Smule Co-Founder Cites Android Platform Fragmentation as Reason to Stay with iPhone – Will the iPad Cause Fragmentation Too?

Smule is one the most innovative and successful iPhone app developers around. So, when one of its co-founders speaks, it might be a good idea to listen. Here’s what MediaMemo reports:

An Apple App Star Explains Why He Won’t Work With Android

Jeff Smith’s main reasons for not positioning Smule to develop for Android devices are:

- Dislike for the way Android Market merchandises apps (no argument from me on this point)
- Doesn’t want to develop apps for a fragmented Android phone space

I can understand the second reason even though there are noticeable differences between various iPhone generations as well as between the iPhone and iPod touch. But, I would accept the argument, that these differences are not enough to create extremely difficult conditions for developers.

But, what happens on April 3rd when the iPad becomes available? The iPhone and iPad are apparently different enough that Apple itself couldn’t port some of its own apps from the iPhone to the iPad…

Are Basic Apps Like Calculator & Weather Really Missing from the iPad?

Will Smule and other developers have problems porting existing apps to the iPad?

You can listen to two podcasts I recorded with Smule’s other co-founder (and CTO) Ge Wang last year in the embedded players below.

Sept. 2009 – Podcast 34: Smule I Am T-Pain iPhone App – CTO/Co-founder Ge Wang

Jan. 2009 – MobileAppsToday Conversation with Ge Wang of Smule (Sonic Lighter & Ocarina for iPhone)

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