Over a miniscule three months, we have seen the launch of high-end Android devices from multiple manufacturers, a rebranded BlackBerry, multiple updates to familiar Android skins, and I'm enthralled by my choices. Google's Android is basking in the spotlight as the number one competitor while iOS demands the unparalleled patience until its launch date later this year. Even BlackBerry has taken the arena by surprise and launched two respectable opponents, and its a valiant effort. In short, Apple’s prefix of familiarity and simplicity have outweighed their welcome against the competition. I feel like one of Deadmau5’s 48-bar introductions in a world of Brostep.
I recently outlined Android's prowess as the world's most popular mobile operating system, and how their new head, Sundar Pichai, has a daunting task ahead of him to keep the ball rolling. Android has been gaining ground on competing operating systems for quite a while. Whether Google has plateaued or not is surely debatable, but I'm positive when I say Google's Android has never been in a better position to the competition.
A few days ago, Phil Schiller took Twitter by storm and denounced Android on many fronts. Among the topics were laggy performance and lackluster updates to devices running the Android OS. Since then, Apple has taken a bullish approach by dedicating an entire webpage to why iPhone is the best choice.
This is an Apple marketing tactic that familiarly pitches iPhone and iOS 6’s advantages against competing devices and softwares. This is not a new tactic for Apple. We’ve seen Apple form a strong defense against critics of their products by fronting with a strong offense before, but what’s new about Apple’s “Why iPhone” webpage is its lack of firepower and relevant arguments.
Apple has long advocated for their ecosystem and simplicity; iOS prides itself on this. There is nothing wrong with the approach, and it’s a strong argument against the open source Android operating system. However, where Apple fails to garner attention as an alternative to the LG Optimus Pro G’s and HTC One’s of 2013 is in its reasoning. They’re firing blanks when the competition is unleashing hollow points.
Apple’s press conference is due in the next few months. Fans of the fruit company are as giddy as ever, but naysayers are justified. There has never been a better time for a press conference to combat Andy, the Android.
Apple’s iOS is a familiar foe. I have a long history with Apple’s iPhone’s and MacBooks. I can comfortably argue iOS as the epitome of an ecosystem. Though Project Butter helped Android, I prefer the fluidity of iOS. The iconic home screen that we love to hate might be boring, but it’s effective. And the synchronization between Apple’s devices running iOS is unparalleled through iCloud. What’s most surprising, however, is Apple’s lack of understanding of this year’s discussions. Apple’s ecosystem may be unparalleled on many fronts, but it’s upsetting to see them loft on such a medieval offense against Android. Attention to detail, the Retina display, and LTE are arguments that are embarrassingly simple defenses. I expect Apple to set the bar high like the original iPhone, not talk down the competitors with uneducated irrationality.
The “Why iPhone?” homepage shows consumers the benefits of iPhone against everything else. It’s safe to say that Apple is pitching iOS against Google’s Android. Here are the 12 reasons listed on Apple's "Why iPhone?" web page, followed by some rationality.
- iPhone has received eight straight J.D. Power and Associates awards for customer satisfaction.
True.
- Every detail has been considered.
You have had the time to consider them.
- Only iPhone has the Retina display.
That’s tried, tested, and trademarked.
- Great battery life. Without a great big battery.
Why wouldn’t you want a bigger battery? Look at the Galaxy S 4's 5-inch display and 2,600mAH in a 7.9mm chassis.
- The A6 chip is powerful but not power hungry.
Could this be due to the smaller 4-inch Retina display?
- iPhone gives you ultrafast wireless and LTE.
LTE = 2011.
- The world's most popular camera.
It's not a popularity contest. Apple could have argued their camera's optics instead.
- Millions of ways to be entertained. From one trusted source.
I believe this to be the strongest argument to purchase an iPhone.
- iOS 6. The world's most advanced mobile operating system.
There's a reason they mention this towards the bottom.
- Only iPhone has Siri. Your wish is its command.
Google Now answers before the question.
- iCloud puts your content on all your devices.
True.
- iPhone comes with something unique: support from real people.
Not all people are geniuses, Apple.
In summary, Apple is on the 12 step program. They’ve made steady progress by admitting the problem, but it’s going to take more than faith to get back to where they were in life.
What do you think of Apple's counterattack? Are their arguments valid, or should they be judged harshly?
Image via iMore.
