Microsoft had a great idea over a decade ago, the Tablet PC. They never abandoned the idea but appeared to stop supporting it once Bill Gates was retired. Many fans are hoping Windows 8 will revitalize the platform – and overtake the Apple iPad.
Google had a great idea a few years ago, the Android Tablet. They never abandoned the idea but appeared to make some technical errors. Many fans hoped Ice Cream Sandwich would revitalize the platform – and overtake the Apple iPad.
The Android Tablet remains a 2011 tech failure.
Jason Hiner, writer for the tech republic, is absolutely correct in his assessment that the Android tablets failed for four core reasons – reasons that Ice Cream Sandwich cannot repair.
The four reasons are screen resolution (16×9), lack of trust, lack of apps, and the wrong price range.
Almost a year ago, I said on twitter that I’d never buy an Android tablet. People tried to flame me and expressed their opinion that the Android tablets would own the market by the end of 2011. No. They were wrong and I was right.
I didn’t want an Android tablet because of the lack of ease. Pick up an Android tablet and you have to learn how to use it. Sorry – but that relegates it to a tech only crowd.
A student of mine wanted to get pictures off her Android phone – she couldn’t figure out how to get them printed. She ultimately went to her dad and had him return the phone. She owns an iPhone now.
This same scenario is true of Android tablets. Go to a store displaying Android tablets, pick one up, and try to get something done: take notes, write a to do list, synchronize your contacts. Anything. It sucks.
Google and OEMs need to go back to the drawing board. They need to organize usability studies – and listen to the feedback. Maybe they’ll get the tablet right after they listen. Regardless, no OS upgrade will fix the Android tablets.