The Future of Android?

[trparky]

As many of you probably have heard, there are multiple lawsuits being filed against manufacturers of Android devices regarding patent infringements. Some of these are being directed to Google themselves but the majority of them are being targeted at the device manufacturers.

So I have the ask... What's the future of Android? Is it going to survive?

I personally can't stand the idea of the smartphone market being dominated by that "self-appointed god of technology" named Steve Jobs. I can't stand the idea that Apple would be the only player left in the smartphone market making us use devices that are so locked down simply because Steve Jobs thinks that he can do no wrong.

I came from the iPhone platform to Android and the very thought of having to be forced back to that platform sickens me. I don't want Apple; I don't like their computers, I don't like their phone, and I certainly don't like their heavy-handed approach to their business.

 

[cds0699]

Yes, in my opinion Android will continue to thrive. This whole lawsuit kick that Apple is on is simply a tactic that they're using to try to keep their market share. They release usually one phone per year, whereas Android releases hundreds, so naturally they'd be concerned with all those other options for consumers, and they're trying to slow it down. Company lawsuits have been going on for a long time, its just this time its a lil bit more blown up.

This is just my opinion of course, and should be taken as such.

 

[takeshi]

Apple isn't the only player and these lawsuits aren't going to destroy Android. They're getting a lot of attention now but lawsuits are common if you've bothered to pay attention to recent history. Many of them end up going into settlement.

I came from the iPhone platform to Android and the very thought of having to be forced back to that platform sickens me. I don't want Apple; I don't like their computers, I don't like their phone, and I certainly don't like their heavy-handed approach to their business.

Then don't use them. Simple.

 

[pool_shark]

Google bought over 1,000 patents trying to fight back.

They may end up having to license Android which will increase the price of the devices, but I don't see Android going away.

Google may even succeed at getting the courts to rule against the IP patents.

 

[zuben el genub]

I would love to have android succeed.
Android could take a lesson from some other phone OS, though.

People who used Palm loved the desktop sync.
Here's a blurb about Symbian: Dish Network wants to play key role in wireless communications - The Denver Post

If Android could incorporate some of this without stepping on patents, it would really be awesome.

 

[ibanez173]

I think the future of android is moving well past cell phones into home automation. Your television set and stereo will have android software on them so you can control both through your phone or tablet from anywhere in your house. They are already making internet connected refrigerators that can tell you what you have in your fridge, when it all expires and even provide you with recipes that you can use with things you already have. Soon other appliances will be wi-fi connected as well as lights so that you can control everything from music and tv, heating and lighting, to your coffee maker from your android phone or tablet.

 

[cds0699]

They are already making internet connected refrigerators that can tell you what you have in your fridge, when it all expires and even provide you with recipes that you can use with things you already have.

Oh man, I need to look into that. That functionality would be most excellent

 

[007shark]

I think the future of android is moving well past cell phones into home automation. Your television set and stereo will have android software on them so you can control both through your phone or tablet from anywhere in your house. They are already making internet connected refrigerators that can tell you what you have in your fridge, when it all expires and even provide you with recipes that you can use with things you already have. Soon other appliances will be wi-fi connected as well as lights so that you can control everything from music and tv, heating and lighting, to your coffee maker from your android phone or tablet.

For the most part that has already been done except the controllers are separate set-top boxes. Control4 Home Automation and Smart Home Control > Home
They have apps for your phone, tablets, and computers plus on screen GUIs on the TVs. Several hotel chains use their systems to automatically adjust room temperature and allow user control of lights and temp from the TV screen. I use to install these systems in homes. If Google could partner with Control4, I could see a real jumpstart for their GoogleTV and automation endeavors with much less expenditure than them reinventing the wheel. There are several other home automation companies, but Control4 seems to be the best price/reliability option that could reach more of the market.

 

[jerofld]

Worst case scenario, I think, is that Google would have to restructure it a bit to comply with patent claims. It's not going away.

 

[zuben el genub]

I don't need smart home control. I need someone to empty the cat pan!

 

[cds0699]

I don't need smart home control. I need someone to empty the cat pan!

So you need a robot that does household chores for you? Coming soon likely.

 

[rhippler]

I don't need smart home control. I need someone to empty the cat pan!

I second that!

 

[Lombardi]

Damnit, mine dint come with a barometer, or an ohm meter...

 

[Keshaa]

I also beleive android will thrive !!! Even after huge success of iPhone 4 Android is still ruling the market !!! Android is not going away neways...!!!

