Google Inc (GOOG) Throws Apple Inc. (AAPL) a Bone

Just a few weeks ago Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) held its annual developers conference, Google I/O, at which it launched a host of new and improved services, including an all new Google Maps. Missing from Google I/O was Android 5 or Key Lime Pie. This gives Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) a golden opportunity. In just a few days Apple will hold its annual developers conference, WWDC. At WWDC, we expect to see a new version of both the iOS and OSX, giving Apple the opportunity to leapfrog Google in mobile design and utility.

Lagging behind

Android has undergone some major facelifts over the years, including ever better notifications, live widgets and the introduction of Google’s tile interface with services like Google Now. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has completely redesigned its mobile platform with Windows Phone 8, and is upgrading the platform further with the coming release of 8.1. The new Xbox One will also give Microsoft access to people’s living rooms, something Apple and Google have attempted with only limited success.

iOS, on the other hand, has had very little in the way of major facelifts. It has stuck with its vibrant and skeuomorphic looks for years. At this point, iOS feels tired and a little old. However this may be about to change as the king of this current design, Scott Forstall, is no longer with Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL). There have also been leaks about a major redesign of iOS that would give the operating system a more ‘flat’ and ‘minimalist’ design. This will help it compete with the Windows Phone, which is based completely on a flat live tile interface. It would also let Apple step ahead of Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) in mobile design.

Since Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) failed to release a major update to Android, it will either have to release it at a standalone event this winter or wait until next summer. There could be many reasons for delaying Key Lime Pie, but whatever combination of reasons made Key Lime Pie miss I/O, Apple, which currently has 17% of the smartphone market, has a window of opportunity.