Apple Poached Lala from Possible Google Acquisition?

[iphones4evry1]

I really don't like what I have read about this Lala deal. I have zero interest in a streaming iTunes they should have just let Google have it.

The problem with that is that Google will make it FREE to users. Good for us, bad for iTunes and Apple and iPod sales.

 

[djgamble]

The problem with that is that Google will make it FREE to users. Good for us, bad for iTunes and Apple and iPod sales.

Naah Google's screwy like all other companies, they'd charge for it (that or plaster it with ads 1/2 way through your tune.)

Google has this secretive adsense gig going. Nobody knows the rates paid per click... but they keep getting lower and lower... most sites offer Google's 1 source of cash for FREE (or almost free.)

So you say "oh but this is Google giving people money?" Again... Google's charging businesses MORE per click, and giving LESS to the advertisers. To me this smells of Google not making much money.

40 billion a year from clicks? Nah...
40 billion a year from VC's & anti M$ fans donators. Maybe a few million max from ads...

Apple makes more how? By selling SOLID products! Millions of computers, iPods, tunes, photo books...etc! M$ has Bing... it's just as popular as google with regard to advertisers (usually if you advertise a site, you'll do it with Google, Yahoo, M$... the whole range), but Bing isn't giving M$ an extra 40 billion! They make their money from sales (OEM in particular.)

Google... is backed to be the next best Apple/M$... but so-far its continued to disappoint. One day the VC's/donations will stop and they'll be Google History.

 

[Compile 'em all]

I think Apple is spreading itself too far. They should stick to Personal Conputers and make their revenue from their Mac Sales.

Building a Portable Music Player and mobile phones is something else entirely

This is a very very short sighted view. People said the exact same thing when the iPhone rumors were gaining steam. The web is the future, whether you like it or not. Ignoring it would be a very bad move.

 

[gnasher729]

I actually figured Apple picked up Lala just to keep it out of Google's hands to make life a little more difficult for them. It's anti-competitive, but not illegal (assuming the FCC doesn't have an issue with the sale).

Explain how this is anti-competitive. Apparently Apple is competing with Google. Making life a little more difficult for competitors is a normal thing to do when you are competing. Laws against anti-competitive actions are against actions that _prevent_ competition.

 

[knewsom]

This is a very very short sighted view. People said the exact same thing when the iPhone rumors were gaining steam. The web is the future, whether you like it or not. Ignoring it would be a very bad move.

You're referring to a post that was written in sarcasm as a response to the notion that Google was spreading itself too thin.

 

[Azmordean]

Good points, though Maps (their specialty) is really good. Chrome browser, as generic as it is, seems loads better and more streamlined than IE8.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the Chrome OS eat away a small portion of their competitor's OS.

G1 is a clunker, for sure, as is the DROID - perhaps, they'll do better with the design of the Goog-Phone.

As for their logo, no contest:

Ballmer's rendition:

A lot of what you posted here is pure opinion. The Droid is anything but a "clunker" - in fact I am posting from my droid right now. I personally much prefer my droid to the iPhone and I am not the only one by a longshot.

Android isn't quite as elegant as the iPhone just yet (which isn't surprising since it is comparatively new) but it is already far more functional, especially for folks who are "powerusers" or want non basic functionality.

To some degree, there may be different target audiences. iPhone is very mainstream but among the technically adept the Droid is making a huge impact.

 

[cumanzor]

You're going overboard. Google Wave is not the same concept as the Internet and is replacing nothing, only consolidating information. Google isn't replacing any gov't institutions because they are all using private solutions.

BTW, it is not the question of "filtering" down, but understanding concepts. Wave is something completely different than anything that has come before it and I guarantee that no average person will be using it. If you can't see that then you are blind.

I couldn't care less if "other institutions" are using it because more than likely they are using it like any other email service. Do the majority of people you know use the shortcuts in Gmail or use Google Experiments?

If anything people would say I'm overestimating what Google is doing. At this point, if you are using all of Google services, they have the potential of knowing what books you have read and to what page, where you are and where you're going, who you know & how often you speak to them, the contents of your emails, your searches and the sites you visit.

Whaaaat? No it isn't, Google wave is just a new implementation of something that already exists; collaboration tools.

