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If there's one thing Apple has executed on, it's the synthesis of hardware and software. That's an often overlooked key to a successful customer experience. An
by sounds 14y ago
If there's one thing Apple has executed on, it's the synthesis of hardware and software.
That's an often overlooked key to a successful customer experience. Android has some decent hardware - Galaxy S III apparently but I haven't tried it yet - but unless you luck out and a carrier throws you an Ice Cream Sandwich or Jelly Bean, what's the point?
Microsoft knows they need something, but if they don't have some pretty awesome software they'll be in the same place Android is. (Sans patent lawsuits)
- SlipperySlope 14y agoMicrosoft has been crushed by Android in mobile. From a once dominating position, Microsoft phone OS's now get lumped in the 'other' category when market share pie charts are illustrated. Despite patent licensing fees, Google's Android is free to use - or to fork as was done by Amazon. This is a resounding win for Linux. On the other hand Apple effectively gives away iOS when you buy or upgrade one of their mobile products. What niche is left for Microsoft - even if they do create some pretty awesome software?
- sounds 14y agoOh I wouldn't write Microsoft off entirely yet. Nokia is probably a dodo at this point, but it would be a bit hasty to forget Microsoft's $60 billion in cash [1] I do think Microsoft is trying to apply PC-era tactics to embedded devices. It's like they're chatting up that hot girl who, it turns out, is a ninja assassin on a psycho killing spree. The only thing the embedded world produces with any regularity is bankrupt companies; what I'm saying is, companies like HTC and Samsung are used to an intensity that Nokia may never figure out. Microsoft is capable of surviving in the embedded world, but they probably won't "wake up" for another year at least. [1] http://finance.yahoo.com/q/ks?s=msft http://finance.yahoo.com/q/ks?s=msft
- SlipperySlope 14y agoAgree that technically mobile is embedded, but mobile is more popularly considered a separate market from embedded. For example, while a phone and a washing machine may have the same sort of CPU, most engineers consider these separate markets. Do you think that Steve Ballmer will be the one that wakes up, or does the board find a new chief executive?
- sounds 14y agoI don't know if Ballmer will stay or not as CEO, but remember that he and his good friend Gates still have a controlling share of the company. What separates mobile from embedded won't shield mobile, or Microsoft, from the race-to-the-bottom, cloning, and short product lifespans that make embedded such a hard business to be in.
- vidarh 14y ago> Gates still have a controlling share of the company. No, he doesn't. He holds around 6% of Microsoft. He lost his controlling stake with the Microsoft IPO in 1986
- stonemetal 14y agoMicrosoft knows they need something, but if they don't have some pretty awesome software they'll be in the same place Android is. Where exactly do you think that is? It appears Android is currently the front runner, so yeah I am sure MS would love to be there. http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2012/07/13/android-mops-floor-with-apple-new-sales-figures-show/ http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2012/07/13/android-mops-floor-wi...
- sounds 14y agoAndroid is getting some good press right now. Apply is about to announce the iPhone 5 on 12 Sep. Exactly how long do you think Samsung will be #1?
- SlipperySlope 14y agoUntil Apple figures out annual upgrade cycles, Samsung will probably be number 1 again by spring 2013 as Apple consumers postpone purchases until the next annual Apple product release. Samsung and others are free to attack the seasonal gaps in the Apple annual - holiday season - upgrade cycle.