Google Breaches 700,000 App Milestone: Closing the Gap on Apple

Google has started off this week with a number of big announcements including the introduction of Android 4.2, the unveiling of the Nexus 4 and Nexus 10, and a Nexus 7 update. In addition to all of this, the search giant announced a major milestone for the Android app market. According to Google, the Android operating system is now home to over 700,000 applications.

By reaching 700,000 apps, Google has effectively closed in on the Apple app market, matching Apple's extensive ecosystem of applications. Even more impressive, however, is how quickly Google was able to close the gap. Two years ago, the divide was considerable with Apple recording around 300,000 apps and Google sporting 100,000.

Both app ecosystems have grown dramatically since then, but Google is growing at a faster rate. If Google continues this rapid rate of growth, it is likely that it will pass Apple to host the most extensive application ecosystem.

Apple has responded to the recent develop arguing that while the application margin may be diminishing, the company still manages to generate far more sales. Since 2008 Apple has recorded over $6.5 billion in revenue for developers on the app market.

However, all of this is subject to change if Google can claim the predominant app ecosystem. Currently Apple's robust app store remains one of the tech company's greatest strengths, and it is what helps set its device apart from the competition (see how the iPad mini compares to the Nexus 7 for reference). Without the app market edge; how will Apple fair?