In an interesting move today, just weeks before Google I/O, Google has announced via their blog that they have acquired Quickoffice, a productivity suite of software, and team. This move has a number of interesting implications.
First and foremost I believe this move again signals Google’s intent to go vertical. Acquiring Quickoffice certainly gives them a differentiator for their own hardware when it comes to productivity software, should they choose to use it that way. Of course on the surface and in the short term I would expect them to bundle this productivity suite on all Android devices. This move on the outset is designed to go right after Windows on ARM (Windows RT) and the inclusion of Microsoft Office on all Windows RT devices out of the gate.
This move is largely focused on tablets. It is no industry secret that Google is in the weakest position when it comes to tablets. The iPad has continued to dominate, and most likely will for the foreseeable future, but the lack of industry confidence in Android tablets has been astounding. In fact many analysts, our firm included, have more optimism for Windows 8 based tablets which are not even in the market yet over Android tablets which have been in the market for 2 years. It is not everyday that professional forecasters and industry observers will give an advantage to an unproven and unreleased platform, yet that is exactly what has happened. This again just re-enforces the lack of confidence in Android tablets to break into the mass market.
Google will obviously seek to change all of this with their acquisition of Quickoffice. This demonstrates, to this analyst at least, that Google may be starting to understand tablets and that tablets are a viable platform for productivity. I have been of the opinion that Google had not been interested in tablet productivity and in particular tablets (or Android for that matter) in a business setting. Most of Google’s moves and posture toward this market has been focused on consumers. Just look at the renaming of their store as an example. The Google Play Store doesn’t make me think I should go purchase productivity software or applications.
The other interesting observation I would throw out is that the myth that X86 (or Intel and AMD Silicon) is the platform of choice for productivity is certainly busted. I believe I could make an extremely strong case of this point simply doing an analysis of the iPad but with Microsoft Office on Windows RT and now Quickoffice as a standard for Android, we certainly have enough evidence that ARM platforms will be fully sufficient not only computing platforms but productivity platforms.
“…many analysts, our firm included, have more optimism for Windows 8 based tablets which are not even in the market yet over Android tablets which have been in the market for 2 years.”
This above observation may not be new and it may not be unknown but it continues to enlighten and astound.
Once the iPad was accepted as a viable product and tablets were accepted as a viable category, most industry observers assumed that Android tablets would dominate tablet market share just as they had done in smart phones. Not only didn’t Android tablets dominate but they’ve struggled to even remain relevant.
I think one of the best pieces I’ve ever read on why this is so was written by Ben Bajarin right here on Tech.pinions. It’s titled: “How Apple is Cornering the Market in Mobile Devices.”
In short, you can argue that an Android tablet has as good or better hardware as an iPad. And you can argue that an Android tablet has as good an operating system as an iPad. You can even argue – although you’d be lying to yourself – that Android tablet Apps are “good enough”. But no intellectually honest observer can argue that the the hardware, operating system and software work together on an Android table as well as the they do on the iPad. The iPad’s strength is it’s ecosystem. And Android’s achilles heel is Google Play.
I believe that this is the reason why observers think that Windows 8 has a better chance of succeeding in tablets than Android does, despite Android’s two year head start. The Windows 8 software and accompanying hardware may be untested but no one doubts Microsoft’s commitment to, or experience with, creating ecosystems. While Google has been literally “Play”-ing around with their store and the surrounding ecosystem, everyone knows that when it comes to ecosystems, Microsoft will be all business.
“…many analysts, our firm included, have more optimism for Windows 8 based tablets which are not even in the market yet over Android tablets which have been in the market for 2 years.”
This above observation may not be new and it may not be unknown but it continues to enlighten and astound.
Once the iPad was accepted as a viable product and tablets were accepted as a viable category, most industry observers assumed that Android tablets would dominate tablet market share just as they had done in smart phones. Not only didn’t Android tablets dominate but they’ve struggled to even remain relevant.
I think one of the best pieces I’ve ever read on why this is so was written by Ben Bajarin right here on Tech.pinions. It’s titled: “How Apple is Cornering the Market in Mobile Devices.”
In short, you can argue that an Android tablet has as good or better hardware as an iPad. And you can argue that an Android tablet has as good an operating system as an iPad. You can even argue – although you’d be lying to yourself – that Android tablet Apps are “good enough”. But no intellectually honest observer can argue that the the hardware, operating system and software work together on an Android table as well as the they do on the iPad. The iPad’s strength is it’s ecosystem. And Android’s achilles heel is Google Play.
