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Microsoft starts taking shots at Google’s Android

06 November 2008 by Staff Editor


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Android has been under a lot of heat lately from some of the leading mobile companies such as Sprint. Google’s Android platform seems to be an open target for negativity. Microsoft has jumped on the bandwagon with reports that they find Android to be financially unsound.

The other day Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer, spoke at Australian telecoms company Telstra’s annual investment day, he was quick to dismiss Google all together saying, “They can hire smart guys, hire a lot of people… but, you know, they start out way behind in a certain sense.” This comes as a surprise to me as Google has continued to outshine Microsoft in the past, overcoming them on many top ten lists.

Ballmer questioned Google’s ability to make money from this mobile platform as he went on to say, “I don’t really understand their strategy. Maybe somebody else does. If I went to my shareholder meeting, my analyst meeting, and said: ‘Hey, we’ve just launched a new product that has no revenue model!’… I’m not sure that my investors would take that very well. But that’s kind of what Google’s telling their investors about Android,”

In a perfect world for large companies such as Microsoft, making money is all that really matters in the end. What they don’t realize is that open source is not about raking in the money, it is about creating something and then allowing others to partake of it as they see fit. Google is getting many more search hits with the integration of search in Android. Ballmer argues that Google’s Android is doing well for its first generation of phones, but when it comes down to it, how will it do in the third and fourth generations? We want to know what you think about the comments made by the CEO of Microsoft, dismissing Android yet again.

[Via ZDNet]

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  1. the concept of a product whos number one priority isnt to be a cash cow is like oil on water for microsoft, theyll never get it. thats why androids gonna spank the crap out of em. androids built specifically for user experience and to invole users in the developement process to make their experience better.
    i imagine windows only idea when making windows mobile was "hey, lets make an os with bare bones windows functionality so we can throw it in a phone and cash in on the smartphone market" cause the windows mobile phone i have is by far the worst phone ive ever owned. its ungodly slow even for the most basic functions (it takes literally 5-6 minutes to start up) accessing basic phone menus is unnecessarily complicated, and it freezes up. constantly.
    this is easily their 3rd or 4th generation and theyve done nearly nothing to improve the basic user experience (as ive used some of the first windows mobile phones as well).
    really they should be ****ting bricks over androids 3rd or 4th gen...
  2. microtrash is just hating because they can make a system that doesnt crash less than once every 4hours, and google just made a mobile platform that crashes less than once per..... ( mine hasnt crashed yet and ive had it for 5 days )
  3. After a few days with this platform i'd invest in it . Its so much better than anything I've used before and as this is only first gen I'm finding it difficult to see where things can go wrong 2 ,3 generations on .seems like the old fear uncertainty doubt tactic again.saying all that I did buy a pogo 6 years ago and felt the same way then ,then they went bump ,but with this being open source I don't see that happening. Well done on a great os and here's one happy user hoping the success continues.
  4. In other words... Ballmer recognizes that Android is a significant enough threat that he has to spend some time spreading FUD and talking down the competition.
  5. Quote:
    In a perfect world for large companies such as Microsoft, making money is all that really matters in the end.
    It's quotes like that which piss me off royally. I know large corporations like Microsoft do not care about their customers by giving them what they want. Its a perfect reasoning why Vista sucks and Microsoft doesn't care as long as they are "making money". Hell the CEO just proved it right here in the sentence quoted. I hope Google stomps their A$$!!
  6. The problem with the folks over at Microsoft is that they are part of a sinking ship. Windows Vista seriously injured if not destroyed Microsofts credibility in the OS hustle period. They are praying and hoping that by funneling millions into IM a PC commercials it will bring them back and even praying harder that heart broken windows fan will gain faith back when windows 7 drops after dealing with crappy vista for so long. So to top it off Microsoft decides to attack Android and google for having their OS Open Source. Open source is what the internet was created for Not Monopoly's Microsoft's time has passed they just havent realized this yet. Kinda like the Baby Boomers it took OBAMA winning the election to convince them that there time has passed. Just wait and see what Android Becomes.
  7. That picture of Ballmer is hilarious, perfect candidate for a Photoshop contest. Microsoft has some very narrow minded views on the tech world lately, they still produce and develop software like its 91. There have been many game changing developments in the industry lately, and all they seem to do is shun all of them. I think they are not only losing their grip on the market share to mac, linux, etc. . . they may just be losing it all together. Unless the really start to catch up there's no conceivable way they'll still be a major part of the industry in 10 years from now. . .
  8. Msn.com? a Search Engine?

