On Wednesday of
this week, Florian Mueller questioned why Apple would criticize Google, the undisputed
leader in the search market, for a “clearly flawed” search methodology? It
makes me to think about the relationship between Google and Apple.
Although Google and
Apple compete in many areas, they are still forced to cooperate. I think the
enemy and friend’s deadlock will continue for some time. The relationship
between Google and Apple has undergone dramatic changes in recent years, from
as close as brothers into mortal enemies. Google launched the Android operating
system made Steve Jobs hates its guts, which can be reflected from his biography.
However, the relationship between the two Silicon Valley Giants is much more
complex than this. I think up to now, they still depends on each other.
Nevertheless, there are some recent indications that Apple may be trying to
alienate Google. This sparked my curiosity: Will Google at much greater risk?
One of the biggest separations occurred when Apple gave up Google maps and
instead use an open map product on its iPad. By then, Apple started to invent
its own map system, which got lots of complains from its users.
I think the relationship
between Google and Apple is more complex than it appears. Many users believe
that Apple is using Google search engine is because the product is the best.
Although neither side would not talk about this topic, Google does pay a big
fee in order to be Apple browser’s default search engine. Nowadays, Apple
starts to criticize Google’s search engine. I wonder if that is anther strategy
that Apple use to fight Android operating system, and if it is going to add
some weight for the breaking up between Google and Apple.
I definitely remember Jobs hating Google for the Android OS and the competition it created between the two. Given the examples you gave, it would seem that Apple is trying to alienate Google. However, the popularity of Google and the products its known for has a such a big base of users (search, maps) that it doesn't make sense for Apple to alienate them to prevent innovation.
ReplyDeleteThe question that I had while reading this is what responsibility does Google have to provide a robust search in this context? If it's true that Google is being inconsistent with the cases that it's getting involved in, are there any legitimate, legal ramifications?
ReplyDeleteI think both companies are too big to not work together at some level. Because Apple and Google are both huge companies with a lot of influence, they will want to work together to help set industry standards and things like that at least.
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