Steve Wozniak, Apple’s co-founder, had an interview with a Dutch newspaper called De Telegraaf, and one of the most interesting things he had to say was that he thinks Android will dominate the mobile world, just like Windows managed to dominate the PC world. All I have to say about that is: is this becoming obvious just now to him?
Kidding aside, I think it’s awesome that someone like him (Apple’s co-founder for crying out loud) get to enforce the idea that Android will truly be the dominant platform. Some of you may say, but isn’t Android already dominant? Yes, it is – in new sales. But as far as installed base goes, it’s still quite a bit behind other platforms like iOS, BB OS and Symbian. But don’t worry, it will get there at the rate it’s growing right now.
Woz also says that even though Android has passed iOS in features, it’s a bit rough around the edges right now, but it will soon catch up to iOS in terms of quality and everything else (market, monetization, dev tools, etc).
If you thought 2010 was the big year for Android, just wait till you see what 2011 will bring. I think Android 3.0 Honeycomb will be the true revolution of Android, and then it will be obvious for everyone that Android is destined to become the Windows not just of mobiles (phones and tablets), but of all the touchscreen devices world.
Update: The Woz now says he was misquoted. Speaking with Engadget, he explained that he was impressed with Android’s voice command integration with the Google Navigate app in particular. However, he expects Apple to catch up there. And as to the Windows comparison, he notes Android “to be a lot like Windows… I’m not trying to put Android down, but I’m not suggesting it’s better than iOS by any stretch of the imagination. But it can get greater marketshare and still be crappy.”
Are you sure, Steve? “Almost every app I have is better on the iPhone.”
With additional reporting by Maddi Hausmann Sojourner