Google apparently is hiring outside developers and reassigning some employees in an all-out effort to match Apple’s long-standing iOS application lead. The head of Google product management is leading the charge to create Android applications ranging from games to social-networking tools – all free, but with embedded advertising, according to a Monday report.
Although Google has created just 20 apps so far – the majority based on well-known properties, such as Google Maps, the Mountain, View, Calif. Internet giant intends to “hire dozens of software developers,” according to the Wall Street Journal, which cites unnamed sources. But the app race between Android and Apple is about more than pride. One analyst firm predicted apps could become a $15 billion market this year.
As such, Google reportedly is also pulling some global employees off their current positions. Incoming developers are promised a high degree of autonomy while also enjoying the legendary job benefits which come from working at Google. Already, some Google employees working in their off time have created several apps, including one which uses your mobile phone to identify astronomical locations.
Observers have watched Apple use its various App Stores – including the iPod, the iPhone, iPad and most recently, the Mac – to bolster interest and sales of its various hardware. This tactic has not gone unnoticed by rivals, who have made a vibrant app store an integral part of any product launch.
Although Apple began with a giant lead in apps – 350,000 iPhone and iPad apps with more than 10 billion downloads, the Android Marketplace has quickly grown. Entries at the Android Marketplace have reportedly grown by more than 500 percent.
Earlier today, one analyst firm reported the Android smartphone platform displaced the previous leader, Nokia’s Symbian. It would not be a huge leap to connect the growth of Android apps with the growth of Android smartphones.
