Monday, May 24, 2010

Google vs Apple...the next great rivalry?

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=128735

Google is fearlessly attempting to go to head to head with Apple in a number of areas including an online applications, mobile software, and television. Is this the beginning of the 21st century's greatest rivalry? Can the rivalry result in both company's prospering like Coke and Pepsi did in the 20th century?

Although google appears to be attacking Apple head on, it may be possible for these two companies to co-exist and even push one another to continue to innovate and grow. Some suggest that the rivalry between Coke and Pepsi is what lead to both companies' substantial growth through the 20th century.

I believe a mobile operating system is a smart and logical extension of Google's current dominance in search. As smart phones continue to become more prevalent, individuals will increasingly use their mobile devices to search for content, products, and even make purchases. Android is in direct competition with the iphone but I believe there is plenty of room in sector for two players potentially creating a long-term oligopoly. Android is just software, which can be used on any mobile phone while the iphone combines the two. It is unlikely that everyone will one day own an iPhone and more likely that some will own iPhones and others will own nokias, motorolas, etc. with an Android operating system. It could turn into the Microsoft and Mac of the mobile phone world.

I also believe that the rivalry will extend into connecting all forms of media and communication i.e. mobile, television, movies, etc. Again, I think these two companies are years ahead of others and can co-exist in this arena as well. It will be interesting and exciting to watch these companies continue to change the technology world and make a lot of money doing it!

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