Sharepoint, for example, is used extensively in many corporations. And it's incredibly useful. The problem is, just like you mentioned, Google somehow seems to be trying to aim Wave to the average user, and for the average user, Wave is useful.

For a group of classmates working on a project, it's incredibly awesome.

 

[LagunaSol]

A lot of what you posted here is pure opinion.

I personally much prefer my droid to the iPhone and I am not the only one by a longshot.

Android isn't quite as elegant as the iPhone just yet (which isn't surprising since it is comparatively new) but it is already far more functional, especially for folks who are "powerusers" or want non basic functionality.

iPhone is very mainstream but among the technically adept the Droid is making a huge impact.

Hmm, aren't your points also "pure opinion," or do you have some statistical data to back them up?

 

[xIGmanIx]

apple the wolf in sheeps clothing strikes again. If this had been microsoft, this forum would have erupted, but instead its apple being "strategic". I personally don't always agree with google's interface, but i would switch to the droid from a BB or iPhone 3GS in a heart beat if my company would keep me on their plan.

I can't think the last time one of your posts didn't contain pure opinionated data

Hmm, aren't your points also "pure opinion," or do you have some statistical data to back them up?

 

[LagunaSol]

I can't think the last time one of your posts didn't contain pure opinionated data

Did I ever claim otherwise? 🙄

 

[bestb3284]

I totally called this! Apple and Google are starting to be real rivals!

 

[xIGmanIx]

Finally something you said i agree with, *inserts mandatory smiley face in retaliation 😀*

Did I ever claim otherwise? 🙄

 

[Azmordean]

While many have called me an idiot for this, I am betting against Android.

The same two company, software / hardware errors that Microsoft did with Windows Mobile is happening with Andriod. There is no one guidance looking over entire user experience from board layout to UI to network. It all is just thrown over a wall with poor feedback. As soon as Google sees a dip in search engine revenue, Android will become a redheaded stepchild.

My crystal ball says a flurry of sales for 36 months and then a flame-out.

You have just summed up why I don't like the iPhone. I don't need some corporation interested solely in money "controlling the experience". I want a platform that is open not one with an approval process. These phones are computers, I want them to be treated as such and have similar flexibility. Some users want a controlled, coddled experience but a lot don't.

To suggest android will fail because its open is ridiculous. Closed is the problem with the cell industry as a whole. A dictator, however benevolent, is still a dictator.

Plus, a lot has been made of different devices onb android, but the google experience branding solves a lot of that anyway.

 

[LagunaSol]

To suggest android will fail because its open is ridiculous. Closed is the problem with the cell industry as a whole.

Consumers ultimately care about one thing when it comes to mobile devices: that they provide a great user experience. Consumers don't care about "open," they don't care about app approval processes. They want a device that works for them in an effortless way.

I'm rooting for Android to put the death dagger in Windows Mobile, but ultimately I see an integrated system (a la the iPhone, BlackBerry, Palm model) coming out on top. Android fragmentation is going to be horrendous. Dozens and dozens of devices from different manufacturers with different model names running different variations of Android with different skins and different UI experiences. Consumers don't want that grief.

If your philosophy is correct, why did the iPod become the dominant player and not "Plays For Sure?" And why has Linux been a complete flop in the consumer space?

Does not compute.

And the small minority of buyers who care about the things you do can easily jailbreak the iPhone and have the best of both worlds (and many of them are doing just that).

Oh, and you seem to be forgetting that there is a "corporation interested solely in money" ruling over the Android empire: it's called Google. Or do you believe Android is a little charity project they're running on the side? 🙄

 

[Azmordean]

Hmm, aren't your points also "pure opinion," or do you have some statistical data to back them up?

Yes, my points are opinions as well. My point is just because someone thinks the droid is a clunker or that the iPhone is an overpriced cheerleader fisher-price piece of junk does not mean either view is "right." There will be people in both camps and everywhere in between.

In reality there is room for both devices. But to say the droid has failed is pure fanboyism and flat untrue - ready any review by a non-apple site.

I will say jailbreaking the iphone makes it better. But its my opinion I shouldn't have to hack my phone to get basic functionality. Imagine if apple only allowed you to download programs to your MBP from a controlled store and turned off multitasking. You'd be pissed. I see this as no different - these phones are mini computers.

