Is Google trying to COPY Apple with their tablet?

[ChazUK]

How will a Google Experience tablet be any different to what we currently have with the Nexus line of phones?

What you'll most likely see happen is that Google and an OEM (LG, Motorola, Samsung, HTC e.t.c) will build a stock configured tablet, just like Motorola did with the Xoom.

Ever since the Nexus One launched we've had chatter about Google alienating it's partners by getting into the hardware game or giving preferential treatment to one OEM and it hasn't happened yet. HTC has showcased new Android revisions with the G1 then the Nexus One, Samsung with the Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus and Motorola with the original Droid and the Xoom.

What would Google gain out of changing the way things are now?

 

[Mac.World]

How will a Google Experience tablet be any different to what we currently have with the Nexus line of phones?

What you'll most likely see happen is that Google and an OEM (LG, Motorola, Samsung, HTC e.t.c) will build a stock configured tablet, just like Motorola did with the Xoom.

Ever since the Nexus One launched we've had chatter about Google alienating it's partners by getting into the hardware game or giving preferential treatment to one OEM and it hasn't happened yet. HTC has showcased new Android revisions with the G1 then the Nexus One, Samsung with the Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus and Motorola with the original Droid and the Xoom.

What would Google gain out of changing the way things are now?

Uh, Google bought Motorola mobility for 12.5 billion dollars in August. Just waiting for the FTC to finalize their anti-trust issues with the deal, last I read. So Google, has a hardware company already even though they say they will keep Android open to all partners and keep Motorola mobile as a separate business. Still, I am sure companies like Samesung and HTc don't like the idea of Motorola getting special treatment or tailoring the OS to run better on Motorola products.

 

[ChazUK]

Uh, Google bought Motorola mobility for 12.5 billion dollars in August. Just waiting for the FTC to finalize their anti-trust issues with the deal, last I read. So Google, has a hardware company already even though they say they will keep Android open to all partners and keep Motorola mobile as a separate business. Still, I am sure companies like Samesung and HTc don't like the idea of Motorola getting special treatment or tailoring the OS to run better on Motorola products.

Can you explain what makes you think that Motorola would get preferential treatment despite Google's official word it would not? It didn't seem to have any impact on teaming up with Samsung for the Galaxy Nexus did it?

From a data collection and mobile advertising perspective, it benefits Google immensly having such a wide reach when it comes to smartphones. I can't see why they would put this vast sea of data at risk.

I can see why someone that is anti Google/Android would want this to happen because it's a pretty damaging situation that woulld automatically cede a vast amount of marketshare of the mobile world to Apple or Microsoft. Do you think they are mad enough to do this or is it a little bit of wishful thinking on your part?

 

[Mac.World]

Can you explain what makes you think that Motorola would get preferential treatment despite Google's official word it would not? It didn't seem to have any impact on teaming up with Samsung for the Galaxy Nexus did it?

From a data collection and mobile advertising perspective, it benefits Google immensly having such a wide reach when it comes to smartphones. I can't see why they would put this vast sea of data at risk.

I can see why someone that is anti Google/Android would want this to happen because it's a pretty damaging situation that woulld automatically cede a vast amount of marketshare of the mobile world to Apple or Microsoft. Do you think they are mad enough to do this or is it a little bit of wishful thinking on your part?

The difference between Motorola and Samsung is that Google doesn't and didn't own Samsung. They do own Motorola. Not even close to the same thing. I can see why someone that is pro Google/Android would not want this to happen, or maybe is it a little bit of wishful thinking on your part that nothing will change?
I could care less either way. I don't care if Android succeeds or fails.

 

[matttye]

Trying to copy them in what way? If by copy you mean entering the tablet market, which seems to be the only thing they're "copying" apple for, then apple was not the first company to create a tablet.

No, they're not copying apple.

 

[ChazUK]

The difference between Motorola and Samsung is that Google doesn't and didn't own Samsung. They do own Motorola. Not even close to the same thing. I can see why someone that is pro Google/Android would not want this to happen, or maybe is it a little bit of wishful thinking on your part that nothing will change?
I could care less either way. I don't care if Android succeeds or fails.

If there is zero evidence to suggest things are going to be any different and they've already stated nothing is going to change, what do you know that the rest of the world does not?

