The Barcelona annual telecom meet-up has given Microsoft (MSFT) the chance to unveil its new Window Mobile 7 software. It has also given 24 wireless carriers that chance to unveil a product which will compete with the Apple (AAPL) iTunes and App stores.
It has given Intel (INTC) and Nokia (NOK), the world’s largest chip company and handset company respectively, the chance to announce a joint venture in the mobile software business. Their new product is called Meego.
But, above all else, the news from the meetings validates Google’s successful Android mobile OS and its rapid expansion.
Microsoft, Nokia, and Apple have to contend with the fact that Android is almost certainly the fastest growing wireless software operating system in history. China handset giant HTC showed updated versions of Google’s own Nexus One and its own Android-powered HTC Desire. Motorola’s primary product in Barcelona is its Droid.
The Google Android product has grown quickly for a few reasons, none of them likely to be matched. The first is that the software is open source and, unlike proprietary software from firms like Apple, is easy for developers to work with. In addition, Google has such a large developer base that the legions have added features and functions to Android quickly–at no cost to Google.
Google also does not charge carriers to use Android, a departure from the Microsoft product. The Apple and Palm OS products are proprietary.
Google did almost everything right with Android and it has borne the fruits of that great cost to the competition.
Douglas A. McIntrye
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