Apparently Samsung is rumored to be releasing a music player based upon Android which will be similar to the iPod Touch.
Samsung has announced a new Android-based Galaxy Player that will be showcased next week at the CES 2011. Samsung says the new music player takes inspiration from its successful Galaxy S phone and is spec’d similarly sans the cellular connectivity. (Samsung Hub)
With Google releasing a music app for Android (as shown in the video below), it looks like Apple’s rein over the digital players may soon be coming to an end.
While I have no doubt that Samsung’s Galaxy Player will sell millions (and will probably be copied by other Android manufacturers), it’s presence may not threaten Cupertino’s iPod (at least not entirely) due to a couple of factors.
Rooting For Android
Unlike Apple who often frowns upon the thought of anyone jailbreaking their iOS devices, Google actually encourages users to hack or root their device.
Since piracy is a big issue with the music industry, artists and companies might be hesitant about allowing their music to be sold through Google’s music player over fears that users will simply buy once and share the song with all of their Android friends for free.
This irrational fear (note: I say irrational because the same thing can be done on a computer/jailbroken iPhone) could result in a much smaller music catalogue, making the device less appealing when compared against the iPod Touch.
There’s No App For That
While Android does have an impressive number of apps available, the sad fact is that many iOS developers that I’ve talked to (especially game creators and video editors) are refusing to port their apps upon Android despite the latter’s surging popularity.
Even when apps are ported over, more often than not the quality is not as high as their iOS siblings, something Robert Scoble (who probably has spent more time on both platforms than most geeks) has also noticed.
While there are a few exceptions (i.e. the WordPress Android app is superior to WordPress for iOS in almost every way), the lack of quality apps may take some of the shine off of the Galaxy Player, et al, when compared against the iPod Touch.
Who The Android Players Will Kill
While I am skeptical that Android music devices will be able to threaten the iPod Touch, I do think that they push basic mp3 players as well as classic iPods to the brink of extinction.
Although the price of these Android players has yet to be announced, if sold at below $100 USD (or even $50 USD), we could easily see the end of the classic iPod who may find little relevance in a touch screen world despite it’s large storage.
While I could be completely wrong about Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy music player (in fact I’m hoping that someone out there will actually challenge the iPod), I’m skeptical mainly due to the fact that this isn’t Android’s first attempt at challenging the iPod Touch.
Regardless of whether you’re a “fandroid” or apart Cupertino’s cult, 2011 is going to be an interesting year for both devices in the music industry.
Originally posted on December 28, 2010 @ 3:45 pm