Comments on: Could Google+ give Android a needed boost?

By: karthiq

karthiq — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 16:15:33 +0000

I hope android gives google+ a needed boost.Google+ needs a functionality where it can allow google+ users to send text messages to every one in their android phone book to invite them into circles.That will give G+ the critical mass it needs to stay alive against facebook.The more the no of users jump into G+,the furthur more the no of users will jump into it.

By: Rpg

Rpg — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 07:05:44 +0000

Lol!!! Spelling trolls- hilarious. Great article, Kevin, way to stay professional.

By: Adrian

Adrian — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 06:42:07 +0000

“needed boost”??? Android is already growing at a much faster rate than anyone else. Many recent reports including ComScore’s report that came out today keep proving this.

You make it sound as if Android is losing and needs a “boost” to catch up to Apple. In fact, across the world Android devices are tearing Apple apart in sales figures.. this also includes the U.S.

By: Abhiroop

Abhiroop — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 02:52:06 +0000

The problem with Android adoption is that the mom and pop user is just obsessed with iOS. For example, my mum loves playing Bridge through Bridge Base Online. She wanted to get an iPad because it was “so good”. I mentioned that Android supported flash and so would be a better alternative if Bridge Base Online was her main priority. However, she ignored my suggestion and purchased an iPad instead. While it is possible to play BBO through an app, the experience is far better through Android’s native browser. Nevertheless, she is unlikely to change. The problem is that owning an iOS feels like owning a BMW while owning an Android feels like having a Toyota. Both are cars that take you from point a to point B, but one does it with style.

Anyway, I am loving my Samsung Galaxy S2! Best super phone in the market.

By: Kevin C. Tofel

Kevin C. Tofel — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 01:57:52 +0000

Lucian, you’re absolutely correct; iPhone sales aren’t outpacing Android sales in the U.S. But that’s not what I said. ;), The Nielsen data shows that iPhone sales have recently grown in the U.S. while Android sales have stagnated or grown as fast as the smartphone market in general. Regardless, I was trying to put the focus on how Google’s services are often better for Android than for other platforms and that if G+ takes off, that can help Android in the future.

By: Lucian Armasu

Lucian Armasu — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 00:34:35 +0000

You, too, Kevin? Where did you see that? The only “slowing down” was Android falling from 53% market share for *new* sales, to 50%, while iPhone still being somewhere around under 30%.

Seriously, search for an article that says iPhone sales outpace Android sales in USA. You won’t find any.

By: Stewart Rogers

Stewart Rogers — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 23:45:14 +0000

And yet the ComScore figures show that Android continues to be ranked as the top operating system with 38.1 percent of U.S. smartphone subscribers, up 5.1 percentage points. Apple has strengthened its #2 position with 26.6 percent of the smartphone market, up just 1.4 percentage points, and RIM/MS are both losing market share as a result.

The global position, as opposed to this U.S. view, is even more pro-Android, so yes – I think you’re aiming a jab where it isn’t needed.

By: Tal

Tal — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 22:38:00 +0000

The real question is can they provide all of the added services on all platform. Like Gtalk e.g. with all capabilities e.g. video. I think not.
And I am willing to bet (though not on a lot) that there will not be a 4″ iPhone. Its Apple so its going to be like 3.8″ ;) I have a 4″ screen with my Galaxy S and I know what you know for sure – that 4.3″ is so much more screen real estate.

By: Kevin C. Tofel

Kevin C. Tofel — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 20:44:36 +0000

Indeed there is a G+ app under review for iOS, Manpreet. But: will it have all of the same functionality and integration points? That’s what I’m driving at with the post. ;) And I won’t be making a new phone decision solely on this (or any other single feature); it’s just another item on my checklist.

By: Kevin C. Tofel

Kevin C. Tofel — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 20:25:13 +0000

Don’t kill my 4″ iPhone dream, Tal! ;) I could probably make do with a 4″ phone, although I do like 4.3″ as well. And yes, the G+ platform is looking good. Now: will Google keep the best of it for Android or not?