Monday, August 22, 2011

iPad and Other Tablets

HP has pulled the plug on its new born TouchPad. Its sad and it underlines the dominance of iPad over its competitors. But the article itself has its flaws. It compares iPad success with iPod success. I think the comparison is misplaced. Survival of iPad like devices depends on the ecosystem that surrounds it. iPod succeeded due to an intuitive and comprehensive ecosystem of iTunes store and Desktop app. However, it was a small ecosystem. iPad on the other had is taking on Home PC / Laptop mkt. Here the ecosystem is large. It thrives on applications written and supported for the platform. Here, thanks to Andriod, there is a capable competitor. Google has already demonstrated its capabilities with the Andriod. Today, Andriod sells more than iPhone's iOS. Google is further upping the ante by buying Motorola's Mobile Arm.

In my view the Tablet wars are only starting to get serious now. This war will be fought in the next 5 years between. Apple needs to watch out for Andriod. Android has an equally strong ecosystem. With Apple shunning Flash, while Android embracing it, I think we will see Android HoneyComb and probably the next version of OS giving Apple a run for its money.

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