I often wonder why people go around saying something is an “iPod killer,” or an “iPhone killer,” or a “Moleskine killer.” Why do other products feel like they need to obliterate a specific MP3 player? Isn’t it enough for other MP3 players and smartphones (and paper notebooks) to just enter the consumer market and exist in their own right, without embarking on a (possibly foolish) quest to “take down Apple?”
Those are my thoughts as I read MacNewsWorld’s article about other companies developing their own smartphone stores. Google recently announed that it would open Android Marketplace, a store featuring third-party applications for its pending Android operating system. Microsoft may have its Skymarket store for Windows Mobile software. Will these new forays into “one store for your smartphone apps!!!” be as dire as some might predict?
Still, aping the iTunes App Store won’t be easy. “It’s all Wild West days compared to the iTunes store,” says Richard Doherty, director with consultancy Envisioneering Group. Each new market entrant faces its own, unique challenges in rolling out a store. And there’s danger that some of the new stores won’t live up to expectations. “There’s almost as much downside to this if it’s done poorly as an upside,” Doherty says.Personally, I always think a little (friendly) competition is good for everyone. In theory, it inspires everyone to stay on their toes and do a better job. In theory.
