According to CNBC and The Wall Street Journal it seems that Google is delaying the release of it’s Android platform which could push the release of handsets back a few quarters. This isn’t good news for the developers and companies actively developing applications for the platform. Especially with the release of the new iPhone.
What I probably liked most about the article wasn’t even android related. Instead, they question Google’s various revenue generating strategies.
Still, if this is a technical issue, it speaks to Google’s deeper issues of creating new revenue streams in-house, rather than going out and acquiring the technology instead. Google still hasn’t come up with a way to make money from YouTube; the company has had enormous difficulty breaking out of its search-advertising-only model; DoubleClick gets them into display advertising but Google had to spend billions to buy it, rather than developing the technology on its own.
Android puts Google into arguably the most dynamic sector in tech, but it seems like the company is having difficulties, either with its potential customers, or with the software itself.
I also would like to point out this comment that made me laugh from the WSJ article.
But some developers say it is easier to work with Apple’s programming tools than Google’s because of the familiarity with the company’s Macintosh operating system. As a result, a wide range of software companies have been scrambling to build new iPhone applications.
Obviously people familiar with the Macintosh operating system are going to find making apps for the iPhone easier. But what about the fact that there are a LOT MORE java developers who work on Windows or Linux than those familiar with the Mac platform? FACT: C# > Java > Objective C
This is a pretty good Q&A article that covers how the Windows Mobile team views the mobile OS market and their competitors. The vibe I got was that they have no fears because they have been in the market for so long and any new-comers are entering an already croweded market (Android). There are also a few comments on the iPhone and the App Store.
After reading this newsweek article titled The iPhone ‘Secret’I couldn’t help laugh at how addicted people are to whatever scraps Steve Jobs throws at them. Don’t get me wrong, I am excited for Android to be released and maybe even curious to see what the new iphone will look like too. But, you wont find me tracking down Mac cargo ships and reviewing Steve’s airfare costs anytime soon. Come on, isn’t that a bit ridiculous? Is learning a few bits of information a day or two ahead of its release really going to make a huge difference? No, probably not. It might be a great product, but it doesnt need to be stalked like a celebrity… its just a phone folks.
Does anyone really think that Apple can sell 10 million iphones by the end of this year? Are you going to buy one? As a developer, the reasons I wont buy one are that you can only develop apps for it on a Mac and that you must distribute it through the apple store. Those are some pretty heavy restrictions.
“Actually, if I recall correctly the judges are due to have their scores on the 100 back to us by Wednesday. Then we have to tabulate the scores, and I think the legal department has to finish their eligibility review (to make sure no submitters are known terrorists, and that sort of thing. ;)So I don’t think we’ll be able to announce anything before Wednesday. But as far as I know we are still on track to announce sometime next week.
An interesting article about Android’s mobile strategy. Check it out.
“Here we are months away from the launch of the first Android hardware, and Google along with the Open Handset Alliance is gearing up for the war against Apple and the vaunted iPhone. However, given the recent revelations regarding Google’s approach to quality control, or lack there of this war may be over before it even gets started.”
“I’m thrilled to share the news that developers from over 70 countries submitted 1,788 entries to the Android Developer Challenge!
Here are a few facts that I thought were interesting. When we announced the Android Developer Challenge back in January, developers started submitting entries right away but it wasn’t until the April 14 deadline approached that the flood really began. The rate of submissions spiked in the wee hours of Tuesday morning, reaching as high as 170+ submissions per hour.”
Sideclicker is officially turned in! We completed what we could and turned our application in to Google yesterday. I hope we do well! If not, it was dang fun while it lasted. I feel pretty comfortable using the Android SDK and it was a great way to refresh my Java skills. It was also a great reminder of all the things I hate about Java!
So, if we win, dont worry… we’ll remember all the little people who helped us get there.
Check out the full screen android phone! So pretty!
The trackball is an interesting feature. Maybe it will be possible to actually play a type of shooter on it? I’m not sure how you would move around though. Still, very exciting to see an actual phone running Android!
So there are tons of pics showing up all over the place of Android phone prototypes. There are even some pics of the new UI google has been working on. Just thought I would share. Enjoy! :)
