Google’s (GOOG) new Android software system for cell phones was supposed to usher in an era of consumer choice. Handsets would become open and their functions would no longer be controlled by big telecoms like AT&T (T) and Verizon (VZ). Thousands of developers would build new applications for phones using Android as the backbone. Of course, Google would make money on this down the road by selling advertising on the devices and expanding its search engine presence beyond the PC.
Unfortunately, Android does not work very well. It is a wonderful example of how brilliant ideas can be undermined by poor execution. According to The Wall Street Journal "Google said the software kit it released last month amounts to an "early look" designed specifically to get developers started as soon as possible and to elicit their feedback."
Some pundits think that Google may be stretching itself too thin in an effort to diversify beyond its core search engine business. This could lead to the company rushing to get new products to market. But, that explanation does not hold much water.
Google has hired thousands of new engineers over the last five quarters. They are among the world’s best. There is not any excuse for releasing poorly built software. It does show that quality assurance is lacking at Google, and over the long run such mundane things are often more important than creativity.
Douglas A. McIntyre
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