If the draconian rules upon iOS are Apple’s weakest points, Android’s can be summed up in one word: apps.
Despite the fact that Android is going to dominate the mobile verse, it looks like Google’s hack friendly OS will not have the privilege of carrying one important app.
The good news is, manufacturers were showing off Netflix on Android devices this past week at the Mobile World Congress and it looks as good as you would expect. What’s the bad news, then?
If you already own an Android device, Netflix likely won’t work on your device. As a matter of fact, it will only work on new devices and possibly not all of those. We’re placing a bet right now that “Netflix included!” is the tagline of the next successful generation of Android phones. (via RWW)
Since Netflix is in the streaming movie business, they probably are avoiding creating a universal Android app due to the fact that the mobile OS is “DRM unfriendly” (as hackers are constantly manipulating the software).
Either way, Google needs to find a way to discourage companies from embracing select Android’s devices again, as it not only fragments the ecosystem (something Steve Jobs argues), but encourages people to seek rival platforms like iOS and Windows Phone 7.
Hopefully Netflix will change their mind and embrace the Android Market overall as excluding devices based upon the lack of DRM is not only silly, but reduces their overall reach.
Originally posted on February 17, 2011 @ 5:43 pm