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Earlier today I wrote an article on strategies that Microsoft is taking to stay relevant in 2012, and beyond. In order to keep the article from turning in to a complete novel, I decided to leave out another similar and important factor that should be considered heavily when talking about Microsoft's success in staying relevant.
I'm talking about Google.
Who would have thought, just a few years earlier, that Google would manage to build itself up such a massive and impressive empire. Today Google has its foot in the door in many of the same technology markets as Microsoft, making it a worthy competitor.
While I highly doubt that Google will knock Microsoft off its throne (at least certainly not any time soon), anything is possible.
So what are some unique technologies Google could evolve in to, in order to compete directly against Microsoft? I can certainly think of a few, which I will discuss below.
Keep in mind that I DO NOT neccessarily believe Google will make any of the moves I mention below, but it is fun to think about if they did:
Google Android Makes A Move At the PC Market
In late-2012 and early-2013 Microsoft will release its first tablets based on Windows 8. Such a move also means that companies like Qualcomm are working on desktop/laptop machines that also run on ARM processors.
While these laptops are made with Windows 8 in mind, Google could certainly consider following with its own Android-based laptops and desktop PCs.
If Microsoft is moving in to Google's (and Apple's) tablet territory, then Google could certainly decide to take the offensive and launch plans for the laptop/desktop market as well. Could this mean that Google would also consider a fully converted x86 version as well? It's certainly possible.
Google TV Evolves Into Xbox Competitor
Right now Google TV is not exactly doing that well. Although it is largely based on a combination of Chrome and Android, it just isn't that well received. Taking advantage of newer 3D technologies on TVs, combined with tablet/phone games that allow these devices to be used as controllers, Google could possibly turn this tide.
If Google were to create a service that could be purchased a set-top box, built-in to TVs, and Blu-Ray players that also functioned as a powerful multimedia hub on levels near the Xbox, they could have a hit.
Of course, Xbox's hit as a living room entertainment hub was built over a long and massive strategy that started with the release of the original Xbox about a decade ago.
Still, if most of Google's Android apps could work on a next gen-version of Google TV technology it could do fairly well, especially if Google stepped up its game as far as high quality video games are concerned.
Also using either a phone, tablet, or even a dummy-touch controller would be a good idea. What is a dummy-touch controller? What I mean by this is essentially a touch screen that works with Google TV as an option and is a lot like the Wii U's controller.
No processor, just a way to stream to the console, this would be great for those without a phone or tablet.
Android Cloud
Sometime in the next few years Google could certainly consider some kind of a cloud-based compilation of Android that can be accessed from any browser.
This type of service would be similar to Windows Azure in some ways, but also would offer Windows desktop-users that had Android tablets or phones a way to access their apps and files on their PC as well.
Overview
I could probably go on and speculate about several other technologies that Google could move in to in order to better compete with Microsoft.
Will it happen or do they even desire to compete directly with Microsoft? I'm not really certain at this point.
While Google hasn't officially talked about any of the following, they all seem possible.
Of course Google might have no interest in such moves, and I can't say how successful any of the above ideas would actually be in implementation.
What do you think? Is there any other major moves that Google might consider in the course of the next few years that could help it better compete with Microsoft?
Is pushing Android into other products a good idea with its malware stained reputation these days?
Share your thoughts below.
