Which Android platform and API to target?

Question

I'm just about to launch my first Android app, and it runs on the Android 1.1 platform, API Level 2, but is this what I should officially sign and launch the app as? Does it affect performance at all or is it simply for Android to know which devices it works on?

The only problem I see is that I can't specify <supports-screens> in the Manifest, which I would like to do, but it appears I'd have to launch at 1.6 at least for this to work.

Would I be missing a huge number of phones by launching at 1.6 instead of 1.1?

Thank you!

Answer 1

You'd be missing a fairly large number of phones by launching at 1.6 instead of 1.5. I don't think anything is really using 1.1 at this point. Only the G1 was launched with an OS lower than 1.5, and it has been updated to 1.6 at this point.

This site will also help you quite a bit: http://developer.android.com/intl/de/resources/dashboard/platform-versions.html

Just remember, there are a lot of phones out there, like the Droid Eris, Samsung Moment, Sprint Hero, etc.. that are still on 1.5.

Answer 2

I'd say 1.5 is a good choice for now. Have a look at the chart here: http://android-developers.blogspot.com/2009/12/knowing-is-half-battle.html

Answer 3

As far as I am concerned, I start developing targeting 1.5. When half finished, I would switch to 2.1 and when finished, I would try all versions in-between. I do not regard it necessary to mind any version lower 1.5 ... you cannot be downward compatible to the beginning of the universe ;-)

Answer 4

Strategies for Legacy Applications http://developer.android.com/guide/practices/screens_support.html#strategies

Answer 5

Recent update of the Android fragmentation from Android Tapp: