(Tuesday, January 28)
Over the past year, developers using the Flutter framework to build apps in Android Studio have noticed a new option: “Compose Multiplatform.” This inclusion raises questions about Google’s ongoing commitment to Flutter as a development framework.
Google is well-known for making most of its software and services open-source or freely available—a strategy that has significantly contributed to its expansive digital footprint. Flutter offers a powerful cross-platform development framework for both Android and iOS. However, its adoption among software developers remains limited compared to the growing popularity of React Native, Facebook’s cross-platform framework.
Unlike Flutter, React Native not only supports Android and iOS but also extends its reach to most browsers and Smart TV platforms (with the notable exception of Roku, which uses Brightscript—a topic for another day).
Flutter developers remain a niche community. While Flutter has seen steady activity throughout 2024 with frequent updates, companies evaluating technologies must weigh a crucial factor: the availability of skilled, passionate developers who support and understand the framework. This is where React Native holds an edge, as its broader adoption means a larger talent pool and more active developer communities.
At Norigin Media, we don’t rely on Flutter or React Native for building cross-platform TV streaming apps. Instead, we prioritize adaptability when designing UI for the fragmented Connected TV (CTV) landscape. However, we’ve observed that more broadcasters are opting for React Native. The JavaScript ecosystem, in particular, offers developers a wealth of tools and frameworks, and React.js serves as an excellent foundation for those looking to remain relevant while developing multi-screen TV apps.
In today’s market, it’s not just about creating apps for mobile devices. Developers must also address the growing demand for Smart TV app stores, including platforms like Samsung Tizen, LG webOS, and more. This evolving landscape requires technology choices that enable flexibility and scalability across multiple screens.