Google Grab
Advertising is only part of Google’s gain with mobile phones. Much has been made about Google’s mobile advertising potential in deploying Android, their free Linux-based mobile operating system. Google will indeed make a(nother) boatload money through advertisements on cell phones. But this is only part of the Google strategy. The other components should worry competitors more. Let’s stipulate a few things in order for the market dynamics to be clear: Mobile devices are the prophesized unified communications portal (servers be damned). Due to constant availability, mobile devices will become the first option for most people for discovery and use of information. Unifying the end user experience while roaming and at the desk creates commitment by the customer/user. Therein lay the competitive threat from the G-Phone. For years now Google has created end user services (search, maps, photo galleries, office apps, more). The services are generally cost free for the users. … Continue reading →