It’s a well known fact: I’m immersed in Google.
Email, Google+, navigation, mobile computing… I depend a lot on Google. I’m the one the privacy purists point and shake their heads sadly at.
As far as smartphone choice has gone, I switched over from BlackBerry to Android somewhat reluctantly. I wasn’t going to switch carriers for the iPhone, and in any case, there were a couple of advantages that Android had over iOS for my usage.
The Android Market was not one of them.
Now, I had made do with BlackBerry’s slim offerings, so getting in on Android’s app selection was like Tim Robbin’s character finding water after escaping through “unimaginable filth” in Shawshank Redemption:
[tentblogger-youtube EgH2ewQJlCg]
Still, there were some major deficiencies. One that sticks out in my mind was the lack of decent software to sign documents.
Times Change
Today, it is way different. Apple’s App Store is still the BKOTB, but the Play Store is a true rival, not just a bothersome street urchin. Case in point? I needed to sign a document, and there were dozens of good cross-platform options. Apple still determines the direction, but Android is mostly able to keep up, and now and then, we even see (gasp!) Android exclusives. There are times when it is clear some entities still consider iOS as the go-to platform, but hey, the fact that it is news is huge in and of itself.
Robert Scoble
Recently, word hit the street that Robert Scoble is moving to Android. That is news. My first emotion? Panic.
Android is becoming too mainstream, and is tipping the balance of competitiveness. Palm/WebOS disappearing doesn’t help, nor does BlackBerry’s recent struggles. And now, we have the recurrent news of a budget Apple device.
What on earth is going on in the mobile space?
Google Is Happening
Google is happening, one app at a time. One Google Maps on iOS at a time. One cheap Nexus 4 at a time. One Ingress at time. And I want it to stop, for the sake of my ego. I want to feel smart using Android, and that won’t happen if everyone uses one. 😛
But more importantly, we, as consumers, need BB10, WP, Ubuntu, Symbian, and the rest. And of course, iOS. We need them to do well. We need the different ecosystems.
Without competition, there is no innovation.
So, yes, in February 2013, I am espousing device diversity. For you and me.
What is your second favorite operating system?
Mahesh says
I am looking forward to ubuntu. I like android, but you need change once in while. I was not impressed with Win Metro interface on Nokia. So I think ubuntu is going to be something cool in the market.
Eric Dye says
Agreed.
Tre Lawrence says
I am waiting eagerly for ubuntu as well. Don’t know if it will be wide adopted, but I do hope it sticks around.
Raoul Snyman says
My favourite mobile operating system? Maemo. It is now living on in the form of MeeGo and Mer. That’s the original operating system that Nokia was moving forward with, before Mr Microsoft took over and scuttled the Nokia ship.
Android is my second favourite, and I’m keen to see how Ubuntu pans out.
Has anyone tried Blackberry 10 yet? The reviews I have seen have said that it is decent, though not a game changer.
I did see that Alcatel is bringing out the first Firefox phone, anyone looked at that?
Eric Dye says
I think BB10 is too little, too late. Reminds me of the MS’s Zune and smartphone OS.
Gangai Victor says
Doesn’t matter how good the OS is, the one that attracts app developers will keep winning.
Eric Dye says
Good point.