As for Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), the company’s forking of Android for its Kindle Fire tablets is by far the biggest threat to Google’s control of the operating system. And it’s a real concern, because the Kindle Fire family has been more successful than other Android tablets.
But, like Samsung facing increased competition in terms of Android smartphones, Amazon is starting to face real competition in terms of Android tablets. In just the last year, Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) has partnered with Asus and Samsung on the Nexus 7 and 10, while Samsung has seen its own tablet sales rise significantly. Meanwhile, Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE:HPQ) just released its own Android tablet, the incredibly cheap Slate 7 — it runs full stock Android.
In fact, Amazon’s decision to fork Android might ultimately hurt sales of its tablets. Reviews of the Kindle Fire HD have not been kind to Amazon’s operating system. Techradar writes:
Still, despite some notable perks over the Nexus 7, it doesn’t quite compare to the full package that Google and Asus offer for the same cash, which ultimately comes down to its use of Android 4.1: Jelly Bean and Google Play. Amazon’s locked-down UI and limited app offerings make it a tough sell for power users and those who wish to exert some control over their devices.
Google will remain in control of Android
When it comes right down to it, many of the reasons that people are attracted to Android — the use of Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s services, the openness of the Play store, the ability to tweak the device — are fundamental to Google’s continued control.
When companies, like Facebook and Amazon, insert themselves into the equation, they risk consumer backlash.
At the same time, Android’s open nature ensures that there will always be many hardware manufacturers. So, while companies like Samsung may dominate in sales for a time, they can’t t afford to mess up the Android experience — competitors will be there to take advantage should they slip up.
Overall, as long as Google continues to improve Android, investors should not be concerned with the search giant losing control.
Joe Kurtz has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Amazon.com, Facebook, and Google. The Motley Fool owns shares of Amazon.com, Facebook, and Google. Salvatore “Sam” is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network — entries represent the personal opinion of the blogger and are not formally edited.
The article Google Need Not Fear Losing Control of Android originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Salvatore “Sam” Mattera.
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