What Should Be the Best Development Platform for Android?

[waseem.wk22]

I want to develop an Android app and i am not sure which platform (api version) should i use for my android app.
Basic functionalities of my Android app are

1. Google Map
2. Geo Fencing
3. GPS
4. Using Web service
5. Running Background service
6. Transferring data to server (including images and videos)

Depending upon the Strength of SDK what should be best development environment. should i use android 2.2 or 2.3.3 or 3.0 or 4.0 or something else.
Note: i dont want to cater compatibility issues. Suggest me on basis of strength and extra functionalities provided by api version that best fit my requirement.
plz also tell me whether there is any difference in development/coding of features which i needed

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[cali]

Just wanted to welcome you to the site.

[waseem.wk22]

@Cali: Thanks Sir. But can you answer my question also

[furbearingmammal]

Moved to a better forum.

As to compatibility issues, the majority of phones out there are currently running Android 2.2 or 2.3 -- but there is a growing number of 4.0 devices. I'd recommend either starting small and building up (if compatibility issues do arise), or going straight to 4.0 and waiting for the market to catch up.

[Bond]

I would recommend developing at least for 2.2-2.3 since almost 87% of devices are using those versions.
Check here: Platform Versions | Android Developers

[hscoder]

I think as per your project requirement, you should use platform 4.0 that will enable you to develop more effective application, in Android platform 4.0, there are good support for api.

Read this for more on Android
google-development

Thanks
Hscoder

[josemaria101]

Hi,
I am a newbie, but you may find useful what i have learnt.

If you do not need to develop a completely new and surprising app you may find a pair of tools good enough:
Rated Best App Maker, The Easiest Way to Create an App - appsbar (Simply the fastest way to develop)
iBuildApp :: Create Free iPhone App Using Online Interface Builder| Android, iPad
AppMakr :: iPhone App Maker | Make your own iPhone App | Free iPhone App Maker

When i need to do something more specific i use basic4android that is so similar to visual basic that is really easy to develop (if you know visual basic).

I have also tried some other tools as phonegap, sencha, appcelerator... but you know, it make take you more time to learn that will take it android to change its core, its name... and you will have lost TIME that is the only thing that it is really important... A good app now maybe be out of date in 3 months so...

If you have something on mind, Do it now!

[JohnFarrell9]

I will recommend for Ice-cream Sandwich, most % of users are using this.

[Juilice]

If you are looking for the best API and the most powerful one, then go for 4.0
If you are looking for the most popular one, then go for 2.3 (or even 2.2)
Note that 3.0 is running on few tablets only. so I would say forget about it.