Huawei Dual-booting phones speculation
So, apparently Huawei announced that they would build phones that dual-booted Windows Phone and Android. And now apparently they have claimed they won't. There is a lot of coverage, but oddly, not a lot of theories.
Here is mine. Google said no.
Think about it. Google has a monopoly in the phone market. Access to the most important parts of Android are not included in open source code and not just freely available to anyone. If you want access to the Play store and key Google apps on your Android device, you need Google's seal of approval.
I don't think Google is "afraid" of Windows Phone. But they have nothing to gain by allowing dual-booting phones aside from the possibility that those that try Windows Phone might prefer it over Android.
And while some may mock that notion, I don't think such an outcome for users of dual-boot phones is unreasonable. High end phones are unlikely to dual-boot. And even though I can see areas where Android is a better OS, it isn't that same platform on low-end devices. Windows Phone on the other hand is every bit as good on the cheapest devices that run it as it is on the most expensive. So, even if you don't think that WP8 at its height is better than Android at its height. Most will likely find that at their lowest, WP8 outshines Android. So, if low-mid end devices are where dual-booting is most common, this could slowly eat away at Android's market share.
So, Google says "no". Tells Huawei that they won't certify any dual-booting phones to make use of Play and Google services, and really, there is nothing Huawei can do but go along. At this very moment, Android dominates the market where those phones would be sold into. People might buy a dual-boot device, but are unlikely to buy a low-mid end WP device over a low-mid end Android device. The popularity simply isn't there. And Huawei can't risk selling an effectively gimped version of Android just to deliver a dual-boot phone.
I think this is the most logical reason for the change of heart. I suspect Microsoft would be willing to give WP8 away for free or dirt cheap on low cost devices to boost their adoption rates. And given that, the cost for Huawei to produce such a device is actually fairly low. And I don't doubt Microsoft approves of the idea.
So, if Huawei, independent of sanctions from Google has little or no reason to not do it, and Microsoft would approve the idea, the party with a reason to be unwilling is Google.
If all Google can accomplish is forcing OEM's to sell phone pre-installed with just one of Android of Windows Phone, they will have won. As long as Android owns as much of the market as it does, few would opt for the WP option. Only a dual-booting phone poses any risk.
I know I said I hated dual-booting phones as an option. And really, that hasn't changed. I personally hate the idea. But it truly is a good way for Microsoft to attack the low-end market. If they can just get a couple OEM's that are actually able to put out such a device.
Here is mine. Google said no.
Think about it. Google has a monopoly in the phone market. Access to the most important parts of Android are not included in open source code and not just freely available to anyone. If you want access to the Play store and key Google apps on your Android device, you need Google's seal of approval.
I don't think Google is "afraid" of Windows Phone. But they have nothing to gain by allowing dual-booting phones aside from the possibility that those that try Windows Phone might prefer it over Android.
And while some may mock that notion, I don't think such an outcome for users of dual-boot phones is unreasonable. High end phones are unlikely to dual-boot. And even though I can see areas where Android is a better OS, it isn't that same platform on low-end devices. Windows Phone on the other hand is every bit as good on the cheapest devices that run it as it is on the most expensive. So, even if you don't think that WP8 at its height is better than Android at its height. Most will likely find that at their lowest, WP8 outshines Android. So, if low-mid end devices are where dual-booting is most common, this could slowly eat away at Android's market share.
So, Google says "no". Tells Huawei that they won't certify any dual-booting phones to make use of Play and Google services, and really, there is nothing Huawei can do but go along. At this very moment, Android dominates the market where those phones would be sold into. People might buy a dual-boot device, but are unlikely to buy a low-mid end WP device over a low-mid end Android device. The popularity simply isn't there. And Huawei can't risk selling an effectively gimped version of Android just to deliver a dual-boot phone.
I think this is the most logical reason for the change of heart. I suspect Microsoft would be willing to give WP8 away for free or dirt cheap on low cost devices to boost their adoption rates. And given that, the cost for Huawei to produce such a device is actually fairly low. And I don't doubt Microsoft approves of the idea.
So, if Huawei, independent of sanctions from Google has little or no reason to not do it, and Microsoft would approve the idea, the party with a reason to be unwilling is Google.
If all Google can accomplish is forcing OEM's to sell phone pre-installed with just one of Android of Windows Phone, they will have won. As long as Android owns as much of the market as it does, few would opt for the WP option. Only a dual-booting phone poses any risk.
I know I said I hated dual-booting phones as an option. And really, that hasn't changed. I personally hate the idea. But it truly is a good way for Microsoft to attack the low-end market. If they can just get a couple OEM's that are actually able to put out such a device.
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