I believe that this is the reason why observers think that Windows 8 has a better chance of succeeding in tablets than Android does, despite Android’s two year head start. The Windows 8 software and accompanying hardware may be untested but no one doubts Microsoft’s commitment to, or experience with, creating ecosystems. While Google has been literally “Play”-ing around with their store and the surrounding ecosystem, everyone knows that when it comes to ecosystems, Microsoft will be all business.
“the myth that X86 (or Intel and AMD Silicon) is the platform of choice for productivity is certainly busted. I believe I could make an extremely strong case… …. …. that ARM platforms will be fully sufficient not only computing platforms but productivity platforms.”
Two observations.
First, it will be interesting to see which Windows tablets sell best, the Window RT, which only has Metro, or the Windows 8, which has both Metro and the more traditional desktop OS.
I think that many assume that the “two is better than one” philosophy of Windows 8 will win out. I feel the opposite way. While I think that a tiny percent of people who need both operating systems will love the dual functionality, the vast majority will find the traditional desktop portion of Windows 8 to be a non-starter just as it has been for the past 10 years. Why add a level of complexity and confusion to your tablet if you’re not even going to use the second OS?
Second, the word “productivity” is being used like a cudgel by traditionalists and tablet naysayers. They define “productivity” as what they do. They define a “productivity” OS as the OS they are using. Any other type of work and any other type of OS need not apply.
Hmm. You don’t use examples to create definitions, you use definitions to identify examples. A duck is a mammal but you don’t define the word “mammal” by tailoring it to be an exact description of a duck. Neither do you define work by looking at your own work, define a “real operating system” by looking at your own operating system or define “personal computer” by looking at your own personal computer.
Not only are tablets quickly becoming more and more powerful and capable but even if they weren’t they’d still be productivity platforms. In fact, I would argue that the were better productivity platforms than traditional PCs because they can be learned more easily and readily used in more places by more people.
It’s all about the job to be done. Nothing is “productive” unless it does the job that it is “hired” to do. “Productive” computers cannot be defined by their architecture, their OS or their form factor. They’re defined by their usefulness. Arm tablets, Touch operating systems and tablet form factors are all extremely useful in the proper setting.
You question about ARM vs. x86 Windows tablets is the question of the year.
But I agree with you completely about dual functionality. I’ve been switching back and forth today between a MacBook Air and an iPad. I value the fact that each has an operating system and user interface optimized for the work I do on it. My preliminary reading on Windows 8 is that it will be a good tablet UI (though I’ll reserve real judgment until I can try it on real hardware) but I find it extremely clumsy on a laptop. It will get better when used on a Windows laptop with a proper touchpad (I’m very dubious about touch screens on laptops, a perception heightened by the experience of an iPad with a keyboard) but I’m not sure it will be good enough.
“You(r) question about ARM vs. x86 Windows tablets is the question of the year.”-steve_wildstrom
Yeah, the holiday quarter sales numbers for iPads, Amazon Fires, Windows RT, Windows 8 and all Android tablets (did I forget anyone?) are going to be FASCINATING.
I readily admit that I could be totally wrong in my prediction that Windows RT will outsell Window 8 tablets. I THINK it’s going to happen that way and I have what I think are good reasons for predicting it will happen that way but, hey, who knows?
For one thing, the first quarter may not be a fair test. The hardware may be completely different and weight, battery life etc. may dramatically affect sales numbers. For another thing, the initial sales burst may hide rather than reveal what is truly going on. There’s no doubt in my mind that there are going to be a lot of initial sales. Whether the sales momentum is maintained after the tablets are in the wild will be the true test.
“You(r) question about ARM vs. x86 Windows tablets is the question of the year.”-steve_wildstrom
Yeah, the holiday quarter sales numbers for iPads, Amazon Fires, Windows RT, Windows 8 and all Android tablets (did I forget anyone?) are going to be FASCINATING.
I readily admit that I could be totally wrong in my prediction that Windows RT will outsell Window 8 tablets. I THINK it’s going to happen that way and I have what I think are good reasons for predicting it will happen that way but, hey, who knows?
