Android Scrutiny Increases: Tablets Domination, Skyfire, Data Collection and More
Android’s a headline-maker no matter what the topic is, but this week the mobile OS has been placed under the spotlight thanks to rising consumer concern over its data-collection methods. It’s actually a topic that affects both Android and Apple iOS. The latter is still under turmoil as South Korea is pursuing investigations and a big possibility of a colossal lawsuit on data security. Locally, Apple Inc. is also facing controversies over their data collection process, particularly with iPhone and iPad.
One of the lawmakers in Massachusetts, Edward Markey reminded the company of its obligations and limitations saying: “Apple needs to safeguard the personal location information of its users to ensure that an iPhone doesn’t become and iTrack.”
The mounting interest on this issue will definitely direct the course of mobile and tablet industry, as data confidentiality and security should ultimately be protected. From a handful of emerging reports, it was said that the Apple’s iOS has the capacity to store information of your whereabouts for the last 10 months. This mishap may have contributed to the slip of iPhone as the most desired smartphone in the market in recent survey conducted by Nielsen. The same study showed that US mobile consumers are now more likely to purchase Android-based smartphone. Even the excitement over white iPhones and iPads may not be enough for Apple to easily redeem leadership.
On a brighter side, Android veers away from these sensitive issues and is now focused on educating the public of all the updates going on with their system. Fresh Android apps were released today including SugarSync and SkyFire Web Browser 4.0. Speaking of SkyFire, the company also gets premium video and incorporated in some social features. On Thursday, HTC Droid Incredible 2 will be introduced to the global market.
Also, tablet industry which was predicted to reach $49 billion in revenue, has been dominating the charts since the launch of iPad. Today, electronics giant Sony enters the competition. RIM’s PlayBook was also welcomed heartily by consumers as it posted great first day sales. Expect to see more new and veteran players upgrade their products to get ahead.
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