It might sound silly when we think that Windows 8 tablets can replace those using Android OS. With more than 675,000 apps, Android is undisputedly the top selling OS for Smartphones. But we fail to understand that why it doesn’t offer similar number of apps for tablets.
The ThreatWe know that Android phone apps translate poorly to the tablet experience.
Android programmers throughout the world are busy in developing apps for mobile phones and often take a pass on tablets. With almost all the apps being developed for mobile devices, Google’s Android is walking on a double-edged sword.
On the contrary, Microsoft’s Windows 8 for tablets has been working hard lately. It is slowly picking up the pace and can dethrone Android from its top position, at least in the tablet market. Since Microsoft has been developing these pure tablet apps for a long time now, it will soon eclipse Google Play. What’s more worrisome for Android is the fact that Microsoft hasn’t even launched its Window Store yet.
When we look at the figures, Widows has about five times more tablet apps than Android.
The Only Way out is to Get InThe Google’s chairman Eric Schmidt confirms that Android finally understands the seriousness of the situation. It acknowledges the threat possessed by Windows tablets. But the situation is not that alarming and can surely be taken care of. They have addressed various
Android apps development firms recently and made it a point to develop more and more Android apps for tablets. Google Inc. also introduced a set of tablet design guidelines for developers on Google Play.
Speculations are that Google might even give away incentives to developers so as to motivate them to develop tablet apps. Giving away incentives is not an alien concept in Microsoft’s camp as well. In fact Microsoft is reportedly trying to woo Android developers to develop apps for Windows 8. It also offers an extensive support system for their developers.
The VerdictIt is obvious that Android will not lose it all even if it fails to curb Windows success. It will continue to be the top provider of OS for smartphones, well at least in the near future. But as the Microsoft is all set to launch its next-gen operating system Windows 8, it looks all in to spend billions of dollars at manufacturers and marketers to make sure that its tablet initiative pays off.
Google will have to hone up its skills and advance in its own game to ensure that Android for tablets emerges as ultimate winner. Its top advantage is the fact that it offers the best choice for inexpensive media devices. But they certainly will have to bolster its strategies like working more amicably with OEMs and motivating its developers so as to develop quality apps in huge numbers.
With air filled with speculations of Apple looking to launch miniature iPads, the threat to Android has doubled and it must find a way to counter both of its competitors. If Google fail in its attempt, it is highly likely that tablet manufacturers could join the Windows for good. This can lead us in a situation where there will be a duopoly of Apple and Microsoft - all over again - just like the old days. Although this time the rivalry will be in the mobile arena instead of desktops.
Rick
