Android
Google Nexus One Taunts Windows Mobile 7
Jan 6th
Most people have at least heard of Google stepping into the mobile phone market in 2010. Apparently Google and HTC were working closely together in 2009 to create a phone specifically designed for ‘Google Users’ (aka, almost everybody). Google’s superphone, now called the Nexus One, has been praised already for its performance and style. A few bloggers got a sneak peek of the Nexus One. In short, they said that “Google Phone = iPhone + a little extra screen and a scroll wheel. Great touch screen, and Android” [tc]. The Nexus One is purely a rebranded HTC phone that Google licensed. You might notice that the Nexus One looks awfully similar to the HTC Passion. No, you’re not tripping. Google probably chose the Passion to start from. Then, HTC and Google worked closely together in order to tailor the phone’s software and hardware to work seamlessly with almost any Google web application.
You might be thinking “Ok, Kyle. Now what does this have to do with Windows Mobile, let alone Windows Mobile 7?” Essentially, this proves that HTC is not siding with any particular mobile operating system. HTC manufactures Pocket PC’s and Smartphones… period. Too many people are speculating that Windows Mobile 7 is a lost cause, simply because they see HTC making phones for everyone but Microsoft these days. First off, that’s not true. HTC, if anything, is working closest to Microsoft. Hell, Windows Mobile still runs on 80% of all HTC phones. HTC and Microsoft are huge customers of each other. In fact, I wouldn’t doubt if Microsoft was HTC’s biggest client as far as sales volume goes.
Does this pose a threat to Windows Mobile 7? In reality, yes. However, it’s undeniably healthy for Microsoft AND Google to compete with each other in the mobile marketplace. I highly doubt that Microsoft’s and Google’s CEO are reclining back in their office chairs, counting their profits. No way. If anything, they’re getting a thrill out of the competition. Each company wants to be the best by having the best mobile phone. Hey, as consumers, this is the best thing possible for us. It drives prices down AND promotes better quality product. Right now the Nexus one is $530 directly from Google and $180 if you buy it from T-Mobile. You can use any unlocked GSM service carrier. Gotta love that.
Nexus One or wait for Windows Mobile 7?
Windows Mobile 7 vs. Android 2.0
Nov 2nd
As 2009 winds down, the excitement grows for the release date of Windows Mobile 7. Still unannounced, Microsoft will most likely release their new mobile OS in October, 2010. But is it too late? The iPhone dominated the mobile market in 2007. And in 2009 Google’s new Android mobile platform swept up whatever the iPhone didn’t grab, especially now that Android 2.0 just released. Anybody in between either had a Smartphone or Pocket PC that ran Windows Mobile 6.
Now it’s Microsoft’s turn again. And remember, Microsoft is usually never 3rd in the competition. Of course, you have to give it to Apple for jumping into the Smartphone arena so aggressively, they really did do a phenomenal job marketing their iPhone. And Google… well they didn’t need to do much to grab the attention of the public.
The battle continues, and we won’t know who really deserves the Smartphone marketshare until sometime in 2010. I always gauge the success of the iPhone, Android, and Windows Mobile between each other using Google Trends. This Google tools allows you to compare multiple keyword search terms based on popularity. Notice how Microsoft has a significant lead over Google Android, even right after Android 2.0 came out. This shows you the kind of lead Microsoft has, and why they aren’t necessarily worried about Apple or Google. As long as they’re in the top 3, they won’t sweat it. But Steve Ballmer will not settle for #3, or #2. Even #1 is a little shady but I guess that will have to do 
Google Android vs Windows Mobile, Google Trends
