Dan Poarch

Google's Open Source Targets Windows Mobile and RIMM, Not Apple

Google announced everything and nothing today. This will go down as one of the most misunderstood announcements in recent history, at least in the tech sector. What they announced is huge, but it's huge for the $100 handset market, not the hi-end market. As well, it will play out to mimic the platform wars of the 80's in one entirely ugly way: Google has no control over the hardware, and will be asking a disparate group of developers to conform to broad standards [read: incompatibility]. Thus Apple's target market of people seeking a finely tuned hardware/software combination is completely untouched.

Once again, doubting Apple here won't work out for you. iPhones will continue to grow in the consumer market, Macs will continue to outpace PCs in sales growth, and Apple will continue to provide innovative tools for the consumer to experience the benefits of technology in their everyday lives. Who in the gPhoneosphere has the ability, history, cash, or brand leverage to promise the same?

I have all the respect in the world for Google and their aims with this phone platform, but this announcement means total market confusion for the next two years.

Google vs. Apple: Choosing the Better Stock

"They still believe that maybe Vista Service Pack 5 will be possibly as good at Mac System 7 and will save them $5 per machine."

Good times. A bitter joke but stunningly true. Holding onto Windows is like holding onto your typewriter in the 80's, I see your point and I understand your sentimentality, but it's not just not worth it. Now, having said that, the move is not away from Windows per se, I see Microsoft dominating the back-end for years to come. The desktop is decentralizing again and Apple is on top of that move. Microsoft is nowhere to be found. XBox doesn't cut it, it's an insult to users to ask them to buy a gaming system as their internet appliance. OSX is the core, and an integrated hardware platform is the advantage. It's a solid OS and they're turning that OS into a hardware appliance backbone that works and shares code with their desktops. This improves speed, reliability, and interoperability while keeping R&D under control and margins low. And marketing costs? Microsoft is a huge advertiser and ad buyer, while Apple relies on followers like us to support the effort. Long as the stock keeps running and I'm in, it works for me.

What Does Verizon Have In The Wings?

I don't know Todd personally, so I hate to bust his chops, but is he is consistently off-base on Apple. Reverse barometer.

What Does Verizon Have In The Wings?

I doubt Verizon has anything up its sleeve. Not that it won't try to compete, they just won't be highly strategic or try to compete on the same playing field. I could be wrong, but Verizon's vision, in my opinion, is to be the big corporation. I've never seen evidence that they desire to be light, agile, competitive. Their strategy is growth and dominance.

Also, I don't think people should force too many expectations on a Google phone. It'll be brilliant and smart, without question, but I'm betting it won't be the wunderkind that the iPhone is. Might be more capable, but I doubt it would be as elegant or more advanced. I see something very rough around the edges with great potential for those willing to dive in. Just like Google. As well, I don't expect them to compete, other than the fact that they're both cell phones.

Google Phone in Prototype -- Boston Globe

I wouldn't expect this phone to be beautiful, but I would expect it to be exceptionally useful. Maybe not a competitor for Apple, but definitely a competitor for everyone else.

Research in Motion Hits Record on Takeover Rumor

Hugely amusing. Microsoft's recent record of rabid un-success matched with RIMM's ingenuity and creativity would be disastrous.

Emotion: The Enemy of Every Investor

Emotion is one enemy. Ignorance is another. Your headline claimed that the iPhone would fail. Your article provided no support for the headline. And your criticizing Apple followers... ?

Emotion is an incredibly important part of investing. I wouldn't be 15 years long on Apple with 800% growth if I didn't believe in the company. Not all of us are trying to turn a quick buck.

Sadly my dear friend, as a journalist, it is you that has taken the course that you predict for the iPhone. But, perhaps you're just building your resume for a shot at the new Fox Business channel. Ethics are the enemy of a journalist, you know...