What is Android's Future?

As the first major entrant into the smart phone market, Apple had a key advantage. Along with having already gained quite a following thanks to the success of their iPod, the company managed to get a head start on competitors by capturing a large part of the market and gathering a sizeable smart phone following. However, Google's Android platform has continued to gain new users and now acts as the main rival to Apple. We're going to look at the key reasons for Android's success, as well as looking at if the success is set to continue or not.

THE FIRST ISN'T ALWAYS THE BEST:

Although Apple didn't really "invent" any of it's offerings, it designed popular products and brought them to the attention of the masses. As the first major entrant into the smart phone market, Apple managed to get a head start on rivals. Although this is important, first isn't always best. Late entrants have the ability to look at failings and improve on them.

Most people think that Apple invented tablet computing, but this isn't the case. Companies have been making similar types of computers for almost ten years now - but Apple has made them popular by designing an innovative and usable product. Android has attempted to do the same to Apple's smart phone market by entering later, but trying to do things better.

WHY FREEDOM CAN BE BETTER:

One of the main criticisms of Apple is that it doesn't provide very much freedom to its users. Those who use Apple's products will know - you're only allowed to do what Apple want you to do. All Apps for the iPhone have to be licensed or agreed to by Apple, and you have to purchase through their rigid system.

One of the main ways Android has managed to differentiate itself is because it offers an open-source platform where users are free to do what they want. Developers across the planet can make their own software and offer it for others to try and enjoy. You don't have to get apps through Android's marketplace (although it does provide an easy place to do so). Anyone can make Android software and share it with their friends. The great thing is, lots of popular apps have come along that are provided for free - something Apple has very little of.

Users like that they are free to use their Android phone how they want, and many people have pushed against Apple's almost authoritarian regime.

SOMETIME ITS COOL TO BE DIFFERENT:

Apple used to be cool, but is it still? Whilst the company undoubtedly has millions of loyal followers, it's no longer the niche or alternative option. Sometimes, people like to rebel against the mega-popular, and that's one of the reasons why Android has been able to make a dent on Apple's huge market share.

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