How the iPad impacts Android

January 29, 2010 | by Marin Perez

Even if you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve heard that Apple is preparing to bring out a fancy new tablet called the iPad. This undeniably cool piece of technology has a few too many restrictions for my liking, but it has the potential to impact our favorite little green robot.

How? It’s simple: Developers, developers, developers. While most analysts aren’t expecting the iPad to be the mega-success the iPhone/iPod Touch are, it is sure to add a few million to the Apple ecosystem. You know, that ecosystem that has to go through iTunes, and it subject to arbitrary rulings. I believe that openness is the better solution that should win, and that the web will eventually be the ultimate app platform. But not everyone thinks that. In fact, I know of at least 75 million iPhone OS owners who prefer the simplicity and great user experience of the Apple ecosystem.

Because of this, some developers may choose to develop only for the iPhone OS, or at least place most of their resources there. Sure, Facebook, Electronic Arts, and the other big players will make apps for every platform, but the smaller, innovative ones will go iPhone first because that’s where all the action is right now.

Don’t get me wrong, the iPad and iPhone do help Android by raising awareness and expectations of what smartphones can do. It also urges website owners to tailor their sites for mobile handsets. I think the form factor is actually pretty nice for a couch computer/third device. I don’t think we’ll have to wait too long before we see a similar product featuring Android.

Android, apple, Cell phone, Chrome, Google, iPad, iPhone, mobile applications, smartphone, tablet

7 Comments

marvingreenberg says:

January 29, 2010 at 7:56 pm

The iPad is a non-issue for now. The issue is what you already point out, 75 million iPhones versus a few million Android. That will be addressed over time and if there are 100 million android devices there will be plenty of developers. But this does again highlight the unfortunateness of Google's ChromeOS decision. Until that point, Android seemed like much more multipurpose platform than just a phone OS. Because of its openness and affordability (free), it could be a TV OS, a stereo OS, a toaster OS, AND a padlet/netbook/computer OS. ChromeOS seems to be relegating it to things less than computers, and adds uncertainty to the platform.
kebernet says:

January 29, 2010 at 10:16 pm

I say the Android Vega will be better than the iPad anyway. I left the iPhone largely because I was tired of the iron fisted rule of Apple on everything. No way to do I want to buy into another device like that.
3dbloke says:

January 30, 2010 at 12:49 pm

It is my hope and belief that 2010 will be the year Android really enters the awareness of the wider public, beyond the enthusiast community. With the iPad out there in the open, Android tablet makers can see what they're up against. The products have to be of a similar build quality to the iPad, as it is the "feel" of Apple products, as much as the look, that sells them. I have no doubt that HTC, for one, have plans in motion to meet the challenge.
Adam Koncz says:

January 30, 2010 at 2:26 pm

Only thing I envy from IPad is the aluminium body and the 10 hours battery life. If any android device can match it than no question on which is the better sollution
Marin says:

January 30, 2010 at 10:17 pm

Yeah, I'm only concerned that companies will throw out tablets with stock android, and that will look like crap compared to apple's ui.
Tara Smith Spalding says:

February 1, 2010 at 3:09 pm

As a small tech company marketeer – I have no problem finding iPhone developers that have already accomplished creating an app that my company needs. I do have problems finding Android app developers regardless of experience. I agree with Marvingreenberg that the introduction of the iPad even with its shortfalls is a great way for Apple to defensively contain developers from crossing over to Android. I am watching the new emerging market of tech companies that provide a conversion service for apps – and hope that explodes.
kids' socks wholesale says:

May 13, 2010 at 11:40 am

hi,really damn good Ipad,do you know where i can find that damn good.thanks,Vox

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