Let me start this post off by saying: I'm a Windows developer, a client/server web programmer and I have dabbled in Android development as well. So ... I'm not talking out of my arse here. This turned into a bit of a rant by the end, but I think it needs to be said. There are plenty of GREAT cross platform devs out there and I don't want my ranting to be considered a global one.
The bottom line is: developers MUST go where the numbers are - eventually. It is the only sustainable model. Right now, Android has 43%, Apple has 28%. Developers are nice and cozy developing for Apple, because they have experience, their own in house engines and a myriad of other things that make devs not want to venture to a new platform.
... and this has worked for them because Apple had the numbers to make it lucrative to continue ignoring Android.
IMHO, Devs don't want to develop for Android because:
1) Android actually requires effort to build apps because of the multitude of different hardware and configuration: screen sizes, processors, etc. This is like asking an Xbox 360 developer to go make a PC game. They have to leave the rock wall garden and actually, you know ... CODE for contingency. A lot of developers just AREN'T willing to do it - especially if there are enough customers to sustain income on the other platform.
2) They have already purchased tools, made engines and have experience on iOS. They are "doing ok", and until their bottom line takes a hit because of Android dominance, they simply aren't willing to budge. Changing platforms costs money.
3) Elitism. Yeah, I've been making some rounds and seeing that there is some air of elitism because some of these developers are just "Apple Snobs". Crazy to me - no way to run a business, but hey - whatever.
The bottom line? A hit to the wallet will get developers in line. When revenue drops enough because the masses are using Android, they will get their collective sh*t together and move to the dominate platform. That is how it has always been written, that is always how it shall be.
Personally? I think most developers secretly believe (or want to believe) that Android is some sort of "phase" that "will pass" and they can avoid coding for it until it "goes away". Wishful thinking - but no. Might as well secretly hope that Windows goes away. They are really dedicated to that thought process too - because Android ownership is almost 2 to 1 over Apple - and yet they still resist.
Developers cite piracy, fragmentation and other factors as to why they won't develop for Android.
Fact is - there is PLENTY of piracy going on with iOS too. Jailbreaking is all about piracy. Do some google searches and see just how rampant piracy is on the iOS platform too. I don't buy that. At least "rooters" on Android are usually doing it to block ads and run custom roms. Is there piracy going on? Of course. What's funny is - most Android carrying friends and business associates of mine have PURCHASED and use far more apps than the iOS people I know. I personally own hundreds of paid apps - and I have the tools and knowledge to pirate if I want to. But I support the platform when the quality of the app is good.
Fact is - GOOD product makes money on Android. There are plenty of success stories out there to back that. Stop giving Android owners "sloppy seconds" with horrible buggy ass ports that run in a postage stamp window on our tablets, maybe we'll start ponying up the dough. Tip of the Day: Crappy software doesn't sell on Windows either.
Fragmentation is made up bullsh*t - sorry, no better way to put it. I don't hear Windows developers screaming and crying about "PC fragmentation" - and there are about a million more different configurations, options, resolutions and more on a PC than on the ENTIRE Android market.
What about automotive fragmentation? I don't see any mechanics that only work on one or two different cars made by Ford. Wonder why THAT is? I've never been turned away from Jiffy Lube because I own a Toyota instead of a Mercedes. What about that horrible television fragmentation .. SO MANY SIZES! SO MANY OPTIONS AND FEATURES! See, the term fragmentation sounds completely ridiculous when you apply it to anything else. Building apps directed to two closed architectures doesn't make the opposing format horrible. It just means the days of being lackadaisical are over.
Simple truth is - devs enjoy developing for a closed system because it requires less work, less testing and less support. Who WOULDN'T want that??
But the times, they are a changin' ...
Of course, as we Android lovers know, the consumer deserves choice. I know it's hard to believe but cells phones are NOT a "one size fits all" scenario. My mother doesn't need a dual core 4.65" screen phone ... and I would lose my mind without one. Choice has always been good for the consumer - and Apple has essentially denied the market that.
Android is important. It is growing by leaps and bounds and eventually, successful app developers WILL MOVE or at least support.
Web apps are a different story. That's just pure utter laziness. There are standards to follow - and failure to do so means your WebcrApp works on one platform that you specifically build for, but not another one. Code to standards and this isn't an issue. But of course, it is far easier to do sloppy coding, bounce it against ONE machine and call it gold than to actually - you know - comply with established standards. No excuse for that kind of coding. My guess is - a good spoofed web browser would handle "iPad only" web apps.