Google Is Creeping onto Microsoft's Turf

Google (GOOG) has been gliding higher with the recent market rally, going from under $400 to almost $430 in 1 week, closing yesterday at $428.4. Yesterday evening, according to FT.com,

Acer, the world’s third biggest PC maker, on Tuesday said it would start producing the world’s first mainstream notebook computer using Google’s Android operating system before the end of September.

Google's Android system was originally designed for smartphones and caused some stirs in the media back in 2008. Sony Ericsson and HTC are planning to release Android phones in summer of 2009. But now it seems smartphones are not the only places where Google intends to deploy its Android.

Microsoft (MSFT) has been focusing so intently on competing with Google in the "search" arena. Has Google now opened a new battlefield by creeping onto Microsoft's own turf? Many have tried to compete with the mighty Windows. Apple (AAPL) certainly has its big share of the personal computer market; but Windows still has the monopoly in the so-called "PC" computers. Can Google's Android provide a legitimate threat to Windows?

Google Daily Chart (click to enlarge)

Since reaching above $700/share in October 2007, GOOG has fallen all the way to below $300 in November 2008, before climbing back to the recent prices in the low $400s. GOOG traded slightly higher in after-hours yesterday, up $1.35 at $429.75. Staying above $425 is bullish for GOOG. With the news on Android last night, GOOG may be ready to propel higher.

Comments

[Tom B:]

Windows is VERY vulnerable. AAPL, Google, and the LINUX people all have MODERN alternatives. MSFT has simply been repackaging (mostly with eye-candy) warmed over versions of Windows NT. Windows NT,2000, Vista, and Win 7 are NOT UNIX-based, and will never meet the modern performance, stability, and security standards sophisticated consumers deserve. Nor does MSFT have a good sense of how to make it's user interfaces consistent and easy to use. This is something AAPL does very well, and, though I like GOOG, I'd expect AAPL to benefit the most from MSFT's continued mental artherosclerosis.

Jun 03 09:49 AM

[LA Tech:]

Only in paid search is Microsoft losing to Google.

See if any significant market share is generated by Google here in 24 months.

I bet NOT!

Jun 03 11:20 AM

[Fremont Rea...:]

They should make a machine for students. 10 years later their habits will carry into the workforce.

Jun 03 11:57 AM