In Although it got off to a bit of a slow start, Googles Android mobile operating system has caught its stride. In 2010, it was the most desired operating system around the world, and according to most analysts, the platform will dominate the mobile market for the foreseeable future. All other competitors, including Apple, Research In Motion, and Microsoft will have no other choice but to pick up the scraps.
Considering that, there isnt much that Google should be upset about in the mobile market right now. When its all said and done, the more market share a company has the better. And considering that Google is so heavily invested in advertising, the search giant could make boatloads of cash off its platform.
But that doesnt mean that there arent issues related to Android that Google wont eventually need to address. The mobile operating system is an outstanding choice for many consumers, but there are glaring problems with Android that are simply impossible to ignore.
Read on to learn more:
1. The fragmentation is real:
Google likes to downplay the Android fragmentation issue in which mobile device manufacturers are releasing new products for the multiple concurrent versions of the Android OS. Its a major issue for software developers who have to support all these versions and its time that Google acknowledged it. In a recent study, Baird Research found that developers are especially concerned with Android fragmentation. In fact, 24% of respondents said it was a huge problem, while 33% of developers said it was a meaningful problem. Only 14% of respondents said it wasnt a problem at all. If thats not a good enough reason for Google to start reducing Android fragmentation, what is?
2. The update process is a pain:
As Android owners know all too well, getting an update to their smartphone is a pain. A friend with a different device might already be running the latest version of the operating system, while the other person is left to wait (and wait) for their turn to get the software. When Apple releases an update to its operating system, its available to all customers that day. Granted, Apples process is simpler, since it doesnt need to worry about multiple device manufacturers and the modifications those companies might be making to the operating system. But for Apple customers, its a much easier process. The time has come for Google to work with vendor partners to streamline the update process.
3. There must be better consumer education:
Android is undoubtedly a fine operating system that consumers around the world are happy to use. But Google just hasnt done a good enough job of informing the public on the differences between versions of its operating system. Sure, Android 2.3 might seem like a better option than Android 2.2 by virtue of the fact that its newer, but what are the relative advantages of each version thats currently on the market? Those who follow Android closely know, but the average, mainstream user who simply buys a phone and wants a good operating system needs to be better informed.
4. Solving the iPhone problem:
If sales figures are ones guide, its clear that Android is more desirable than iOS. But thats not the full story. Its important to keep in mind that Android is running on devices from many major vendors. Apples iOS platform is running on the iPhone and the iPad. Despite its wide use, its hard to find a single Android-based smartphone that can match the iPhone in terms of overall popularity. The Motorola Droid X is a fine device, but its not an iPhone. The same can be said for HTCs line of Android smartphones. Its about time Google finds a way to offer a smartphone that can finally supplant the iPhone as the top mobile device in the marketplace.
5. The tablets arent cutting it:
Although the tablet market is still in its early stages, the Android-based tablets that are already available to customers just arent cutting it. The Motorola Droid X has been totally unable to compete with the iPad 2. And the same can be said for the Samsung Galaxy Tab and the Dell Streak. Granted, many more Android-based tablets are on the way, but considering over 50 million tablets will ship this year and analysts believe the iPad 2 will account of the lions share of those devices, it might be time for Google to figure out how it can make Android-based tablets more relevant in that marketplace.
6. Making Honeycomb live up to the hype:
When Google unveiled Android 3.0 Honeycomb, just about everyone was excited. The platform offers full tabbed browsing, improved multitasking, and a slate of features that, on paper, makes iOS look obsolete. The only issue is, Honeycomb is a bit buggy, according to some users. Global Equities analyst Trip Chowdry went so far to say in March that the operating system is extremely complicated and confusing. He noted freezing problems, battery issues, and other quirks that will need to be addressed. If Honeycomb is going to lead Googles tablet charge, the company better get to work on fixing it.
7. Its still not iOS:
Google and Android fans might not want to hear it, but Android is still not on the same level as iOS. The operating system is undoubtedly getting closer by the minute, and with a fully improved Honeycomb, it might be able to overcome iOS, but for now, it lacks the polish that Apples operating system offers. Moreover, it doesnt deliver the same level of usability that customers are after. If Google can overcome that issue, it could finally put the threat Apple poses to rest.
8. Security considerations:
Last month, Google was forced to remove several applications from the Android Market after they were found to contain malware. Worst of all, they were believed to be downloaded over 250,000 times. Google remotely removed the malicious apps from users devices, but it did little to help the platforms standing in the security space. Several developers, including Lookout and others, have developed Android security apps to help users confront Android security issues. So far, no major problems related to those tainted applications have come to light. But if Google should do anything, its start addressing security concerns now. The last thing it needs is to turn out like Microsoft Windows in the desktop market.
9. The Android market:
Android application developers have criticized Googles Android Market over the past several months for failing to give them the same ability to generate revenue from their programs as in Apples App Store. Angry Birds maker Rovio has been the most outspoken. The companys CEO said back in December that everyone would agree the payment and purchase experience (on Android) has been less than excellent. Google recently launched an in-app billing service to help quell some of the unrest, but its still a problem. The Android Market needs to be as developer-friendly as possible. Right now developers arent giving Google high marks in this area.
10. Getting the enterprise to care:
The corporate world is a difficult market to break into for any company. Its notoriously averse to change and even when it does opt for a new technology, it takes forever to make that jump. Thats part of the reason Android has had some trouble appealing to the enterprise. But some of the blame can also be placed on Google, which simply hasnt done enough to deliver all the features enterprise users care about. The companys mobile operating system is decidedly consumer-focused. If Google wants Android to be a long-term, dominant success, it will have no choice but to work with vendors and deliver a far more enterprise-friendly option.
Source: eWeek
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