Twitter and Starbucks for Android got some extra polish today. Both are part of an accelerating trend of Android updates that developers are using to take advantage of the improved design principles behind Android.
With Twitter, everyone is getting improved featured with protected accounts and better photo handling. You can finally deny or approve those who want to follow you if you have locked down your profile. Photos get pinch-to-zoom, for when you really want a better picture of … your friend’s cat.
The major components are in the 3.4 update, while version 3.4.2 offers some obligatory bug fixes and performance improvements.
The Starbucks app update brings more design party to its iOS version. While the official listing in the Google Play store says, “updated design,” it is more of a tweak. The flipping card animation is smoother, and some of the graphics have some refinements. The My Starbucks Rewards now has more information for viewing actual rewards gained.
It still is not up to the same level of polish as the iOS version, which was done with great precision to stay consistent with longstanding iOS apps.
Yet anecdotal evidence suggests that developers are paying more attention to Android app quality instead of just making it an afterthought. I often see several app updates per day now on my Galaxy Nexus, which is akin to what I also see on the iPhone.
It points to a combination of improved design principles laid out by Google and the large marketshare which Android has acquired.
