Right now, when we talk about smartphones. It’s either Android or Apple (iOS). It’s interesting to note that these two platforms are in contrast with each other. One is in a closed system, the other is an open platform.
They just dominate
According to the latest figures from Google, 1 million android devices are being activated every day. They have a total of 400 million active devices now.
Apple sold 365 million iOS devices by June of this year.
Although these two giants dominate, yet Microsoft and Blackberry still challenge them.
Why the year 2012 is special?
Because of the situation wherein some companies need to survive while others are simply dominating.
Blackberry is in a make or break situation again with the expected release of its new OS, the Blackberry 10. The company has been in a slump and in the past few years was not able to immediately adapt with the current trends.
On the part of Microsoft, the release and consumer preview of Windows 8 received a very positive response from the tech experts and from the consumers in general. It’s really something innovative, after Windows 7.
2012 software refreshes
To get a fairer market share, cutting edge OS updates need to be done. And Blackberry and Microsoft will again attempt to challenge the dominance of Apple and Google.
Windows 8
The new software from Microsoft, which can also be used in standard PCs and laptops, features a very refreshing start screen composed of several tiles. You can adjust the size of these tiles and basically arrange them according to your preferences.
Blackberry 10
Blackberry is still alive, and maybe this will be its last chance to remain in the game. The new Blackberry 10 will surely feature touch screen features. Although the company still limits the info being released about its new software, one thing is for sure – it must be at par with iOS and Android. Its features will include the Smart Group Shot like in Windows 8.
iOS 6
Apple already announced that it will release its iOS update this year. It is packed with new features , which include 3D maps (Google already released its own 3D maps version) with turn-by-turn voice guided navigation, and real-time traffic updates. Apple’s maps will feature 3D flyovers of major cities and vector graphics.
Android Jelly Bean
And of course, the latest from Google, the Jelly Bean. It is expected to be released this year with the new products like Nexus S. According to Engadget’s latest review, Jelly Bean will only be initially released through Galaxy Nexus, Nexus S, and Motorola Xoom. The software performs well, and the tweaking of the ICS results in a faster and more responsive performance. Maps can already be accessed even though you’re offline. But there is a limit to the map data that can be downloaded. Google Now works well with the voice command, it’s responsive and accurate.
Contrasting approaches same goals
We can say that the philosophy that Apple and Google adopted play really big roles in their success.
According to an analysis that was conducted by experts from the University of California Berkeley, most of the players in the smartphone industry adopted traditional methods during the time that the smartphone was still emerging – Google opted for the open system while Apple for the closed system.
The Google way
Google’s open system allows a lot of Android developers to tweak and improve the platform. The company also do not directly draw value from the OS rather it’s more on the advertising aspect that they gain revenue from.
Apple’s approach
Apple’s closed system made sure that the development and sale of all the apps is controlled. Also, it provides easier updates across all their devices. One more thing, the brand name is a big factor, although the product is already becoming more common.
Closing thoughts
Both became successful in controlling majority of the markets. The contrast in the approaches of the two companies show that there are really a lot of approaches to become successful.
So, with the updates from Microsoft and Blackberry, one thing is sure, they need to be better than both Android and iOS. And that’s really tough.
What will be the dominant smartphone OS this second half of 2012? Ric explores this topic with a short overview of the current operating systems from the biggest smartphone companies. Fnd more of his post at Massachusetts Personal Injury Attorney and Boston Personal Injury Attorneys.