Android crosses the 200,000 apps barrier

Android apps on the increase
Android apps on the increase

These app-filled days we live in just got, well, more filled as Android and Windows Phone 7 both crossed significant milestones.

Android's relentless pursuit of Apple's App total continues unabated as it has now got (albeit unofficially) 200,000 apps locked into the vaults of the App Market.

The stats come from AndroLib, which documents the number of applications and games downloaded from the portal - although this number sometimes comes into conflict with Google's reported totals.

Windows' pain receding?

It's good news for Microsoft too - Windows Phone 7 now has more than 5,000 apps on its books in less than three months, and the rate of development appears to be increasing.

The better news for the Redmond bunch - the total is already closing in RIM's BlackBerry World, and nearly 75% of the apps downloaded are paid for, meaning a siginificant wad of cash for Ballmer's Brigade.

Credit: wp7apps

However, it should be noted that WP7 offers a comprehensive trial service, so while a lot of 'paid' applications are being requested, it's likely a lot are only on trial and won't be upgraded to the full price version.

It's interesting to note the shift in user behaviour too: Microsoft's mobile experience has been built on business and productivity, yet only 7% of all apps downloaded are from this category - gaming is the big winner with 22% at the moment, so has the consumer experience taken the lead?

From WP7Applist and AndroLib via Engadget

Gareth Beavis
Formerly Global Editor in Chief

Gareth has been part of the consumer technology world in a career spanning three decades. He started life as a staff writer on the fledgling TechRadar, and has grew with the site (primarily as phones, tablets and wearables editor) until becoming Global Editor in Chief in 2018. Gareth has written over 4,000 articles for TechRadar, has contributed expert insight to a number of other publications, chaired panels on zeitgeist technologies, presented at the Gadget Show Live as well as representing the brand on TV and radio for multiple channels including Sky, BBC, ITV and Al-Jazeera. Passionate about fitness, he can bore anyone rigid about stress management, sleep tracking, heart rate variance as well as bemoaning something about the latest iPhone, Galaxy or OLED TV.

Latest in Websites & Apps
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Wednesday, March 5 (game #1136)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Wednesday, March 5 (game #367)
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Tuesday, March 4 (game #1135)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Tuesday, March 4 (game #366)
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Monday, March 3 (game #1134)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Monday, March 3 (game #365)
Latest in News
Google Gemini iPhone Lock Screen
You can now access Gemini from your iPhone's lock screen
Michelle, Keats, and Doctor Amherst looking unimpressed and worried in The Electric State
Netflix drops trailer for The Electric State, and I'm getting serious District 9 vibes
YouTube TV
YouTube TV might be planning a big Netflix update that puts the best streaming services first
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Here are the 7 best Pixel 9 and Pixel Watch 3 features landing in March’s Pixel Feature Drop
Bang & Olufsen Beogram 4000C Saint Laurent Rive Droite Edition
Bang & Olufsen's latest reworked turntable is a masterpiece of retro revival, in a breathtaking wooden presentation box
Apple Watch Series 10
Apple unveils new Apple Watch bands – here's what's in the Spring 2025 collection