Although my travelogue has sought to establish a grounding for the battle between Verizon’s new Android phone and At&t’s Apple iPhone, I think that that there are so many minute aspects that contribute to the battle to encompase it in such a short travelogue. Especially without extensive reviewing of the new device by both the public and the media, it’s hard to see where the larger populous stands. I’ve found it strange that I seem to have witnessed myself becoming more of a spokesperson for the Droid device even though I haven’t seen or played with the actual device myself. I have had the chance to use the iPhone extensively and do understand the appeal to such a device, and have bought into the hype only to the extent to which I own its little brother, the iPod Touch.
In my own analysis of the situation, I see this as simply a repitition of history. Microsoft dominated the computer market for so long and is being overthrown by the counterculture created by Apple. Yes, Microsoft does have its issues, but Apple is no perfect system either. At this point, the monopoly is simply shifting from one company to another. Whereas Microsoft and Apple found their footing in the physical realm of the hardware that they power, Google found itself using the limitless boundaries of an open internet and a willing populous of free laborers to build upon its empire. I think this is a key factor in the battle of these phones, and why Google could eventually, but probably not in the very near future, find itself in the same position that Apple is now in. Although the creation of monopolies is not supported in our ideal world, there is no mistaking that this happens. We live in a competitive market, but only in so much as there is competition present, but not always in the sense that this competition really matters to us as a consumer because all we want to do is buy what the majority of the population is buying; and right now, that’s the iPhone. And there is some validity to this appeal. This appeal is found in the user friendly function of the device that doesn’t change from hardware to hardware. At this point, Android is good in concept but lacking in its user friendly capability. Because the OS allows for so much openness between the devices it is used on, there is no consistency in how it will be received. The iPhone, on the other hand, does have its weaknesses but they are weaknesses that are present in all of its users just as all of its benefits are also present.
Due to previous conversations about the invasiveness of the Google brand into our lives and our continual participation in the building of their search algorythms, some might argue that this is an important aspect to focus on in this discuss, but I would suggest otherwise. I only suggest as such because both devices are doing the same in this aspect. For one, the iPhone is already powered by many of Google’s properties such as the maps, search, and mail, that are still providing information back to Google, but on top of that you are constantly supplying your information to Apple as well whenever you use any of their services. Has anyone noticed the pervasiveness of the genius feature now-a-days? Although you can typically opt out of the genius features, it would be curious to discover how many people actually do. This is the same for Google and the Android devices powered by their software. This seems to be the emerging trend in whatever new technology we create that is attached to the cloud. Whatever you’re doing, you’re being watched, so the choice really becomes who would you rather have watching you?
In the most basic function of these devices, as a cellphone, this competition should be a no brainer because most reporters and analysts are likely to agree that you’re going to get better cell service from Verizon Wireless as opposed to AT&T Wireless. As we create new standards for what a cellphone consists of, this view begins to change. These devices are no longer simple auditory or textual communication devices; they have begun to transform into our music/video players, our gaming devices, our business tools, our e-readers, and even our navigation devices (I would argue this both in the literal navigation sense and even in the sense of a life navigator). We are contantly trying to compact and fit our digital lives, as much as possible, into our pockets. Essetially, these new devices become the newest versions of our home computers; we no longer need to be at home to actually access that part of our life. Life has become mobile and thus so must the tools we use to manage it.
I would like to point out that even though Verizon was poking fun at the iPhone device initially for their marketing of the Droid device, they were not taking direct shots at the device itself. They too believe that the iPhone is a “revolutionary” piece of equipment that has helped to shape the market and that they are simply trying to show that even if though this is true, the device isn’t “untouchable.” I believe that CNET news reporter Marguerite Reardon gives a really good synopsis of what this competition really boils down to in her coverage of the unveiling of the Droid device:
It’s clear that the Droid is targeted at people looking for an alternative to the iPhone. And Verizon is planning the biggest media campaign it has ever launched for the device. But [John Stratton, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless] said the company is not going to specifically target the iPhone in its marketing. As a sort of pre-Droid ad campaign, Verizon spoofed iPhone advertising.
“We had some fun here with the iPhone stuff,” he said. “The teaser was to wake up the market. And I’ve got to give Apple credit. They revolutionized the industry as a new player and that’s extraordinary. But we have to show that the iPhone is not untouchable.”
Current Analysis analyst Avi Greengart said he is impressed with the new device, and he expects it to shake up the market.
Specifically, he said it’s important that the device matches the iPhone in terms of onboard storage. And even though it doesn’t come with Verizon’s VCast music service, it does work with Amazon’s music and media service. And users can also manually sync their unprotected iTunes music or other MP3 music to the device. But at least for now, there is no automatic media synchronization. Stratton said that is coming, but right now the iPhone trumps the Droid in terms of ease of use in getting music and media on the device.
Possibly Relevant Posts:
- Flash Me, Touch Me,or At Least Key Me In. (1) | Craig Donahue
- All about the hype…where’d it go? (1) | Craig Donahue
- What Does the Droid by Motorola Bring to the Table to Make it an iPhone Contender? (6) | Craig Donahue
One Comment
I love how you dive into the history behind the branding of Microsoft and Google. It seems as if Apple is becoming the new Microsoft in terms of dominating many aspects of technology (like smart phones and MP3 players), and I’m curious to see if this will happen with Google.