Now that Google's Nexus 10 tablet is in the marketplace, the next big question is whether it can get the app support it needs to build broad popularity. And there is reason to think it will. Sales of Android tablets are taking off, and app developers are starting to take notice. Strength on the app side, in turn, could make Android tablets a broad-spectrum alternative to Apple's iPad.
Likewise, for the IT community at midsize firms, this could make Android tablets a more attractive option. A large consumer base strengthens the Android argument, both for reaching customers and for bring-your-own-device (BYOD) users. Even company-issued tablets could end up in the picture.
Nexus tablets, both 7-inch and 10-inch versions, have been drawing some of the most positive reviews of any Android tablets. They can take it to the iPad with both processor horsepower and a high-resolution display. The lurking question about Nexus, and Android tablets in general, has been a shortage of apps that make full use of their power.
But as Casey Newton reports at CNET , this may be poised to change. For one thing, Android tablets are hitting their stride. Last quarter, for example, Apple slipped to barely over half of the tablet market, which means that Android tablets are catching up.
Google is doing its best to encourage the trend. One reason for its substantial Nexus 10 development effort, says Hugo Barra, head of Android project development, was precisely to grab the attention of the app development community.
And the developers are responding. One development shop, Squrl, previously held off on Android. But after last June's Google I/O developer conference, Squrl changed its tune. It is now actively developing Android apps. Game developers such as EA and Gameloft are also signing on. Games may not factor into the BYOD picture, but they are a powerful draw for high-end tablet buyers.
From the perspective of IT managers at midsize firms, Android has some real advantages - at least in principle. It is free of Apple's tight control. And because it is open source it can be tweaked and configured to meet a firm's specific needs. Even security , a major Android issue, can benefit from open source flexibility.
Also, from a different angle, while IT might like Windows RT, no one knows yet whether Windows tablets will become more than a niche item.
The potential strengths of Android also depend on broad and lasting user support. Thus the IT community at midsize firms will be watching closely to see whether app developers continue to respond to Android and provide it with a rich app ecosystem.
Source
Likewise, for the IT community at midsize firms, this could make Android tablets a more attractive option. A large consumer base strengthens the Android argument, both for reaching customers and for bring-your-own-device (BYOD) users. Even company-issued tablets could end up in the picture.
It is All About Software
Nexus tablets, both 7-inch and 10-inch versions, have been drawing some of the most positive reviews of any Android tablets. They can take it to the iPad with both processor horsepower and a high-resolution display. The lurking question about Nexus, and Android tablets in general, has been a shortage of apps that make full use of their power.
But as Casey Newton reports at CNET , this may be poised to change. For one thing, Android tablets are hitting their stride. Last quarter, for example, Apple slipped to barely over half of the tablet market, which means that Android tablets are catching up.
Google is doing its best to encourage the trend. One reason for its substantial Nexus 10 development effort, says Hugo Barra, head of Android project development, was precisely to grab the attention of the app development community.
And the developers are responding. One development shop, Squrl, previously held off on Android. But after last June's Google I/O developer conference, Squrl changed its tune. It is now actively developing Android apps. Game developers such as EA and Gameloft are also signing on. Games may not factor into the BYOD picture, but they are a powerful draw for high-end tablet buyers.
Realizing the Potential
From the perspective of IT managers at midsize firms, Android has some real advantages - at least in principle. It is free of Apple's tight control. And because it is open source it can be tweaked and configured to meet a firm's specific needs. Even security , a major Android issue, can benefit from open source flexibility.
Also, from a different angle, while IT might like Windows RT, no one knows yet whether Windows tablets will become more than a niche item.
The potential strengths of Android also depend on broad and lasting user support. Thus the IT community at midsize firms will be watching closely to see whether app developers continue to respond to Android and provide it with a rich app ecosystem.
Source
