The invention of cloud computing is not a new concept but has been derived from having already-established programs that allow you to access your work from any computer. Think IM Creator (the online website-making template). Originally programmed for business marketing strategies, cloud computing is making its way into the handheld devices we carry around with us everyday.
How Apple and Google differ their system is in the way in which they perceive what users want. A journalist for Computerworld.com writes that
"Apple is focused on keeping the experience of viewing and working with documents and data the same while providing ubiquitous access from a smaller set of solutions. Google wants to make your documents and data available from the widest possible array of sources, with the expectation that your hands-on experience may vary greatly from one device or app to the next." (Faas, 2011, pg 3)
Both platforms have been under scrutiny ever since the premiere of Google's Android system in 2008. While you can access Google's cloud system through any smart phone you can't do the same with Apple's iCloud. Apple's system is walled in to only Macintosh facilities. Even Wired magazine marked the system with disdain
"Apple's device was an end in itself — a self-contained, jewel-like masterpiece locked in a sleek protective shell"(Roth, 2008)
With the new release of the iOS 5 system for the iPhone means we can cloud compute from any where at any time which is exactly what Google and Apple are fighting for.
SOURCES:
Faas R, 2011, 'How the Apple iCloud compares to Google's cloud', Computer World, 8 June, accessed 18/10/2011, http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9217438/How_the_Apple_iCloud_compares_to_Google_s_cloud?taxonomyId=158&pageNumber=3
Roth D, 2008, ‘Google’s open source Android OS will free the wireless Web’, Wired Magazine, 23 July, accessed 18/10/2011, http://www.wired.com/techbiz/media/magazine/16-07/ff_android?currentPage=2
Hi Dimity, I like what youve looked at for this weeks blog... the video fits in perfect!
ReplyDeleteWhen we really sit and consider the competition between Google and Apple for their mobile systems, it is completely dependent on what users want. They are fighting to be the top dog, to out-do eachother with every new innovation in mobile computing. I think it is good to have a bit of healthy competition, to further the goals & reach of the companies.
Preferences of users is one of the most dominating aspects, do you feel comfortable leaving the software decisions for the company to sort through? Or do you want to be rained with some useless and bugged software, with no idea where/what the good stuff is? Are you prepared to make decisions you know nothing about? I think i'm just gonna leave it to the experts... apple.
I thought your comment by Roth was interesting where he refers to the Apple device as an 'end in itself' and as being 'self contained'. It certainly doesn't appear to be a 'platform' as such or to promote 'conversation' if you like, it's very linear in that it has the last say. I think Olivia's question is good, '...do you feel comfortable leaving the software decisions for the company (Apple) to sort through?' I guess that is the question!
ReplyDeleteNice post! I too talked about Cloud Computing in my blog and how both companies are taking very different approaches. I have to agree with Olivia that user preferences is a very important part, it's basically what people want out of their device. The same when buying a car....do you want speed, luxury, gadgets, style, reliability etc. I'm quite divided as I love the idea of the open-source of Android, but I also like how Apple effectively uses control to create valuable and reliable products. Who will eventually win the war?? I'm not sure and I think it is still a long way off.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! As Liv mentioned they are both fighting to be the top dog, to out-do each other but is it really necessary?
ReplyDeleteYes its great to have that healthy competition and to further goals but at the end of the day if they are both creating great products, selling the stock and making a profit does it really matter so much? At the end of the day it comes down to our opinions and preferences as the users!
As AJobst and Olivia said it is about user preference. We have different wants and needs and we will seek them out and buy accordingly. However, when thinking which will come ontop in relation to sales I believe it will come down to the marketing of the product. From my perspective and my consumption of media I constantly hear about Apple, especially whilst watching the news and they cover Steve Jobs launching new products. Then when they are FINALLY released in Australia I see on the news and in print media a constant stream of images of people lined up at Apple store which stand in these huge white minimalistic buildings. Then on the other hand we have Google who chose to launch their operating system through a blog (outlined in the lecture). I just wanted to bring in this perspective of the debate. Interesting post :)
ReplyDeleteIts will be interesting who will win the battle for the best. I agree with Arianne with always hearing about Apple. it seems that other smaller brands fall under the radar. When Gwyneth Paltrow named her daughter apple we all knew why and what it was all about. Advertising being pushed so far down our throats, that people have started to look towards products for the names of their children and future children. Mercedes, Tynan, and not just in the car realm, what about Paris- after a waif socialite? or a place that is in the land of macaroons. On a seroius note, i like this blog and the effort and energy that has gone into proving one point. Steve jobs was proved to be a horrible person who didn't care alot for those who contributed to his fortune. The vibe of this blog is similar to religion, we all believe in god so why should one denomination rule over another. Just like a product. We are all entitled to our own opinion, on what we like as individuals want and want to believe in. hmmm we all don't have the same amount of Vegemite on our toast do we?
ReplyDelete