GigaOM Pro

Summary:

Mobile communication is one of the most complex engineered systems imaginable, encompassing hardware, software, networks, services, applications, app stores and other pieces, all of which must be carefully integrated and managed to work as expected. Given all the interdependencies, user experience is often determined by the weakest link in the chain. Over the last 2-3 years, advances in key links — network speed, UIs (user interfaces), devices, and applications — have improved significantly, fueling a “virtuous spiral” and unleashing pent-up demand among users. We believe that Google, along with other companies challenging the status quo, will shift the S-curve of innovation and adoption forward, enabling advances to happen sooner, faster and on a wider scale than would otherwise occur. By definition, disruptive innovations are usually at odds with incumbents’ interests. As a result, the legacy mobile business as it exists today is likely to be transformed significantly. Building on the earlier GigaOM Pro research note, “Will Google Lead the Way in Mobile App Innovation?” this research note describes elements of Google’s current mobile strategy and outlines areas where Google is likely to focus in the future.