    Hotmail. when's the last time you checked your hotmail...

    Xbox 360. no comment.

    Windows mobile. LAGGY, SLOW,

    The Zune. lol?

    these are just things that come to my head
    when i think Microsoft of course they don't like
    the G1, they don't like everything that's free,
    they don't like the ps3, they don't like anything
    but guess what no one cares, cause windows mobile is
    already out and they had there chance to make something good
    the truth of the matter is, that android is really good


    AND microsoft if this makes there investors feel better
    i bought the g1, and got one for everyone in my company

    you can say what you want Microsoft i already know how you work.
  9. Sounds like someone is getting scared!!! What did Ice Cube say?..... "if ur scared muthaf***a go to church!" (No dis to anyone who goes.) I've. Always known alil about microsoft, but since I've started school at ITT-TECH, I learn more and more about them. From the gate, microsoft has always beenn 2 to 3 steps behind and then out of know where they jump in front by one step. Only thing is they never take out the time to really get user feedback, so they end up right back where they started. For exmple...when they threw vista out. With Android, Google gets the inside scoop from the actual user, so whenever they make the "i'mANDROID".....(hint hint) it WILL be the iphone killer.
    Mircosoft....."Hi hater, what's happening...get at me!!!!"
  10. I have no words for microsoft... old white guy in the picture should sit down and play with the phone...use it don't talk about where's the money.... sounding more and more like apple... money money money... they want a device that gets them rich and leaves their customers with a boring. Device... the speed, productivity, and inevitable potential of android is what makes a good device not the money made in return....

    I don't even know why he talking.... besides a few minor issues microsoft doesn't have a compeiting device... people still have to search the net for hacks and mods and halfof them vcould brick ya ****

    Suck a fat one microsoft, stop using google search if u don't like em...
  11. This is what happens when companys get scared of another companys masterpeice. When windows first came out it was getting trashed talked left and right but sadly that hasn't really stopped yet. So there just taking there chance to feel like tuff guys and pick on the new kid on the block Sir, Android G1/a.k.a Dream.
  12. lol... the picture reminds me of someone... trying to down play the android... oh wait it is... hahaha... I've read many articles... and I found one thing consistent...
    Market share loss...
    All of these companies have something to lose if Android does well... Microsoft already lost a lot of ground due to Google's advances...
    Sprint has too much invested in another platform... making it a dwindling... company... if they step forward with android...
    Verizon... just haters... lol....

    Money talks... when it walks away... these companies... crawl on their hands and knees to get it back... so.. sad... so... sad...
  13. hahahahahaha...microsfot pissin in their panties...I havnt spent 80/month on anything worth it in a long time...and I have no problem paying it if its getting the job done...microsoft garbage on the other hand...well everyones already shedded that light...

    I have a 1 yr contract and I cant wait for the g2 or whatever phone is coming out, because I will probably get that one too...
  14. Quote:
    Originally Posted by endmp25 View Post
    lol... the picture reminds me of someone... trying to down play the android... oh wait it is... hahaha... I've read many articles... and I found one thing consistent...
    Market share loss...
    All of these companies have something to lose if Android does well... Microsoft already lost a lot of ground due to Google's advances...
    Sprint has too much invested in another platform... making it a dwindling... company... if they step forward with android...
    Verizon... just haters... lol....

