An Apple Fan Boy picks Android over Apple! Why!
They say that people are exposed to about a 100 or more ads per day. But now, if you scrutinize carefully your surroundings, you and probably everyone else are exposed to countless smartphones from every corner. Smartphones is here and will be sticking around for a long time as an alternative to PCs and Desktops. Mobile computing is the trend, fad, culture of everyone.
The two well known big players from the Silicon Valley in terms of the IT world has got to be Google and Apple. Week 12's reading by Daniel Roth talks about Google's Open Source Android OS will free the wireless Web.
So we're talking about operating systems. Android follows the philosophy of being a free, open source of mobile platform. Which means any coder and handset maker could do their magic and would earn revenue by selling support for the system. Going absolute wireless globally and openly with "the spirit of Linux and the reach of Windows". This was where Larry Page of Google took up Andy Rubin's deal of the Android.
Apple came out with their new baby - the iPhone. But what was Android's comeback? Well, Open Handset Alliance would sum it all. It is a consortium (association of companies, governments, organizations etc) to build a wireless interface based open source Linux software.
Apple's mindset was the opposite of Google/Android. Google is the social butterfly that would continue to grow from a seed into something bigger and better; while Apple is more reserved, locked and protected. Some of the fruits of labor from Google:
A video demonstration by Android developers.
Top 10 cool free apps!
The best part is, because of their open source rule book, these apps will continue to grow and grow! They want to make browsing with a mobile a fun experience for users with Google search as the main anchor, of course. A rather smart tactic you would say as we see the rise of smartphones rocketing out of the buildings with 324 millions of units in 2011!
My two cents is that if I were to buy a smartphone, I think I will go Android. Why? Simple, it's not enclosed. And because it's practical. iPhone is a cool and admirable gadget but with Android, their golden philosophy of open source makes it easier for everyone. Bear in mind that Android today has about 190 million Android devices in use, 250% year on year revenue growth in mobiles and also with an estimation of 520,000 apps.
Now what does that mean to you?
Apple
- Closed devices
- Walled garden of apps - Apps Store
- Complete control over platform, content and user.
'iPhone: Apple reinvents the phone', no doubt this tagline does makes sense. Apple has brought mobile phones and innovations to a whole new level. It strives with a huge profit margin with one hardware manufacture (Apple) with one OS. With such stringent codes albeit it providing much comfort and fun, it does presents a certain restrictions and irritation. But, I have to admit, it's hands down tempting.
Google
- Open and free platform - Linux
- Open garden of apps - Android Market
- No control over platform, content and user
- 300,000 activations per day
- 861.5% yearly growth in Android Market
- 615% yearly growth in global market share
Whereas Google gives away Android for free for independent app markets. They don't reel in big profit margin like Apple but rather they rely on long tail concept. 'Don't be evil - Flow of information is key.' It's all about the network effect, connectivity. And we're are indeed living in the era of knowledge workers and material, information is still gold. And Google's moving into that direction. Also, there's not one day we don't use the Google search engine, so that as well pretty much solids my point!
There's no doubt that both Apple and Google are smart companies that will continue to grow (in different directions). It's merely up to your prerogative and preference on which is your cup of tea. For me, looking into the long run and the value of information, Google wins for me.
An Apple a day or Google-fying into the future?
What's your pick, guys?
