For a long time now many in the Android world have been wondering (and hoping) if Nokia would ever jump on board and give Android a try. Nokia has some of the nicest looking devices in their Lumia series but their operating system, Windows Phone, is not necessarily an OS people are flocking to.
Mr. Stephen Elop, the head over at Nokia, has said again and again that Nokia would not be jumping to Android but would stick with Windows. Many assumed (and maybe rightly so) that this was because he was formerly employed by Microsoft and was essentially acting as a bridge between two tech giants.
However, Elop has finally come forth and explained why Nokia decided to choose Windows over Android when it looked to adopt a new smartphone OS. Essentially, the reason they opted not to use Android is Samsung. Elop states that they foresaw the possibility of one manufacturer dominating the Android market (exactly what Samsung has done these past few years) and thought it would be difficult to remain competitive. To some degree, this is a very true assessment and even a strategic move on Nokia’s part.
The average consumer tends to equate Android with Samsung or Galaxy nowadays. Us Android fans all know that there are a several other options out there besides Samsung but none come close to Samsung in terms of numbers and some of those other manufactuers are struggling financially because of Samsung’s dominance. Nokia could very well have been one of those struggling Android manufacturers.
Elop also points out that by going with Windows over Android, it gave them a strategic bargaining chip when negotiating with carriers. Whereas LG, HTC, and Sony, and Samsung are offering their variations of Android devices to carriers, Nokia is able to offer a whole other operating system (I know other manufacturers make Windows phones but frankly, Nokia is king there). Carriers like to offer their customers all the options out there meaning its necessary to have a good Windows phone in their line up and that’s where Nokia steps in.
It’s definitely nice to finally have an explanation as to Nokia’s thinking and while I completely understand where they’re coming from, I really don’t think that they would have failed in the Android world. Despite their lack of presence as the smartphone boom began, they were and, in my opinion, still are one of the most well known cell phone brands in the world. I don’t think they would have had a hard time competing with Samsung as they would have been able to distinguish themselvess with some killer designs (like the Lumia series) and their amazing cameras. In my opinion, had they gone with Android, Nokia would be in a better place today (not that they’re in a terrible place) AND the Android ecosystem as a whole may be a bit more balanced as I think there would be two top dogs in Samsung and Nokia.
What do you guys think? Would Samsung still be this dominant had Nokia stepped into the Android ring early on. Did Nokia make the right move? Share your thoughts below!
[Guardian]