    Money talks... when it walks away... these companies... crawl on their hands and knees to get it back... so.. sad... so... sad...
    speaking of verizon I just left their asses for t-mobile and this g1, so I am one who can vouch for that statement...they will not get one more dime for me and that deactivation fee isnt nothing since its prorated now...a lot of companies are about to go back to the drawing board...and its funny, google will always rule and their future doesnt seem to be in any danger whatsoever...I have a friend who invested in them way back when they first started , and he's been banking ever since, I just wish I could get on his level but don't want to take that plunge...I feel like its too late
  15. I'm a fan of a few of Microsoft's products but they are undeniably sinking very fast. And now Google has stepped into almost of all of their markets with amazing strength. Who wouldn't feel threatened by that? He has to keep a good strong front or everyone around him will fall. They are most certainly worried about Google because they have continually proved to be extremely good at what they do even when Microsoft fails.

    Just remember Google is a content provider, they dont make things such as gaming systems and music devices. Google has services such as search, adds, and now Android that is not only an operating system for moble phones, but will branch off into computers and even cars in the future, Just to name a few ways Google is putting a crunch on Microsoft.
  16. Quote:
    Originally Posted by Skatturbrain View Post
    It's quotes like that which piss me off royally. I know large corporations like Microsoft do not care about their customers by giving them what they want. Its a perfect reasoning why Vista sucks and Microsoft doesn't care as long as they are "making money". Hell the CEO just proved it right here in the sentence quoted. I hope Google stomps their A$$!!
    So true. Next MS will have a Vista Mobile OS. LOL. Just think how bad that will be.
  17. Dear Mr. Ballmer
    I know you must protect your product, your very existence depends on it. I know you're just doing your job... dis it now while you can and try to slow the process, but like life, the process shall prevail. Any good marketing person knows that.
    How will it make money, you Mr. Ballmer, can probably come up with 2 dozen different ways to exploit Android. A pretty stable OS out the gate, remember Win-Mo v1... Not so stable was it.... Android has a really good start and people are excited, You can't buy that kind of press.

    Bring people in with free apps in the beginning, establish a market then add premium apps at a cost, give your developers a real chance to make some decent money off their labor (Hint: Steve Jobs). Give the consumer an abundance of cool apps and a platform to freely exploit, they'll come running...
    Establish the OS on phones across the the board, bring more people to your advertising base.
    There is a strategy but it's built for the long term, kind of like this country where freedom and capitalism can co-exist to built something from a small garage based idea to a multi-billion biz... Kind of like...er a Microsoft... (Green blinking cursor)
    Oh, don't forget your roots.... Where's a young Bill Gates when you need him...

    2 Cents..... properly used can accumulate to millions...
    Bratman
  18. The Vista comments are equally annoying I've never had a single problem with it. Everyone I know that is computer literate also is problem-free with Vista. I stayed away from it due to the complaints I heard, but when I made the jump I couldn't figure out what the problem was.

    XBox had some severe hardware issues. New ones work perfectly fine. PS1 and PS2 also had some hardware problems. Remember the warping lenses on the PS1? Maybe not to the scale of the XBox, but, Microsoft replaced them and I'm satisfied with my 360.

    This is definitely just some comments made to downplay Android. They aren't going to admit they're worried. Investors don't want to hear that.
  19. This coming from a guy who laughed off the iphone as well. It's like old government meeting Barack Obama...hmm I don't get it. It's too young, or it's not ready, or we'll see when it flops. Old...New.
  20. They are mad because it works
  21. Hey Shawn Brown, I'm not the biggest fan of Sprint (since they ripped me off with the Instinct) but I don't think you should compare this article to Sprint's "not good enough" comment. You made a post about AT&T which said pretty much the same thing as Sprint, AT&T just said it so it seemed more positive. What Microsoft is doing is equivalent to Verizon's bashing, but Sprint simply stated that it's not good enough yet, meaning it needs time to develop. And that's the same thing AT&T said.
  22. Why is it that when a big discussion comes up everyone these days references the 2008 presedential election? Change can be both good and bad. Give it time and see before bashing people who aren't Obama supporters. Yes I am a republican but that doesn't mean I am closed minded or ignorant. Google has made a change and honestly it is kick*ss . The problem with microsoft is the same issue present when purchasing a Mac. Apple whats to control everything the user sees and does. Microsoft wants the same. Google on the other hand is completely open and free (that is the same reason I am a republican by the way I don't like to have my freedoms dictated to me).

