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Google is an amazingly creative company, and we can all agree that having a seat at their table probably takes crazy ingenuity. Who would dare suggest creating software and giving it away for free? How would that make you the billions that Google is known for?
This is Android. It was a small mobile operating system when the business giant acquired it. Being a large advertising company, Google thought of a spectacular strategy to not compete on the operating system platform, but to keep to its advertising prowess. This was around the time Apple launched the iPhone in 2007.
Google did not want to take Apple head-on, but to be a part of their system. Search was moving to mobile phones, and Google wanted to appear on Apple phones and devices too. So today we have Google Chrome on iOS. From savoring this relationship, the Android strategy was conceived.
Android was made open source so that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) could use it and tweak it however they want for their creations. The goal was to make Google Apps the default app on as many devices as possible around the world, as well as to give Google control over ads that ran on third-party apps.
Billions of dollars later, we can see what an excellent strategy this was. 85% of today’s smartphones worldwide run on Android software. Google’s coffers are brimming with ad money from a plethora of Google Apps and ads that they place on third-party apps.
Let’s simplify it a bit more using the sports industry. The Euro 2020 football tournament is starting in a few days. Event organizers created the official app to give enthusiasts access to the full match schedule, live minute-by-minute updates from every game, venues, where tickets are available in host cities, etc.
You can access all this information by just downloading the app from Google Play. Because the majority of people in the world use Android-powered devices, and soccer is by far the most popular sport, many people will download the app. It’s available in different languages too, which makes it even more alluring. Google will cash in on this through in-app adverts.
It makes you wonder how many more apps are underpinned by Android and are making the world of sport more accessible. Almost every sport you can think of has an app for it, regardless of which niche you choose. Let’s look at a few.
Consumer-focused Apps
1. Bleacher Report
The Bleacher Report mobile app keeps you up to date on the latest game updates and scores. This sports app also allows you to keep track of your favorite teams and clubs, ensuring that you are constantly up to date on the latest news and interesting statistics. The detailed filters on this app allow users to tailor it to their specific requirements.
Annunciated features
- The most up-to-date sports app for breaking news and score updates
- The stories written by sportswriters are displayed
- You’ll be able to save your favorite stories as bookmarks
- On the app’s home screen, carousels for your favorite teams are saved
2. SofaScore
This app easily falls under the best sports app category. It offers live coverage and score updates for over 25 different sports. The app’s most prominent feature is that it can be used with Android Wear smartwatches to stream a brief video click every five minutes after a goal is scored.
Annunciated features
- Chat option available to link up with other sports enthusiasts
- Season statistics available for all teams
- Quizzes are offered for more participation
- Game integration for ‘Battle Draft’
3. Circuit training assistant pro
It can be challenging to find time to exercise at times. This Android app can help those who have trouble finding time to exercise. Circuit Training Assistant Pro is a full-body workout and resistance-training program that helps you improve your physical and muscular strength.
Photo by Matam Jaswanth on Unsplash
Athletes / Sportspersons focused apps
1. Nike Training Club
This sleek and handy app from the creators of top-of-the-line apparel allows athletes and sportsmen to have their own personal trainer. Over 100 custom-built workouts are available in the Nike Training Club app to help you achieve the physique you want.
Annunciated features
- You can set your playlist for your workout routine
- Exclusive workouts from famous fitness people like Serena Williams
- Option to share your workout routine to your social media
- Calorie counter to keep your carb intake in check
- Audio guidance from a personal trainer
2. Cardio Trainer by Noom Inc.
Cardio activities and training are necessary for all athletes, regardless of their sport. Cardio-related workouts are essential in increasing stamina for everyone from football players to track runners. With 20 levels of very difficult interval training, the Cardio Trainer allows you to strengthen your inner core. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you know you’ll get your money’s worth.
eSports
Esports, or electronic sports, is a type of video game competition. They are organized multiplayer video game events between professional players, either individually or in teams. Mostly played on computers, the games are very popular in Asian countries. The transition to mobile has seen a lot more engagement around the world.
Arena of Valor, as well as PUBG, Clash Royale, and Free Fire, are all well-known mobile game titles.
PUBG Mobile aspires to be “greater than League of Legends” with its new Global Championships event. Although the game’s director, James Yang, has lofty ambitions, you can’t accuse him of being a pessimist.
Android powers these gaming activities allowing people around the world to participate on their devices in their droves. eSports is a huge industry and any app developer will not be disappointed if they work with Android to reach their intended audience.
Google was very smart with this software. Android is clearly a bedrock for many apps and plenty more to come. We have only covered a little bit about Android’s assistance in sports, but there’s the health sector, education, AI, etc. The scope is large.
Keep reading our articles for more on Android news.