There is a lot of data supporting your claim.
But the key point is for now. Given current market trends, in the not too distant future there will be more money in Android. (Particularly since you don't need to give Apple a 30% cut.)
But the key point is for now. Given current market trends, in the not too distant future there will be more money in Android. (Particularly since you don't need to give Apple a 30% cut.)
> given how few people actually look anywhere else but the play store
I do not believe the truthfulness of this statement, considering how many services get popular outside any app store. Do you think people find out about Twitter or DropBox by browsing the app store?
> you are going to take a hit much larger than 30% if you are not in google play
It really depends on what channels of distribution you can tap into. Some apps are popular only because they get promoted on the play store. Other apps are popular by other means. And no, you don't necessarily need a middleman.
IMHO, Android is much better in every regard, because on Android the walled garden is optional for everybody.
It would be a really interesting experiment for an existing service to host an .apk on their website in addition to listing in the google play store. I wonder how many people would side load the app, vs just going through play?
Profiting from apps is hard for the majority of devs, and generally acknowledged to be more so on Android.
But at least you have the option of not using their app store. And I doubt that they are as draconian as Apple about in-app additional purchases for apps in their store.
Google charges the same 30% transaction fee for in-app purchases as well, though I don't know what their policy is regarding Dropbox/Kindle/Skydrive-type apps.