Skobbler is ending development of its navigation app for the Android platform, stating that building a profitable business for this OS is “an uphill battle.”

The company said the decision was based both on the fact that the platform is dominated by free-apps, making paid-for app success elusive, and that Google itself pre-installs its own navigation software on smartphones powered by the platform.

Marcus Theilking, co-founder of Skobbler, said: “We’ve seen that the growth in paid apps on Android is significantly lower than that of free alternatives and other issues surrounding security, a wide range of devices and operating system versions and the appeal of free, pre-installed rivals left us in a difficult position.”

The company noted that the platform has been questioned by some observers for “its inability to provide a stable platform for developers.” Relatively frequent OS upgrades, the wide range of devices powered by Android, and the “hands-off” stance taken by Google has led to fragmentation, and piracy was also cited as an issue.

Skobbler is not abandoning Android completely, stating that it will “continue to use our extensive experience and powerful location technology to support the development of third-party apps.” In a blog post, it noted: “who knows, we might well be seen re-entering the ring with a geared-up navigation app at a later point in time, if conditions change.”

Its offline map app, ForeverMap, will also not be affected.

The company has more than 1.5 million users worldwide through the Apple App Store, with number-one spot in the navigation chart in nine countries.