For one thing, the first quarter may not be a fair test. The hardware may be completely different and weight, battery life etc. may dramatically affect sales numbers. For another thing, the initial sales burst may hide rather than reveal what is truly going on. There’s no doubt in my mind that there are going to be a lot of initial sales. Whether the sales momentum is maintained after the tablets are in the wild will be the true test.
You question about ARM vs. x86 Windows tablets is the question of the year.
But I agree with you completely about dual functionality. I’ve been switching back and forth today between a MacBook Air and an iPad. I value the fact that each has an operating system and user interface optimized for the work I do on it. My preliminary reading on Windows 8 is that it will be a good tablet UI (though I’ll reserve real judgment until I can try it on real hardware) but I find it extremely clumsy on a laptop. It will get better when used on a Windows laptop with a proper touchpad (I’m very dubious about touch screens on laptops, a perception heightened by the experience of an iPad with a keyboard) but I’m not sure it will be good enough.
BTW, “productivity software” has become a term of art referring to Microsoft Office and its ilk. I don’t think anyone except perhaps Microsoft thinks that, say, Photoshop, InDesign, WordPress, FileMaker, and even Visual Studio are not productivity tools.
BTW, “productivity software” has become a term of art referring to Microsoft Office and its ilk. I don’t think anyone except perhaps Microsoft thinks that, say, Photoshop, InDesign, WordPress, FileMaker, and even Visual Studio are not productivity tools.
“”productivity software” has become a term of art referring to Microsoft Office and its ilk” -steve_wildstrom
Really? Man am I out of it. I don’t follow Microsoft closely but you’d think I would know that.
In my head when I read “productivity software” I immediately translated it into the label “real” software as in “real” work and “real” computer and “real” operating system etc.
Thanks for setting me straight. My bad.
“”productivity software” has become a term of art referring to Microsoft Office and its ilk” -steve_wildstrom
Really? Man am I out of it. I don’t follow Microsoft closely but you’d think I would know that.
In my head when I read “productivity software” I immediately translated it into the label “real” software as in “real” work and “real” computer and “real” operating system etc.
Thanks for setting me straight. My bad.
“the myth that X86 (or Intel and AMD Silicon) is the platform of choice for productivity is certainly busted. I believe I could make an extremely strong case… …. …. that ARM platforms will be fully sufficient not only computing platforms but productivity platforms.”
Two observations.
First, it will be interesting to see which Windows tablets sell best, the Window RT, which only has Metro, or the Windows 8, which has both Metro and the more traditional desktop OS.
I think that many assume that the “two is better than one” philosophy of Windows 8 will win out. I feel the opposite way. While I think that a tiny percent of people who need both operating systems will love the dual functionality, the vast majority will find the traditional desktop portion of Windows 8 to be a non-starter just as it has been for the past 10 years. Why add a level of complexity and confusion to your tablet if you’re not even going to use the second OS?
Second, the word “productivity” is being used like a cudgel by traditionalists and tablet naysayers. They define “productivity” as what they do. They define a “productivity” OS as the OS they are using. Any other type of work and any other type of OS need not apply.
Hmm. You don’t use examples to create definitions, you use definitions to identify examples. A duck is a mammal but you don’t define the word “mammal” by tailoring it to be an exact description of a duck. Neither do you define work by looking at your own work, define a “real operating system” by looking at your own operating system or define “personal computer” by looking at your own personal computer.
Not only are tablets quickly becoming more and more powerful and capable but even if they weren’t they’d still be productivity platforms. In fact, I would argue that the were better productivity platforms than traditional PCs because they can be learned more easily and readily used in more places by more people.
It’s all about the job to be done. Nothing is “productive” unless it does the job that it is “hired” to do. “Productive” computers cannot be defined by their architecture, their OS or their form factor. They’re defined by their usefulness. Arm tablets, Touch operating systems and tablet form factors are all extremely useful in the proper setting.
digit�rk m�steri hizmetleri sanliurfa ile en uygun digiturk paketinden sizde yararlanin.
Good article with great ideas! Thank you for this important article. Thank you very much for this wonderful information.
You’re so awesome! I don’t believe I have read a single thing like that before. So great to find someone with some original thoughts on this topic.
Wow, that’s what I was looking for, what a stuff!
existing here at this web site, thanks admin of this site.
A fascinating discussion is worth comment. I do believe that you should write more about this topic, it may not be a taboo subject but typically people don’t speak about these topics.
To the next! Kind regards!!
