The Android Market may not be nearly as large as the iTunes App Store, but a few Android apps are managing to make waves. Car Locator is one such Android app that is grossing $12,000 per month, proving that there is an interest in apps developed for Google’s mobile platform.
As Apple looks to increase interest with its iPhone apps by adding a “Top Grossing” category, we take a look at Android apps that have the potential to generate a great deal of revenue as well (Note: Games were excluded from this list, as they are already hugely popular across the board).
Already popular Android apps
One Android app that has landed a top grossing spot for both the iPhone and the Android is Documents2Go. The $9.99 document-sharing Android app gives mobile access to your files, making it easier to track and share items. The dual success of this utility Android app suggests that practical apps will do well on Android’s platform.
Qik’s live-streaming video Android app isn’t top-grossing for Android, but it is for the iPhone. That’s because Qik is a paid app in the iTunes App Store, while its only Android app is free to use. Should Qik expand its Android presence, it could see similar success on Android devices.
Another top-grossing iPhone app with a strong foothold in the Android market is Shazam. This tunes-identifying Android app recognizes songs and offers additional info and purchasing options. With a paid Shazam Encore iPhone app, perhaps we’ll see a premium app added to the Android Market as well.
IM clients aren’t frequenting the top-grossing app category in the iTunes App Store, but they are huge money-makers in the Android Market. Hello IM! Is one of Android’s top-grossing apps across all genres, overlapping utility with social networking and media-sharing. The $9.99 Android app may not be the best, but it’s making money.
Android apps with third party power
With sports proving popular for mobile app downloads, it’s surprising to see few sports-related companies with Android apps. MLB has recently turned to the Android Market to expand its reach, with the $14.99 MLB.com At Bat Android app. Video highlights, standings and news coverage give you league-specific content, for a price. Check out Erik Fikkert’s video review.
Though TeleNav’s iPhone app is in conjunction with AT&T’s offering, the company’s Android app is independent of a partnership. With Google being the free default platform for Android users, TeleNav still looks to penetrate the Android market with its $69.99 subscription Android app, similar to TomTom’s more expensive iPhone app.
Android apps that still just potential apps
The Text SMS Emailer Browser for Android is an all-in-one tool for viewing and managing your messages. For $1.99, the utility tool helps you manage your conversations across SMS, email and your phone’s dialer for a more fluid experience. Integration with TextPlus means hands-free features as well.
DirecTV’s Android app lets you manage your satellite TV account from your mobile phone, such as setting your DVR to record programs. While the Android app itself is free, the DirecTV service requires a monthly subscription. Looking at SlingPlayer’s success on the iPhone, DirecTV could see similar direct and indirect potential to be a top-grossing Android app as well.
