Quote:
Originally Posted by paulsalter
I use a MacBook so no idea on Windows software.
But, Windows is the same as you mention above, do developers not write programmes for Windows anymore due to all the combinations of hardware
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The essential problem of developing for phones and tablet is graphics scalability. Because apps are full-screen, they need to be designed for specific pixel widths and heights.
On Windows PCs, programs can be windowed and resized without any issues. Moreover, there is a limited number of universal stock resolutions (1024x768, 1440x900, 1920x1080, etc.) which help programmers optimize their software for display on different screens.
The problem with developing for Android goes beyond what I wrote above, since until very recently hardly any Android users paid for apps. This creates a vicious cycle where devs are unwilling to commit to Android, or at least commit to it first, which in turn discourages users from making purchases. Fragmentation exacerbates the whole. Unlike iOS, Android has never created any major platform-specific social networks like Instagram or Path. iOS comes first because it's the easiest platform to develop for and the most profitable. Android gets the scraps a few months later, if ever. Paid apps are distributed as "free" ad-supported apps, c.f. Angry Birds.