Apple’s “closed” ecosystem the way forward? Amazon thinks so

I was reading a really interesting article on the BBC‘s news pages today. The post set about comparing the iOS App Store to the many ways of purchasing apps on a Google handset. We all know the iOS has, and will only ever have, one official place you can purchase apps. These apps a tightly monitored by Cupertino and will not get accepted in to the store if they fail to meet a set of guidelines.

In contrasting approach, Google allows anyone to submit an app of any quality. Companies are even allowed to launch their own stores to purchase bespoke apps from. Some may argue this openness is more fair, and stops users from being “caged in” to one rigidly controlled ecosystem. Others, like myself, would argue that being more controlled ensures a higher quality of app, and less worthless apps being available.

Which app store is most successful?

Comparing success between various offerings can often only come down to money. Comparing the various market places’ revenues from last year you get a clear picture of Android’s struggle when it comes to encouraging quality apps to be developed. Obviously Apple’s App Store is top of the pile, recording an annual revenue of just under $1.8 billion. Surprisingly in 2nd and 3rd place were BlackBerry App World and Nokia’s Ovi store $163m and $104m respectively. Android’s market place pulled in $101m. Even with Apple taking 30%, developers choosing to make apps for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch are much more likely to be able to turn it in to a successful business.

“Android is very popular with developers. It’s got a lower barrier to entry, easier learning curve, and excellent tools, but app developers find making money on the Android platform more difficult.”

Chris McClelland, director of Ecliptic Labs

So what about the user? Is it better for consumers to have a more polished app that costs them a dollar or two, or get a free one supported by ads that offers a poor experience? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that Android apps all suck. What I am saying is that there must be a reason why less money is spent on Android apps than on BlackBerry or even Nokia apps.

Amazon Appstore for Android, a serious contender?

Recently Amazon launched its own “Appstore” for Android smartphones amidst a lot of controversy. (Apple wasn’t too pleased that someone else launched an app store called Appstore.) Unlike the Android market, this store is more stringent on which apps it allows in. Developers need to keep to guidelines, and apps are monitored for quality, bugs and the like. Because of this, it is expected that Amazon will become a pretty major player in the mobile app world.  This coupled with the launch of the cross-platform Cloud Player could see a change in the content download landscape. Will next year be Amazon vs. Apple? Unfortunately, due to carrier restrictions, the Appstore isn’t available on all Android devices. Say it with me: “YEY, for fragmentation!”

I have to say, one thing that has always let me down about Android, however much I like the operating system, is the market experience. But, with Amazon launching its own, and it being much more “controlled”, I feel it should help settle the nerves of those unwilling to pay for apps.

What do you guys think? What’s the best approach, open or closed? Should there be some sort of middle ground? Comment below, or hit me up on twitter.