Ian wrote: > I think there's a strong need to better advertise the Google Android > phones for them to succeed against the iPhone.
Why does Android have to "succeed against the iPhone"? One of the complaints I've heard about Android fans is that they seem fixated on beating the iPhone. Personally, I just want Android to carve out a sustainable market position in smartphones and perhaps other device markets (set-top boxes, MIDs/Web tablets, etc.). Or, as the age-old joke about two guys being chased by a bear goes, "I don't have to out-run the bear -- I just have to out-run *you*". Android does not have to beat iPhone to be a success, at least in terms of my definition of "success". Your definition may be different. > I'm suggesting an ad campaign similar to the "There's an App for that" > that Apple has been pushing, except this series of ads would highlight > how Android provides a more personalized and better experience. Sounds good. If you are fund-raising to run a marketing campaign, a la the Firefox ads in the New York Times, let me know. > Android cannot succeed unless it wins mindshare... You have not defined "succeed" as you see it. Your definition of success may be different than the definitions from others. For example, the G1 is apparently T-Mobile's best-selling handset ever (this according to an industry insider). T-Mobile, therefore, probably thinks Android is succeeding quite nicely. I also have not heard screams of anguish from HTC, who appears to be selling quite a few Android devices -- rather, those I have talked to seem fairly pleased. Now, I have not heard feedback from other carriers offering HTC's devices, and it's probably a little early for other device manufacturers (e.g., Samsung) to have a strong opinion. > How do we get Google/T-mobile/Sprint to listen? By and large, Google doesn't advertise. There was a fair amount of hullabaloo about them getting billboards pitching Google Docs to businesses, simply because they advertise so little. While it sure would be nice if they advertised on behalf of Android, that's not their nature. T-Mobile is selling Android devices quite well with their existing ad campaign. Sprint does not have an Android device on the market yet, so it seems a bit premature to judge their marketing efforts. Don't get me wrong: I would love it if more people knew about Android. I would not complain if there were more Android-related TV ads (though the Whoopi Goldberg/Phil Jackson spot sounds...strange). And if you want to brainstorm about how we in the development community might raise Android's awareness in the minds of the general public, or how we might help strengthen Android in key market areas (e.g., enterprise), that'd be stellar. -- Mark Murphy (a Commons Guy) http://commonsware.com | http://twitter.com/commonsguy _The Busy Coder's Guide to *Advanced* Android Development_ Version 1.1 Available! --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Android Discuss" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/android-discuss?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
