What’s up with Android?

October 7, 2011. Before going any further I want to acknowledge that I leaned rather heavily on the excellent article in the September-October South African issue of Stuff magazine, titled “Android: Rise of the Robot” for this blog. I believe firmly that when trying to understand tech “Stuff”, it’s better to go with the experts. Other sources consulted include pcworld.com and toptechreviews.net. You can find Stuff magazine on the web at www.stuff.co.za

Graphic image by Kirsty Stirton

First up, what exactly is Android? Android is basically the Google OS (Operating System) used for tablets and smartphones. Android is not small, it’s huge overseas and sells at least as many units as Apple in the US, with up to 100 million smartphones and tablets running it worldwide and, according to Stuff, 400 000 units activated around the world every day. Those are huge figures, there’s no getting around it.

According to some reports, Android is opening up a significant lead over iOS (Apple) in the United States and the world market.

The big buzz in the tech and entertainment industry, is that with an easy to use and fairly hassle free OS, products running Android will become cheaper and more accessible in countries such as South Africa, where smartphones and tablets are still relatively expensive, and a couple of well marketed, high end brands have dominated thus far.

Is Apple's place in the market so assured? Android certainly doesn't think so

But there’s much more from Android. Google plans for Android phones to be able to activate and manipulate just about every gadget in your home: stuff like your alarm; power sockets, oven, heating, lighting, locks, TV; lighting and sprinkler system in your garden . . .  it could even become your credit card . . .

This is not a next-generation thing. It’s already happening. Perhaps in our Apple and BlackBerry obsessed culture in SA we are missing the real treasures out there. Read Stuff for more; I think you’ll find plenty food for thought.

Of interest:

The Apple iPad 2 was the joint cheapest tablet sampled.

• Asus Eee Pad Transformer: R4 400
  BlackBerry Playbook: Estimated to start at R4 999
  HTC Flyer: R6 880
  Apple iPad 2: R4 400
  Motorola Xoom: R6 600

So what is perceived to be a market leading, exclusive product, is not necessarily the most costly.

While Apple’s OS remains the benchmark, it’s perceived that Android is rapidly catching up: What most consumers are looking at is the Apps available and the functionality and ease of use of the device. When trying to determine which tablet or phone to buy, do your research into 3G vs Wi-fi, or an option for both. This can have a major impact on your ability to browse the web.

Basically, what we all dream of is a beautifully styled device, that’s light, has great functionality and entertainment options, is easy to use and won’t be flooded with viruses. The race is on to sell us that dream product . . . competition is the name of the game. – By Editor, Garth Johnstone

More tech stuff here: The world of Apple after Steve Jobs

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