BMCE Direct is a website that has a step by step guide on how to create an Android application. It explains a lot of topics in detail, including what makes an application tick and what you need to know to get started. What is nice about this resource is that it shows you how to customize the look and feel of your app so that it matches the style of Google's interface. There are several free tutorials available on the website, which shows you step by step, in many cases including screenshots of how the apps will look when finished.
The biggest problem with most apps that are made for Android is that they do not update quickly enough. Because of the way the platform works, the update cycle for these apps can take months to happen. With that said, it is very important to learn how to use an app development platform that can update your app in just a few days. If you try to design your own app from scratch, you may end up wasting a lot of time. On the other hand, if you use the free Android application programs that are out there, you can actually launch an app from your web browser within minutes.
There are two ways to get these applications. One is by purchasing the applications from the developer, while the other is by purchasing them on the BMCE Direct website. If you don't like paying for an app, then the free option may be something to check into. The website also includes an extensive list of developers that are willing to sell you these apps, so it is easy to find someone that you want to work with.