Instadroid

It’s official ladies and gentlemen. The day thousands, possibly millions of people have been waiting for. Instagram for Android. The app finally went live about 30 minutes ago and already has 2,000+ downloads. With more than 30 million users on the iOS platform, Instagram is sure to nearly double those numbers in the coming months.

SNPR Owner Jazz Ayers, one of first 1,000 users to download Instagram for Android.

What’s different in the Android version verses the iOS version? Absolutely nothing! The application works just like the iOS version so if you’ve been using it on your iPad or iPod touch and you’re converting to your Android based phone-it’ll be smooth sailing. Log in with the same account, follow the same people, double-tap to show some love, and share some Instagood!

As an avid Android phone user myself I no longer feel a need for an iPhone. Some of the main draws to purchase an iPhone are for exclusive, or what used to be exclusive, apps such as Instagram and Temple Run (which also became available for Android exactly a week ago on March 27, 2012), but with them now operating on Android many people, including myself, no longer see the alluring picture. With my Macbook Pro, iPad, and iPod touch-all my Apple bones have been tickled!

What do you all think? Will Instagram for Android become as bag is it’s iOS version and will Android’s growing Google Play store detract potential iPhone customers and users?

 

Developers Still Flocking to iOS Despite Large Android User Base

Android users are viewed as the perpetual new kids on the block with a chaotic OS, but a helluva adorable mascot. Conversely, the iOS with its united design and well synced iTunes store lends the use an instant aura of cool. Perhaps this is why developers still prefer the iOS platform despite the fact that the Android market is increasing exponentially. Yet, before you proudly wave your HTC in the air and declare war against the mobile bourgeoise, let us tell you that the reason for the lack of development for Android doesn’t come down to social status. Instead, Android isn’t where the money is and as such, we’re stuck with Instagram far later than our iPeers.

The Android OS is said to be fragmented whereas the iOS is… well, not. What’s that mean? Android has a basic operating system, but each brand adds additional software to the phone. For example, an HTC Inspire has basic Android features, such as Google Navigation and Google Search, but there’s also brand-specific software, such as HTC Hub and HTC Likes. To further complicate matters, there are numerous current versions of Android software which means that a developer would have to program for multiple versions of the same operating system.

Finally, the complexity of programming for Android means that developers make a mere 24% of what they would using the iOS. Sure, it’s nice to get all sorts of idealistic and pretend that we should eschew money for experience, but if the Android apps market is any indication it appears that as long as Android isn’t as lucrative as iOS we’ll continue looking at our friends’ iPhones with envy.

Are you an Android or iOS user? Why? How do you think the platforms impact your social networking experiences?

Instagram Will Soon Be Available on Android

There’s a lot of reasons to purchase an iPhone- the bragging rights, slim design, Apple exclusive apps. However, one of fashion’s favorite apps, Instagram, is coming to an Android near you. Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom noted that the brand’s focus is on expanding their client base and consequently, allowing millions of Android users to enter the hallowed hall of the 1970′s-esque picture editing tool will accomplish this goal.

Systrom is remarkably candid when he explained his reasons for deciding to pursue the ever growing Android user base. Specifically, advertisers want a large number of eyes viewing their products and as such, Instagram will be able to attract more revenue if they increase their user base.

How do you think the addition of Instagram will change the way we view the Android phones versus iPhones? How will this affect Instagram?