We spoke with a senior Google executive involved in the design of the Android ecosystem. The opportunity to talk about the differences in vision with Apple's much more closed environment and the bridges to be established between these two worlds.
The Android logo surrounded by several Apple logos // Source: Aroged
What does Google think of Apple's supposedly closed ecosystem? How does he compare it to his baby Android whose identity was built on an idea of openness? It was with these few questions in mind that we spoke with Sameer Samat, a senior manager at the Mountain View firm.
He holds the position of VP, Product Management, Android. To quote an official Google overview page, “Sameer Samat oversees Google's product and design team for Android, as well as the product, design and engineering team for Google Play.” Tall, composed, with a very calm tone, he expresses himself very clearly and seems experienced in the exercise of media interviews. He gave us a few dozen minutes on the sidelines of MWC 2024 in Barcelona, at the end of February, to address a whole bunch of subjects concerning the Californian giant.
Sameer Samat, VP, Product Management, Android chez Google, au MWC 2024 // Source : Aroged
Our conversation leads us in particular to discuss how Google wants to build its Android ecosystem and the DNA it wants to give it. “Our mission with Android is really to ensure that everyone has access to the best of computing,” says Sameer Samat. So far, his response is very classic, he obviously wasn't going to say the opposite.
He then discusses the importance of forming partnerships with groups like Samsung. Google has also helped the Korean a lot to deploy artificial intelligence functions on the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24 Plus and Galaxy S24 Ultra, in particular Circle to Search of which the American giant is very proud.
Android: “a place of innovation”
The discussion continues and then turns to a more thorny subject: how does Google plan to ensure that people take full ownership of its ecosystem? It must be said that in comparison, Apple is very strong in this game thanks to its environment, certainly very controlled, but also very efficient and fluid when you only use Apple devices.
The Google Pixel 8 // Source: Chloé Pertuis for Aroged
But before talking about Apple, Sameer Samat would like to highlight certain elements around Android, WearOS, Android Auto or even Google TV/Android TV.
Android has always been a very innovative ecosystem. We did a lot of things first and people really see Android as a place for innovation. And our job is to make sure that innovation happens on the phone, but also on the watch, the tablet, the car, the laptop, the TV and that all of these devices work together seamlessly.
In this regard, he believes that Google is making a lot of progress in this direction and mentions in particular the launch of an increased number of ambitious Android tablets and notable improvements in Android Auto. Finally comes the time to talk about the competition with Apple.
Android Automotive // Source : Google
Android ecosystem vs Apple ecosystem
“Apple has its own ecosystem. But fundamentally, I think it's important that users can choose, that it's an essential way in which we build technologies. And Android has always been an open ecosystem where people can come and go if they choose,” says the Google spokesperson. And to follow up with wishful thinking.
We think it should be easier to move from the Apple ecosystem to the Android ecosystem. It should be easier and smoother.
Sameer Samat even aspires to an even more ambitious project. “It's time as an industry to step back and define a set of principles for how to move from one ecosystem to another, and I think it's important that it's easier for consumers in general. And all companies that have different products and ecosystems should adhere to these principles of simplification. I think this is a conversation that will start soon and continue in Europe, but also in other parts of the world.”
The case of Europe
Its mention of Europe undoubtedly refers to the introduction of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This new legislative framework – which came into force shortly after our interview – aims to break the monopoly situations and anti-competitive practices of tech giants. Google is obviously one of the main affected, but it is mainly on Apple's side that the effects are felt.
Apple iPhone 15 and 15 Plus // Source: Chloé Pertuis – Aroged
Indeed, the DMA breaks certain parts of Apple's control over its ecosystem. For example, alternative application stores to the App Store are now authorized in Europe and Apple Pay is no longer the only payment solution authorized on iOS. Enough to call into question the closed aspect of the Apple environment, even if the latter does everything to maintain control as much as possible.
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