Marcia, Marcia, Google
Nov 13, 2007 at 3:26
Tom Cameron

For the past three or four years at least we have heard about the Google phone, the Google operating system, the Google radio spectrum, and the Google life in general. None of them are real.

First of all, Google is a search company. They catalog information, index it, and provide a simple way for you to query that index. This has led them to software development, because the tools didn't exist. What this doesn't lead them to is building cellphones and computers. Here's why.

When a company develops software in the manner that Google does, they bring on the most talented developers they can get. This creates a honeypot for other developers, drawing them in by the lure. This keeps the development team fresh, and active. But, software development is extremely cheap when you compare it to the value returned to the business. However, when a company develops a cell phone, they need to hire those software developers as well as hardware developers, radio engineers, patent lawyers, pay for FCC licensing, distribution, and of course you need to line the pockets of the carriers to make them use your phone.

Basically, the process is extremely complex, insanely expensive, and something Google has no experience in the market. This is not to say they can't do it- just look at the iPhone- but I sincerely doubt the board members would ever allow it. Ever.

If you are a technology pundit, stop complaining that Google has shorted us by developing a platform of applications for mobile phones, and not a phone itself. You knew better, but you let your desire get ahead of your senses. Do some critical thinking, do some real reporting, and get real.

 

Article originally appeared on My happy place (https://www.drdabbles.us/).
See website for complete article licensing information.