How Android 2.2 can steal a march ahead of iOS4

Speed and Performance

• Android 2.2 will deliver far better performance and improved speed in native applications running on the software. – An Evolutionary step in development of Android as a

platform

• One of Android's biggest problems is that its native apps are still much slower than those in iOS 4. – With the help of Android 2.2, Apple could lose that

advantage

Flash Support

• Addition of Adobe Flash to Android OS 2.2 is a major upgrade for Google's mobile platform. – Unlike Apple, which contends that Flash will hurt its

customers more than help them, Google is going to allow its users to access the vast majority of video and games on the Web that they can't view on iOS 4 devices.

– There is still some doubt as to whether or not Flash will work all that well on Android, but if it does, and users don't experience any security problems when using it, Google will have a major advantage over Apple

Better Exchange Support

• A key success factor in the smartphone market is Support for Microsoft Exchange. – Android 2.2 offers calendar synchronization, remote wipe,

auto-discovery and several other Exchange-related features.

– Previously, Apple had a big lead over Google when it came to Exchange. All that will change with Android 2.2.

WiFi Hot Spot

• The Droid X, would be able to access WiFi hot spots, thanks to support in Android 2.2. – Up to five devices can connect to Verizon's 3G network

through the Droid X's 3G Mobile Hotspot. Even though it costs an additional $20, it certainly makes the service far more viable than AT&T's iPhone tethering rate for the same price.

– Being able to share a 3G Web connection with up to five different people will undoubtedly come in handy at Starbucks or in a professional setting when a team needs a Web connection.

– And it can't be overlooked as a key component in Android's value to customers.

An Improved Android Market

• The Android Market is quickly becoming integral to the success of Android OS. – In Android OS 2.2, the store will be updated a bit to allow

users to make batch upgrades to their apps. – Google has also added several APIs to the developer SDK

(software development kit), which should improve the applications that make their way into the store.

– Users can install apps on removable media such as SD cards, so they can bring their favorite programs with them to new phones.

A Better Browser• Android 2.2 web browser will help users surf the

Web far more effectively than before. – Users who have worked with it claim the mobile Chrome

browser built into Android 2.2 is faster than mobile Safari on Apple's iPhone.

– If consumers generally find that to be true, Google could be well on its way to challenging Apple.

– Although the browser is just one component in making a smartphone buying decision, it's an important one.

– More and more people are relying on the Internet to get work done.

– If they can enjoy a better browsing experience on Android 2.2 than on iOS 4, they might opt for Android-based devices more often.

Support from Major Phones

• Over the next few months, the software will debut on all major Android phones, including the HTC Droid Incredible and the Motorola Droid X. – As Apple offers just two versions of the iPhone on store

shelves, Google has the luxury of partnering with vendors that deliver dozens of products to consumers.

– Customers attracted by Android 2.2 will have a slew of options available to them with which to replace the iPhone.

– As nice as it is to have the iPhone 4, Apple should become increasingly concerned as its top competition adds Android 2.2 support.

It's What Vendors Have Waited for• Although Google has been successful in attracting

vendors to the Android platform, the company's software has so far been inadequate compared with Apple's iOS.

• Hardware vendors, knowing that Apple is heavily entrenched in the smartphone space, have decided to stay out until there was an operating system available that could compete. – With Android 2.2,OEMS , such as Dell, that have stayed out

of the mobile OS mix now have a reason to jump in. – Android 2.2 is the best competitor yet to iOS 4– More Android-based devices expected over the next year

The Enterprise Solution?

• Android 2.2, will be ready for enterprise use. and be more enterprise-friendly than its predecessors. – By appealing to enterprises, Google gains another avenue

of growth. – With a viable alternative to iOS 4 on the market,

enterprises have more to choose from. – Apple can't be happy about that

Design Improvements

• Design changes on the Android, should help the operating system match Apple's iOS 4 design just a little better. – For Apple, Android's improvements could prove

worrisome. – Although iOS 4 still has a better design, Android is catching

up. – The pressure is on Apple to stay ahead.