Google and Apple
by JS
One interesting comparison worth making in the context of “net neutrality” is between the positions of Apple and Google. They are now competing in the same mobile space. Among Apple observers, the coverage of Google has been fairly negative recently, but I don’t think this has to do with some kind of fanboi reaction against a new competitor to Apple.
Basically, I think it comes down to tolerance for bullshit.
The problem isn’t that Google and Apple really differ fundamentally in either company’s approach to openness. It’s just that one company has a coherent position that doesn’t pervert language, and the other doesn’t. Apple’s approach is simple, openness depends on the choice of API. If you use Cocoa, you are working within the closed ecosystem of Apple’s app store. If you choose HTML5+Javascript+CSS you are working in the open system. Obviously Apple has a lot of latitude to balance the pros and cons of each API choice to fit whatever corporate strategy they want. In particular, I think mobile Safari innovation will tail off as Apple tries to force more applications into the App Store. But, strategy aside, the distinction makes a certain amount of sense, and at least Apple is treating everyone like adults.
Google was positioning themselves as the “open alternative” to Apple in the mobile space. (Which ironically means running things like Flash.) The only problem is that the handset makers and mobile carriers do not want an open system and so there is no open system. This leaves Google PR in an odd position, one they’ve tried to work their way out of by attempting to broaden the definition of “open.” I can see why this approach drives some people bonkers, even if the end result is two companies with basically similar positions on the issue.
