Time is a huge advantage for Apple, in this respect. Where will GOOG get the spectrum, where will they get the gps, where will they get 911, where will they get a network partner. At best, it looks like another Mickey Mouse parntership where Sprint will annnounce a deal to keep them busy.
They announced an open standard for 33 cell phone manufacturers. I'm sure they will all be interested in keeping them busy just so they don't get anywhere. Linux bassed, Android systems are great for people that want cheap service like MetroPCS. Maybe it will compete with the prepaid phone service. They seem to have taken a turn from commercially viable cell phone business, and created their own universe of spectrum. There are far too many technical issues for me to really take it seriously.
I can honestly see the market for a national wimax system from companies like Intel for free WIFI. Everytime I get somewhere like an airport or hotel that I want to use my laptop, I have to pay to get on an unsecured wifi network. I finally chipped in for a $60 unlimited plan from Sprint UBS modem, so I don't have to worry about access problems anymore.
To me, the 6 month time delay is great news for Apple which will be ready for 3G models by the time the gPhone OS is taken seriously. Bottom line, there is no way the technology will be in the market for any of the handset makers to make any productive use of Google's OS because the phones don't support adequate power for extended data and media play. Whatever the case, it won't have any impact on Apple even if they can figure out a way to make wireless data work on a cell phone for more than 5 minutes without frying the battery.
All these new gadgets are finally making the wireless carriers look more interesting for the next year. How many people won't have 2 wireless devices by next year, iPod, cell phone, gps device, pda, etc... All these new devices make me think that VZ and T are looking like pretty smart investments for next year. |
