"In time we hate that which we often fear."
I consider myself a fan of MG Siegler. For those who don't recognize this name, he's a writer for TechCrunch, a venture capitalist and I'm sure he keeps busy in dozens of other ways as well - just like the rest of us.
Even if you don't recognize his name, if you follow the technology industry, you've likely come across one of his posts. I like him because he speaks his mind - he's honest, authentic. Attributes which are surprisingly hard to find.
One of the primary focuses of MG's writing is Apple in general and the iPhone specifically. Lately, he has a problem and he wants to share. Post after post after post is about how much he hates Android. Over the past few months, he's probably written more words about Android than Apple.
A couple of thoughts.
It's bizarre to hate an operating system. Especially a mobile OS that no one is forcing you to use. OK, you're not a fan of Android. We get it and that's great. It seems odd to keep such a strong focus on something you don't like.
iOS is an earth-changing OS on earth-changing devices. Apple's 2012 is going to be HUGE! No other company, in any industry, will be more valuable than Apple over the next 5 years. Apple is one of the most important companies in the history of planet Earth. The Industrial Revolution lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty and created trillions of dollars in wealth. Today the Information Revolution is just getting started. Apple is leading the way. With such a lofty perch, it just doesn't make sense to continuously focus on negative views of Android.
Android doesn't have to be bad for iOS to be good. iOS doesn't have to be bad for Android to be good. There's plenty of room for two very successful platforms. They both need the competition to reach their true potential. Android's UI gets better with every update. Would iPhone owners still be running to their PC to fire up and sync that little treasure without Android? Both teams have tons of talent but they need someone to play against.
Google works with carriers. Apple works with carriers. Each firm makes deals and compromises on their vision. In this case, AT&T and the firm formerly known as AT&T. The communications infrastructure industry in the United States is total crap. Oligopolies suck for consumers. Until this industry itself supports competition, Apple and Google can only do so much. If Verizon is the devil, it's just his right hand. AT&T would be his left. I can understand they don't want to be "dumb pipes" but their only other option is to become "smart pipes". To do that they'd have to value long-term strategic thought over short-term stock prices.
2012 is going to be a huge year for iOS and a huge year for Android. Google and Apple are both tremendous firms with strong leadership. Value creation isn't a zero-sum game. The mobile Internet is going to float a lot of boats. They'll share exponentially more customers than they take from one another.
Long story short, Mr. Siegler is going to have to live with Android. How he does is totally up to him. At the end of the day, Android doesn't care what he thinks.
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