 

[Deleted User]

Just listening to the news on Radio 4 and they are talking about the interim ban that Apple got on the Samsung tablet in Europe. One of the arguments is that the round corners on the Samsung Tablet could leave people to think they were buying an Ipad, are people that stupid! The upshot of the interview with an IT analyst was that Apple were on weak ground and that Android was becoming the worlds biggest OS. I think Apple does its self no favours, they are always going to have their fans who are willing to pay through the nose for their Chinese made hardware a wider spread of IT and development is good for us all.

 

[Bnice]

I think the future is bright for android. The more it's implemented into cars, tv and people everyday life style, the more growth, notarize and excepted it will become.

 

[indybail]

Rest assured, Google and Android will be fine. Google has plenty of lawyers of their own and saw this coming from the day they started with the Android system. It has always been part of the business plan.

 

[inmotion000]

I think if these patents hold up, especially oracle it would be a real gut punch to android. I don't think it would wipe them out but it could slow them down...due to increases licensing fees.

This coming from an apple fan btw

 

[ardchoille]

As many of you probably have heard, there are multiple lawsuits being filed against manufacturers of Android devices regarding patent infringements. Some of these are being directed to Google themselves but the majority of them are being targeted at the device manufacturers.

So I have the ask... What's the future of Android? Is it going to survive?

I personally can't stand the idea of the smartphone market being dominated by that "self-appointed god of technology" named Steve Jobs. I can't stand the idea that Apple would be the only player left in the smartphone market making us use devices that are so locked down simply because Steve Jobs thinks that he can do no wrong.

I came from the iPhone platform to Android and the very thought of having to be forced back to that platform sickens me. I don't want Apple; I don't like their computers, I don't like their phone, and I certainly don't like their heavy-handed approach to their business.

Almost every phone manufacturer is suing almost every other phone manufacturer, the thing is we don't see most of it. The reason the recent lawsuits are in the public eye right now is because Microsoft, Apple and RIM are scared of Android's success - and with good reason. It's all FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt).. don't listen to it, they're trying to scare people away from Android.

I've seen this before, it's nothing new. Microsoft has been doing this with Linux for years and Linux continues to gain users. This, too, will pass.

 

[corvettemanzr1]

i hope your right. just saying. i will also say this as i have had apple product. i can only say one thing about them "im steve and i know what you want".

 

[GalaxyEuropa]

Just listening to the news on Radio 4 and they are talking about the interim ban that Apple got on the Samsung tablet in Europe. One of the arguments is that the round corners on the Samsung Tablet could leave people to think they were buying an Ipad, are people that stupid! The upshot of the interview with an IT analyst was that Apple were on weak ground and that Android was becoming the worlds biggest OS. I think Apple does its self no favours, they are always going to have their fans who are willing to pay through the nose for their Chinese made hardware a wider spread of IT and development is good for us all.

Short answer yes i know someone who works for apple as a genius or "the help" whatever apple call them and someone came in and asked to buy an iTab lol. apple should just either pull their fingers out and develop more devices and different price ranges and keep quiet.

 

[trparky]

Great, now Motorola has started this crap now...

Motorola To Collect Royalties For Android - Slashdot

It looks like Motorola wants to join in on the Android patent licensing fun enjoyed by Microsoft and others. (Yes, the same Motorola that makes Android phones.) Motorola CEO Sanjay Jha has stated they plan to collect licensing royalties from other Android manufacturers. Given Motorola's involvement in the mobile industry, they certainly do have the portfolio to go with it. It's interesting times ahead for Android.

 

[spstolle]

There is an app for that. It is called spouce

 

[substring]

I have actually posted a thread on the lawsuit a while back here...
http://androidforums.com/samsung-ga...njunction-halt-sale-four-samsung-devices.html

As I have said in that thread, no court on earth will find all the Android device vendors guilty because there are too much money (and tax money) and jobs at stake. Stopping Android will affect the economy.

Besides, stopping or slowing down Android products will leave Apple iOS the only game in town. That will certainly catch the attention of the FTC. Remember that Microsoft couldn't even pre-install IE on all the PCs running their operating system (and that is THEIR operating system) because IE was the only game in town? So Apple is really in a no-win situation.

I think all these lawsuits are just desperate measures.

Great, now Motorola has started this crap now...
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So don't buy Motorola product. That will send them a message.