Of course, Android OS is open source and allows for market competition across vendors. This drives down cost (and profit) making great devices available to more people as well as keeping Apple honest and making great devices at a premium.
Capitalism at its best. Do you want a Porsche, BMW, Ford or a Skoda? Apple is more like a Porsche, Samsung BMW, with other Android devices available for dirt. Android provides more price points for products allowing people to buy what they can afford. This doesn’t worry Google and I disagree with some of the analysis. Long term it might be difficult for people to justify the cost of an Apple device, 99% of desired features will be available in a cheap device - which will be Android based.
I’m an Android guy, I don’t believe the Apple premium is worth it - especially considering the “walled garden” they keep you in. If you’re ok with the costs then Apple does provide a better unified experience across devices/technologies. I love my S5 and don’t want to be trapped in (and controlled by) a proprietary Apple world.
“Capitalism at its best.”
Agreed.
“Do you want a Porsche, BMW, Ford or a Skoda? Apple is more like a Porsche, Samsung BMW, with other Android devices available for dirt.”
If your BMW can’t produce cars at a profit, the future doesn’t bode well.
“Android provides more price points for products allowing people to buy what they can afford.”
Agreed.
“This doesn’t worry Google and I disagree with some of the analysis.”
Google doesn’t have much to lose.
“Long term it might be difficult for people to justify the cost of an Apple device, 99% of desired features will be available in a cheap device - which will be Android based.”
That does presume a static world, unguarded by new patents.
“I’m an Android guy, I don’t believe the Apple premium is worth it - especially considering the “walled garden” they keep you in.”
It is insignificant to me and most. Perhaps you are doing sophisticated things that are unattainable in the Apple system?
“If you’re ok with the costs then Apple does provide a better unified experience across devices/technologies. I love my S5 and don’t want to be trapped in (and controlled by) a proprietary Apple world.”
I focus on value. Cost is not a big deal to us, fortunately. I want it to work and not be vulnerable to malware in all its forms. And be beautiful and effective. It does all that for us.
What are you doing with your S5 (if you don’t mind my asking) that you would be unable to do with an iPhone? What would be missing that would alter your world dramatically?
I’m fine with people using all the different phones - even the MS Monster. Competition makes everyone better... at least the survivors.