News Analysis: Google's Android OS is more attractive than ever. It's a hit with smartphone buyers and makers, and Google is making moves that will keep the mobile operating system on a roll.
Google's Android operating system is
easily
besting the competition in today's mobile market. In fact, the company's
operating system, which runs on several devices from a number of vendors, is
outselling Apple's iPhone, RIM's BlackBerry and other products that haven't
been able to captivate audiences as effectively as it has.
And now with Windows Phone 7 out of the bag, it's clear that
Google's operating system will only grow even more rapidly. Microsoft's
operating system lacks the key features that most consumers really want, and it's
arguably going to fall even further behind due to the limitations in its
functionality.
Google's Android OS has what it takes to succeed. The mobile
operating system is on a roll, and it doesn't look like there is anything out
there to put a brake on its momentum.
Here's why:
1. Android 2.2 keeps coming
When
Google
first offered Android OS, it was a mess. The operating system didn't work
the way consumers had hoped, and Apple's iOS looked all the better. But Google
improved the mobile operating system with each new update. Android 2.2, for
example, is easily the best version of the software ever released. That's why
it's coming to more devices. As that continues, it will be harder for consumers
to opt for an alternative.
2. Android 3.0 is right around the corner
As good as Android 2.2 is, Google is planning to offer Android
3.0 in the coming months. Most estimates peg the release date at early 2011.
When that software is released, it will likely include several updates that
will make it even more appealing to customers. Considering Android 2.1 and
Android 2.2 have been such successes, it's hard to see why Android 3.0 won't be
as well.
3. Tablets are starting to adopt it
With Apple's iPad setting the sales standard in the tablet
market, other vendors that want to run Android OS are starting to fall into
place. Currently, Cisco, LG, Samsung and others plan to introduce Android-based
tablets in the coming months. That's good news for Google, and it will likely
only help the company's mobile operating system take the lead in the space.
4. It's becoming more enterprise-focused
Google is finally starting to realize that
in
order to be successful in the mobile market, getting the enterprise into
the mix is extremely important. So the company is starting to make inroads into
the corporate world. Android 2.2 is widely considered by people who have
evaluated it as the most enterprise-friendly mobile operating system Google has
ever released. Going forward, Google will likely continue to make a push for
the enterprise. That should only make its software that much more appealing.
5. Windows Phone 7 looks to be a failure
Windows Phone 7 is arguably Google's biggest competition in
the mobile OS space. The new operating system from Microsoft attempts to
attract vendors and beat Google at its own game: selling a slew of devices to
consumers around the world. But Windows Phone 7 lacks full multitasking, apps
and a number of other features consumers want. And it will likely be viewed as
the other operating system when it launches in the U.S.
next month.