Hello to every body, it’s my first pay a quick visit of this webpage;
this website contains amazing and genuinely excellent information in favor of readers.
Hi there, I enjoy reading through your article post.
I like to write a little comment to support you.
Heya! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my
new iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to
all your posts! Keep up the fantastic work!
This website was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something which helped me.
Kudos!
I love reading a post that can make people think.
Also, thanks for permitting me to comment!
Remarkable issues here. I am very glad to look your article.
Thanks so much and I’m having a look forward to touch you. Will you please drop me a mail?
Thanks for sharing such a fastidious idea, piece
of writing is fastidious, thats why i have read it completely
Hurrah! In the end I got a blog from where I know
how to genuinely obtain valuable facts concerning my study and knowledge.
I read this post completely on the topic of the comparison of latest and earlier technologies,
it’s awesome article.
Highly descriptive article, I enjoyed that bit. Will there
be a part 2?
Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with
the images on this blog loading? I’m trying to find out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
I really like looking through an article that can make people think.
Also, thanks for permitting me to comment!
I’m not sure why but this web site is loading extremely slow for me.
Is anyone else having this problem or is it a problem on my end?
I’ll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.
You actually make it appear really easy with your presentation however I in finding this topic to be actually something that I think I might
never understand. It kind of feels too complex and extremely extensive for
me. I’m looking ahead to your subsequent submit,
I’ll attempt to get the grasp of it!
For most recent news you have to visit world wide web
and on web I found this website as a finest site for
hottest updates.
Hi, Neat post. There is a problem with your website in web explorer,
may check this? IE nonetheless is the marketplace chief and a big section of people will omit your magnificent
writing due to this problem.
Pretty! This was an extremely wonderful article.
Thank you for providing this info.
I like what you guys are up too. Such clever work and coverage!
Keep up the amazing works guys I’ve included you guys to
our blogroll.
It’s actually a nice and helpful piece of info. I’m happy
that you simply shared this useful info with us.
Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for
sharing.
Good write-up. I definitely love this site. Keep writing!
Definitely imagine that which you stated. Your favourite reason appeared to be on the web the simplest
factor to take note of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed whilst people think about issues that they just don’t understand about.
You managed to hit the nail upon the highest and also outlined out the
entire thing without having side-effects , other people could take a
signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks
Good write-up. I absolutely love this website. Stick with it!
I do not know whether it’s just me or if perhaps everybody
else encountering issues with your website. It seems
like some of the text within your content are
running off the screen. Can someone else please provide feedback
and let me know if this is happening to them too? This could be a issue with my browser because I’ve had this happen before.
Appreciate it
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d most certainly donate to this outstanding blog!
I guess for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
I look forward to new updates and will talk about this website with my Facebook group.
Chat soon!
Hi there to all, how is everything, I think every
one is getting more from this site, and your views are pleasant in support of
new people.
Hi! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site?
I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers
and I’m looking at options for another platform.
I would be awesome if you could point me in the direction of a
good platform.
Thanks for finally talking about > Google, Quickoffice and Productivity Beyond
X86 – Tech.pinions < Loved it!
Hello all, here every person is sharing such familiarity, therefore it’s pleasant to read this website, and I used to
visit this web site daily.
When some one searches for his required thing, thus he/she
needs to be available that in detail, therefore that thing is maintained over here.
Hurrah! After all I got a blog from where I be able to truly
obtain valuable data regarding my study and knowledge.
It’s perfect time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy.
I have read this post and if I could I want to suggest you few interesting things or tips.
Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article.
I desire to read even more things about it!
The other day, while I was at work, my cousin stole my
iPad and tested to see if it can survive a
40 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now destroyed
and she has 83 views. I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it with someone!
Because the admin of this site is working, no hesitation very
shortly it will be famous, due to its quality contents.
Aw, this was an exceptionally nice post. Finding the time and actual effort to produce a great article… but what can I say… I
procrastinate a lot and don’t manage to get nearly anything done.
Undeniably consider that that you stated. Your favorite reason appeared to be on the net the simplest factor to remember of.
I say to you, I certainly get irked whilst folks
consider concerns that they plainly don’t realize about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the top and
defined out the entire thing without having side effect ,
folks can take a signal. Will probably be back to get more.
Thank you
It’s really a cool and useful piece of info. I am glad that you simply shared this
helpful information with us. Please keep us up
to date like this. Thank you for sharing.