App developers moving to the big screen (tablets, not TVs)

One group has its eyes on the tablet space, and that is app developers, according to a new IDC survey. This makes sense as smartphone app stores are crowded with hundreds of thousands of apps, while the young tablet market is wide open. Results of the survey promise good things for future tablet owners in respect to apps for the devices.

App developers are now thinking about building apps for the iPad and upcoming Android tablets almost as much as making apps for the iPhone, a big change in attitude. Developing apps for Android phones is about as desirable for respondents as working with the iPhone. Surprisingly, these developers are also looking at creating apps for the iPad and Android tablets as much as they are for Android phones. I'm no app developer nor do I play one on TV (although open to roles of all types), but this makes sense as the tablet segment is young enough for developers to make a difference. I would think the larger screened tablet would be easier to work than those small phones too.

How much are developers thinking about tablets? More of them plan to work with tablets than develop apps for either the BlackBerry or Windows Phone 7 platforms; quite a few more according to the chart at right. Another victim of the increased tablet focus is the connected TV which is losing traction with developers according to the survey.