 

[Azmordean]

Consumers ultimately care about one thing when it comes to mobile devices: that they provide a great user experience. Consumers don't care about "open," they don't care about app approval processes. They want a device that works for them in an effortless way.

I'm rooting for Android to put the death dagger in Windows Mobile, but ultimately I see an integrated system (a la the iPhone, BlackBerry, Palm model) coming out on top. Android fragmentation is going to be horrendous. Dozens and dozens of devices from different manufacturers with different model names running different variations of Android with different skins and different UI experiences. Consumers don't want that grief.

If your philosophy is correct, why did the iPod become the dominant player and not "Plays For Sure?" And why has Linux been a complete flop in the consumer space?

Does not compute.

And the small minority of buyers who care about the things you do can easily jailbreak the iPhone and have the best of both worlds (and many of them are doing just that).

Oh, and you seem to be forgetting that there is a "corporation interested solely in money" ruling over the Android empire: it's called Google. Or do you believe Android is a little charity project they're running on the side? 🙄

Of course google wants to make money, I did not say otherwise. I was merely debunking the idea that the app store model is a matter of purely benevolence. Itsnot, its dollars and cents.

I think the diconnect though is that you see these phones as "mobile devices" while I see them as computers and expect them to be open similarly. Personally, I think in time my view will prevail but for now yours is the majority perspective.

Apple has always had the same model - if you like the experience they provide, great. If you don't, too bad. That's why there is an will always be room for android and other alternatives.

In terms of devices and UI fragmentation, you have a point, but as I explained before google experience labeling will help with that.
As an aside blackberry is also open in that you can get any apps you want and can multitask. I used BB prior to my droid.

 

[LagunaSol]

I was merely debunking the idea that the app store model is a matter of purely benevolence.

You're debunking a nonexistent idea.

In terms of devices and UI fragmentation, you have a point, but as I explained before google experience labeling will help with that.

The problem is the "Google experience" has been anything but user friendly. They rule the Web search world, but their software design sucks compared to anything by Apple or even (ack!) Microsoft.

Google experience labeling will be about as meaningful as those "Intel Inside" stickers on PC laptops.

 

[Azmordean]

You're debunking a nonexistent idea.



The problem is the "Google experience" has been anything but user friendly. They rule the Web search world, but their software design sucks compared to anything by Apple or even (ack!) Microsoft.

Google experience labeling will be about as meaningful as those "Intel Inside" stickers on PC laptops.

I'm not sure where you get that... my understanding is google expereince means default unadulterated Android OS. Thus, users are insured they get the standard google UI, immediate access to new updates, etc. This is in contrast to say HTC devices with SenseUI.

As for software design, again, that's opinion. My opinion is that android and chrome for example are very usable.

Anyway, wayy off topic now, maybe we should agree to disagree?

 

[LagunaSol]

I'm not sure where you get that... my understanding is google expereince means default unadulterated Android OS. Thus, users are insured they get the standard google UI, immediate access to new updates, etc. This is in contrast to say HTC devices with SenseUI.

Yes, so consumers will have to choose between "unadulterated Android OS" and who knows how many flavors of "adulterated Android OS" spread across countless devices with countless names from countless manufacturers sporting countless form factors. They're predicting 50 devices in 2010 alone (http://www.macworld.com/article/145048/2009/12/android.html?lsrc=rss_main).

Sounds like a serious mess in the making to me.

Anyway, wayy off topic now, maybe we should agree to disagree?

That's what discussion forums are all about. 😉

 

[FearNo1]

I agree...but this is macrumors, e.g. mac fanboy central... 🙄 One thing that is interesting: it looks like M$ can't keep up with google or apple. It is normally google or apple making headlines, not M$

apple the wolf in sheeps clothing strikes again. If this had been microsoft, this forum would have erupted, but instead its apple being "strategic". I personally don't always agree with google's interface, but i would switch to the droid from a BB or iPhone 3GS in a heart beat if my company would keep me on their plan.

