Doc Rock TechTalk

Apple set to release a cellphone soon, but it has competition from Google.

With the announcement by the Observer of London that the world's number one search engine, Google is working with telecommunications giant Orange Comm., one might start to ponder the Google Phone's market dominance versus the Apple Phone; which won't be called the iPhone due to Cisco's trademark and copyrights over the name.

Which device would you prefer? Let’s start with the Apple Phone. Apple has a monopoly and majority share in the mobile mp3 market so their device will tailor towards the music lover. I believe the Apple Phone will not be a hard sell regardless of the wireless features, which are bound to show up on the Google/Orange Phone. Music and video playback, for the younger generation, will altogether eclipse GPRS and search engine features, because listening to music doesn't cost extra and with the possible feature of sharing the Google Phone will step ahead of the competition. The massive harddrive combined with a cellphone is a device that requires not wifi coverage and the software will be familiar to users who already own and use iTunes for music management. The loyal followers will buy and they will by the millions.

The Google/Orange Phone will include Google's patented software to help users search based on their current and future location. It will also include features to make search more accessible and more convenient on the go. This will require one of three things, GPRS, GPS, wifi, a combination of the two, or all of the above. A phone with such features will run well into the $500+ category and that's money many are not willing to spend. The Google/Orange Phone will be manufactured by HTC so the device will be on the high-end scale of the cellphone spectrum and it will most likely be somewhat bulky as many HTC phones are known to be.

In addition, the primary setback will not be the groundbreaking technology included, but the price for an unlimited data plan. What if wifi isn’t available in your area? There are challenges that Google and Orange Comm. will have to face when creating a phone that delivers search results, such as the nearest cafe or store, based on the user’s current location. Sure, it can map exact directions to the nearest exit or gas station, but will people need such assistance when commonsense can get you just about anywhere?

So, we have two different phones. One is a phone for a younger demographic that enjoys their tunes and the other is a more sophisticated device that includes exclusive software and a nice operating system. The big question is would you prefer a buddy that sings to you or one that gives the correct answer based on your query?

Near the end of 2008 we will see the clear winner is based on sales and income within a given period.