??????
7”-11” Tablet
>11” Laptop
Phone or Tablet?
Seriously?
Your Guess is as good as Mine
11. Pre-Installed apps
@APPERIAN
#AndroidSolved
Locked Out Hardware/OS Features
@JSchwendt Model Number Soup
Carrier IQ !!!
Carrier Craziness
Just give us vanilla, we’ll add our own toppings
12. Be Clear about what’s supported
@APPERIAN
#AndroidSolved
Start small and expand slowly
@JSchwendt
Device Support Lifecycle
End Of Survey
Support Ecosystem
Test, Vet, Confirm
Train Supportability
Choose Carefully
13. Google Play (Android Market), 3rd party or internal
@APPERIAN
#AndroidSolved Develop, Customize or Off The Shelf
@JSchwendt
phone, Tablet or both
Application Support Lifecycle
OS Versions
time to market
Employ Rapid Iterations
Actively market and solicit feedback
Choose like you were headed to a deserted island
14. Hardware Diversity
Android OS Versions
Screen Resolutions
Openness vs Security
MDM vs MAM
Phone or Tablet?
Manufacturer Skins
Carrier Craziness
Device Support Lifecycle
Application Support Lifecycle