 

[Azmordean]

Yes, so consumers will have to choose between "unadulterated Android OS" and who knows how many flavors of "adulterated Android OS" spread across countless devices with countless names from countless manufacturers sporting countless form factors. They're predicting 50 devices in 2010 alone (http://www.macworld.com/article/145048/2009/12/android.html?lsrc=rss_main).

Sounds like a serious mess in the making to me.

Serious mess to you, choice to me. Why should there only be one device with one form factor? How many different kinds of devices are running BlackBerry OS? Sure, RIM makes them all, but still - that's a lot of devices!

And I don't see how it's that confusing. You want a genuine Android phone - look for "Google Experience." If you don't, then you know what you are getting is BASED on Android but has been modified for that handset's particular purpose. Personally I will stick to the former - but some may prefer a more customized solution and will pick a device that works for them.

Again, choices. It is important to note that Android is NOT a phone, it is a *platform.* iPhone is both a phone AND a platform. Google has decided to provide software while allowing existing handset makers to create hardware, Apple has decided to provide both. There are plusses and minuses to each approach, but one BIG plus is a variety of form factors and devices to fit individual needs as well as Android phones on every carrier.

I don't see either device going anywhere anytime soon. I think Android will basically kill WinMo for all but certain business users. Likewise I think a lot of the consumers on BlackBerry will move toward Android (much as I like BlackBerry, Android is superior for non-business use). iPhone will continue to grow in its current market segment.

For people who like what iPhone provides, its a great device. But for people who want something more, or something different, or something more customizable, or something in a different form factor, or something with a physical keyboard (I could go on), or something without AT&T, there are other better choices.

My point is not that "the iPhone sucks" (though for MY personal uses, it does). My point is that Android is a excellent platform that I see being around long term.

 

[*LTD*]

Serious mess to you, choice to me.

Same thing Windows Mobile users said in 2007.

Apple has proven tht one form factor/one device can be successful, and is currently the way to go.

 

[*LTD*]

apple the wolf in sheeps clothing strikes again. If this had been microsoft, this forum would have erupted, but instead its apple being "strategic". I personally don't always agree with google's interface, but i would switch to the droid from a BB or iPhone 3GS in a heart beat if my company would keep me on their plan.

I can't think the last time one of your posts didn't contain pure opinionated data

MS f's up strategy. Apple exploits it. Look at Apple in the last decade. THAT is strategy.

Whenever MS "acquires" something, there's an equal chance they will fail to exploit the idea, ruin the idea, or otherwise run the acquisition into the ground. When it comes to consumer market, MS perpetually have their heads up their collective rear. News of accquisitions understandably draw groans and roll-eyes.

 

[sinsin07]

Google Wave won't be used by anyone. Period. I watched many videos and read many Lifehacker posts and still can't get my head completely around it. If I can't you can bet that the majority of users can't. Granted I didn't care enough to learn it. This is meant for techies and not the end user whether Google realizes it or not.

Opinion not fact. Because you can't "get your head around it" means nothing. This is what happens when users sit around and wait for Apple to spoon feed them.

If anything people would say I'm overestimating what Google is doing. At this point, if you are using all of Google services, they have the potential of knowing what books you have read and to what page, where you are and where you're going, who you know & how often you speak to them, the contents of your emails, your searches and the sites you visit.

Sounds a little bit like iTunes and iPhone.

 

[DMann]

A lot of what you posted here is pure opinion. The Droid is anything but a "clunker" - in fact I am posting from my droid right now. I personally much prefer my droid to the iPhone and I am not the only one by a longshot.

Android isn't quite as elegant as the iPhone just yet (which isn't surprising since it is comparatively new) but it is already far more functional, especially for folks who are "powerusers" or want non basic functionality.

To some degree, there may be different target audiences. iPhone is very mainstream but among the technically adept the Droid is making a huge impact.

This is true, how perceptive. 😉

The Droid is certainly capable of performing tasks, no one here has dissed it from that perspective.

However, as you stated, it is not nearly as elegant as the iPhone, which will, no doubt, continue to evolve and transform as well.

The Droid seems poised to succeed in taking a significant share from the WinMo platform, in time.

From the perspective of design and interface, though, I do feel that the Droid, in its present form, is a clunker.

Pure opinion - shared by many, power users as well as non-power users, who have actually used it side by side with the iPhone 3GS.

Go figure.