Why don't android Desk phones gain traction?

[Heatgeek]

I understand why android devices ie "internet of things" aren't popular in the home, but I think there is a huge market for android (or IOS for that matter) in small and large business operations, and for a business like mine, the phone is at the heart of it. Android is just as applicable to the business phone as it is to the cell phone marketplace.

So why hasn't android been a popular platform in the SOHO (small office/home office) market? I realize that the early Android desk phones were very limited without access to the google app marketplace, but hasn't that been dealt with?

I'm in the market for an android desk phone but the lack of information, choices and reviews gives me pause for thought. Why hasn't this market grown like a weed?


Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[Omar Days]

A desk phone? What is this weird thing you speak of?

 

[Heatgeek]

A desk phone? What is this weird thing you speak of?

Pfft!

look at you, you nexus 5 toting dinosaur!

get with it, what's old is new again. (or at least it could be with a android desk phone!)

 

[Stuntman]

My Android phone is currently sitting on my desk.

Seriously, there aren't a lot of manufacturers who make office desk phones. Office phone systems tend to use proprietary hardware and software. They also have many other calling features that you generally would not find smartphones.

It is possible for someone to build office phone technology that runs on Android. I don't see any existing players moving in that direction as these companies already invested a lot in their own platform. Also, I found that office phone technology have tended to be rather proprietary. Companies who sell office phone system want to make sure you buy almost everything from them.

 

[Heatgeek]

My Android phone is currently sitting on my desk.

Seriously, there aren't a lot of manufacturers who make office desk phones. Office phone systems tend to use proprietary hardware and software. They also have many other calling features that you generally would not find smartphones.

It is possible for someone to build office phone technology that runs on Android. I don't see any existing players moving in that direction as these companies already invested a lot in their own platform. Also, I found that office phone technology have tended to be rather proprietary. Companies who sell office phone system want to make sure you buy almost everything from them.

Then why did Cisco do it? I mean, out of everybody, cisco could cut their own path, but instead they do multiple android phone builds?

I think this has more to do with the demand side of the market not having the imagination to see where a "smartphone" platform could go in the office environment.

Many tech advancements are simply a matter of combining existing technologies. To me this (the mating of small/home office phone systems and mobile operating systems) is a natural.

Larger businesses will be willing and able to pay for custom integration of computers and phone systems, but that leaves a black hole for smaller operations. As far as that goes, why wouldn't a larger business want to use a platform that is already optimized for phone systems? the phone manufacturers migh or might not want to work with google/apple/etc but in the end the marketplace rules. If a void is left long enough somebody will fill it.

I'm just asking why the uptake hasn't been faster.

 

[Stuntman]

Then why did Cisco do it? I mean, out of everybody, cisco could cut their own path, but instead they do multiple android phone builds?

I thought Cisco has their own proprietary office phone platform. I believe their platform is called iOS (not to be confused with Apple's iOS). Cisco had a product called the iPhone, as well before they and Apple worked out a deal so that Apple uses the name instead.

 

[lunatic59]

I think they will be used in certain circumstances, but they haven't gained much traction.

I'd say for two reasons ... fear of support and cost of entry, which all boils down to $$$$. One unit lists for $1,600 (can find them on amazon for $700) and then you'll need the Cisco network (I think) for the advanced functionality. Short sighted? maybe. Stockholders generally don't like systems that don't immediately affect the bottom line.

Here's an example that you mentioned.

 

[Heatgeek]

Cisco DX650 for one... and there have been others.

damn... you just beat me!!!


Drat!

 

[bjacks12]

I would kill for an Android desk phone. My office phone is rarely used because I don't know how to work the damn thing. If I have to call a client, I'd rather just use my cell phone.

 

[Omar Days]

Pfft!

look at you, you nexus 5 toting dinosaur!

get with it, what's old is new again. (or at least it could be with a android desk phone!)

lool I'll have you know it's soon to be a nexus 6