The biggest technology news of 2011 has less to do with a new issue than with a new way for an old technology to do business. The iPhone previously had been exclusively should through AT&T, but the announcement that the iPhone will now be available through the Verizon network is causing major waves in the smart phone market.
The move might be seen as an unacknowledged announcement that the Android operating systems caught the attention of Steve Jobs and Apple. The Android has been gaining market share in the past few months. With a backer like Google, Apple would seemingly have a reason to fear this new competitor. The statistics show that the Android gains have largely come at the expense of the Blackberry. The question that must be asked is — will the Android suffer now that Verizon can issue the smart phone?
The smart phone battle between the Android and the iPhone seems to have less to do with facts then with feelings. Much like the Apple versus the Personal Computer debate, Android and the iPhone each have positives. The debate seems to center more on personal preference than measurable technical aspects. Each phone performs similar functions. Both operate as MP3 players, have Wi-Fi access and each have a library of applications to choose from. Advocates might latch onto a minor detail, but the systems seem to be fairly equal.
Despite this, the Android might suffer from the iPhone partnership with Verizon. Some analysts are predicting that as many as two million Android phone sales will now go to the Verizon iPhone. The one saving grace for the Android is that it will run on Verizon’s hyped 4G network. The iPhone will run on the older 3G.
Marketing rather than features might decide the smart phone wars. The best possible option for consumers is to keep the companies at each other’s throats rather than attempting to maximize profits from their customer base.