    When the second gen google phone comes out people WILL have to shut their mouths the best part will be us getting to see their faces lol.
  23. Your probably right. No revenue stream until they start putting big apps on the store and charge and share revenue with the authors. Oh sounds like Ipone and what the new Xbox360 idea of the xma.

    I guess some people put out everything as it costs money for everything and the Android comes out and offers a bunch of free stuff off the bat which gets its users addicted like its crack.

    Hey I'm game for the crack.
  24. Quote:
    Originally Posted by SanctiAnderii View Post
    Hey Shawn Brown, I'm not the biggest fan of Sprint (since they ripped me off with the Instinct) but I don't think you should compare this article to Sprint's "not good enough" comment. You made a post about AT&T which said pretty much the same thing as Sprint, AT&T just said it so it seemed more positive. What Microsoft is doing is equivalent to Verizon's bashing, but Sprint simply stated that it's not good enough yet, meaning it needs time to develop. And that's the same thing AT&T said.

    You bring up one of the most valid points I have read on this forum. Its all taken in the way you read it, Sprint said its not good enough the way it is, and AT&T is watching it and waiting for it to open up to more non-Google apps, that is not the OS itself it is the direction that developers are taking it. I take it as AT&T is ready to go when "users want it", and Sprint wants a lot of the OS to change to fit their needs. AT&T has said not much beyond the applications, while sprint thinks it is not good enough for a the Sprint name. It makes me wonder if they think their feature phones OS is any better.

    It is my firm belief that Sprint will stay away until they can take control and change to OS to something of their own rather than Android itself. I see even with Windows Mobile they have stepped in and taken over whatever they can.
  25. Microsoft talking about another operating system..

    Those who live in glass houses should not throw rocks!!!

    That's all I have to say...
  26. "Come on, Give it up for Meeeeeeee" - Steve Ballmer.
  27. is this all over not using microsoft mobile ?!
    lol jk
    bt wow i love these ! keep em cominggg !
    thy jus wnt stop puttn google in the spotlight .
  28. "Android has been under a lot of heat lately from some of the leading mobile companies such as Sprint."

    Did I really just read a sentence that referred to Sprint as a leading mobile company? Sprint? Leading in terms of most dropped calls, terrible coverage, and the worst customer support that money can buy maybe.

    That line made me laugh.
  29. Google's ability to make money from this platform.... Hmmm. Let's see. Exactly how many BILLION dollars is Google worth? Don't know, but I'm pretty sure it's a lot at $334.80 a share!!! (Googled that by the way) The financial "experts" didn't get Google's business model when they started. Bet they do now.

    Give it time. When Android is on every type phone imaginable, he'll change his tune. I don't think the iPhone is a novelty anymore.
  30. Microsoft is Talking about Android Financial rather then Android Itself.

    Ballmer will waste his Energy guarding Financial Decision but will not care that iPhone and GPhone is Killing Windows mobile and making Windows Mobile Division financially weak
  31. Microsoft's only standpoint is financial. Haven't you seen the commercials?? Its about time they pointed that one out.
  32. Prior to buying the G1 i had the htc tilt. It is a windows based phone and boy does it suck. Very slow, cumbersome, and when I tried to connect to my vista computer it wouldn't. I called tec support but they said they were aware of the problem and would contact me IF a solution was found. No thank you Microsoft. Putting out a crappy phone OS and trying to rake in the money should worry their stockholders. I don't know why Microsoft cares if Google's stockholders are worried anyway....
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