November 8th, 2008
Microsoft is falling behind in mobile
Steve Ballmer is quick to say that Google’s new Android operating system is nothing to worry about, and that he doesn’t get their business model — but when was the last time you heard anything interesting about Windows Mobile?
“This is [Google's] first phone, they’re not easy. Let’s see how they do.” … “[Google] can hire smart guys, hire smart people, blah-de-blah-de-blah. … I don’t really understand their strategy, maybe somebody else does. … Turning up to an investor meeting saying, ‘We’ve just launched a mobile operating system with no revenue model, yay!’ — I wouldn’t do that. … I don’t get the business model.”
Google has been working hard on Android, and in many ways, they are the open source alternative to iPhone. Even Blackberry is stepping up to the plate with their new touch screen device. All three of these operating systems are taking trending towards self-serve, hosted application directories that really get developers excited about building applications. The iPhone App Store has been a huge success — some applications like Trism have brought instant riches to its developer (a quarter million in just 2 months). Google’s market place, and the App Center from Research In Motion are sure to be just as attractive to developers.
What about Microsoft? Windows Mobile 6, which technically has lots of the same potential, looks ancient and feels clunky compared to its modern counterparts. The lack of the “cool factor” for Windows Mobile could quickly become a problem for Microsoft.
There are two types of operating systems for smart devices — proprietary ones like iPhone and Blackberry, and ones designed for the mass market like Windows Mobile and Android.
Proprietary operating systems will continue to exist, as long as devices that support them are cooler than other devices — Apple and Research In Motion should be around for a long time due to their brand. On the other hand, operating systems designed for the mass market are going to be successful only if they can be sexy to manufacturers and carriers — and that’s why Microsoft might start seeing problems if they aren’t careful.
Android is free to license — that means device makers can cut costs on every device they make. That’s going to be increasingly important in these economically challenging times.
Do you think Microsoft is falling behind in mobile? Let’s hear what you think in the TalkBack!
Garett Rogers is employed as a programmer for iQmetrix, which specializes in retail management software for the wireless industry.
See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
Subscribe to Googling Google via Email alerts or RSS.
It's Great!