It's not a case of what I do or don't want, you I'm just going by what has been stated by Google. If you know something that they are hiding that others do not, then care to share it (or is it really a case for wishful thinking on your part)?

Edit: If there is preferential treatment for Motorola, where are the Motorola handsets running ICS? Where is the official ICS Update for the Xoom, Xoom 2 and Xyboards? It's looking like the Transformer Prime will be one of the first mainstream Android tablets to get ICS.

 

[Mac.World]

If there is zero evidence to suggest things are going to be any different and they've already stated nothing is going to change, what do you know that the rest of the world does not?

It's not a case of what I do or don't want, you I'm just going by what has been stated by Google. If you know something that they are hiding that others do not, then care to share it (or is it really a case for wishful thinking on your part)?

Edit: If there is preferential treatment for Motorola, where are the Motorola handsets running ICS? Where is the official ICS Update for the Xoom, Xoom 2 and Xyboards? It's looking like the Transformer Prime will be one of the first mainstream Android tablets to get ICS.

Nope, no evidence saying that Motorola will get special treatment. All we know is that Google bought a phone and tablet hardware maker. While it is entirely possible that Google bought Motorola and will keep their hands out of the company they paid 12.5 dollars for, it is highly improbable.

And there isn't any Google hands on at Motorola yet (aka ICS on the Xoom or Razr), because we are still waiting on the FTC to approve the deal. Google can't do anything until that happens.

 

[matttye]

Nope, no evidence saying that Motorola will get special treatment. All we know is that Google bought a phone and tablet hardware maker. While it is entirely possible that Google bought Motorola and will keep their hands out of the company they paid 12.5 dollars for, it is highly improbable.

And there isn't any Google hands on at Motorola yet (aka ICS on the Xoom or Razr), because we are still waiting on the FTC to approve the deal. Google can't do anything until that happens.

THe vast majority of rumours suggest the reason they bought Motorola was to acquire their patent portfolio to protect themselves and their partners.

 

[bufffilm]

the timer is ticking for Google. they have a limited time (maybe another 12-18 months) to demonstrate to their partners that Android has long term sustainability.

if Win8 gains critical mass [and the indications are that even with the expected rough edges of a debutting OS on gen1 hardware], my belief is that the future of Android beyond 2013 will be that of a probable 3rd place. they could still be duking it out with MS for #2 by them but the outlook will be bleaker. a prolonging factor could be how soon the gen2 Win8 tablets come to market.

 

[bumzo1]

I don't think Google will give Motorola preferential treatment as long as they are profitable on their own in the sea of other android devices. But if Motorola starts to lose profits and lose marketshare to other companies, there is no doubt that they would begin to give Moto preferential treat. Why would Google let a $12.5B investment go down the drain without doing its best to save it first?

 

[Mac.World]

THe vast majority of rumours suggest the reason they bought Motorola was to acquire their patent portfolio to protect themselves and their partners.

I def think that was a big part of it. It was Google's reaction to losing the 6000 NorTel patents to the Apple consortium in August, and the only play Google had. The question remains, Google paid a huge sum of money for Motorola mobility... Was that just for patents? 12.5 billion is an awful lot for patents that may or may not help them in phone litigation, especially since Android doesn't make Google very much money. A drop in the bucket, so to speak. Was the cost worth it just for litigation purposes, or will Google use Motorola to create a true ecosystem to combat Apple and Microsoft? I think the latter is more likely, although it may not happen for a few years. Google won't want to bite all the licensee hands at once.

 

[nfl46]

A $299 iPad 2...psh, not likely, lol. It will probably drop down to $399. You can get a refurb for $419 right now on their website.

 

[0000757]

oh gee if only Google knew how to operate like Apple. How can it actually BUILD a tablet that it hopes will knock its PARTNERS out of the game? Do you think Google is trying to be the new Apple by doing this? Is this going to be its iPad?

I am so confused. Going to walk over and talk to the tech guys at lunch and see waht they think. Wife made ham sandwiches today!

http://www.bgr.com/2012/01/05/googles-nexus-tablet-may-push-android-partners-out-of-the-picture/

Google isn't stupid enough to do that. Just because they make something of their own brand doesn't mean they're trying to eliminate their partners.