Today, two operating systems are dominating the market for smartphones: Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android. Microsoft’s Windows Phone 8 is also running in this race, while Research In Motion’s BlackBerry OS is lagging behind (although it’s expecting to have a huge comeback on January 30 with the BlackBerry 10). But wait! There’s another runner that just joined the race: Ubuntu!
Is It a Good Idea?
Is it really a good idea for Ubuntu to join at this point? iOS and Android are dominating the world and they cannot be stopped. Both have jam-packed app ecosystems that make any smartphone “smarter.” Both are also continually updating to satisfy customers. Meanwhile, Microsoft is trying their best with an infant Windows Phone 8. Ubuntu will also have to follow RIM’s BlackBerry 10. What if RIM becomes successful again? Is Ubuntu good enough to upstage anyone?
Since there are already four popular operating systems, why would anyone pay attention to a new operating system with a small ecosystem? Besides, the Ubuntu OS isn’t even mainstream for desktops, yet Ubuntu announces that this OS will be good for any computer, regardless of screen size. Yes, an OS that works on all computers is a good idea. No more worries about incompatible devices. But can Ubuntu deliver?
D?j? vu
In addition to Ubuntu, there are plans for producing FireFox and Tizen operating systems. Add them to the pack and that makes seven operating systems. This is starting to look like 2009 when there were six mobile operating systems: Android, iOS, Palm WebOS, Windows Mobile, Symbian, and BlackBerry.
Yup, there was a huge competition among them. Microsoft and Palm were pushed behind the curtains, while RIM’s spotlight got a bit dimmer. Nokia left Symbian to rot and switched gears to support Microsoft with plans for Windows Phone. Obviously, there’s only room on stage for a few OS stars.
Among FireFox, Ubuntu and Tizen, the first two seem to have a better chance, although it’s undeniable that Samsung, who is planning Tizen’s release, has enough resources to support it.
So is it all about the money, or will history repeat itself? Will the public welcome new operating systems? Well, it’s a new year; let’s see which will prevail!
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Aldrin Norwood is a resident blogger for Cash for Smartphones. A certified multimedia geek, he lives and breathes smartphone news and updates. Born from a family of writers- reinforced by his degree in English Studies- his work had been cited Honorable Mention on the Genoveva Edroza-Matute Literary Awards in 2011- Essay Division, and had been the Editor-in-Chief of his university’s official publication. He mostly writes about philosophy, pop culture, movies, literature, and technology, specifically about the smartphone industry.
