Google rebuffs Apple's claims of exaggerated Android numbers
updated 05:50 pm EDT, Thu September 2, 2010
Google responds to Apple's activations disbeliefs
In response to Steve Jobs' disbelief that Google is seeing 200,000 Android device activations daily, Google CEO Eric Schmidt said in a response today that Android numbers do not include upgrades. He clarified further to Fortune, saying only devices that have Google services are counted. Only web-connected devices such as smartphones are accounted for where embedded and other basic devices aren't registered.
The statement reduces the impact of Apple chief Steve Jobs' claims that iOS activations are "ahead of everyone," and cast doubt on his remarks that competitors are "counting upgrades in their numbers." Also, the nature of the business currently works in Apple's favor, as its 230,000 activations per day are based on iPads, iPhones and iPod touch media players. Partly due to the lack of optimization for media and larger screens, Android has been largely absent from anything other than smartphones, although the existence of devices like the Samsung Galaxy Tab are beginning to diversify the platform.
Jobs took some less direct digs at Google during his music event keynote, mentioning that the new Apple TV will bring only high-profile TV shows and Hollywood blockbuster movies to users, and not "amateur hour" content; the statement was a jab at hobbyist boxes that often rely on independent content, such as the Popbox, but also the emphasis on web video for Google TV. The new Apple TV will, however, play YouTube content, which can be classified as hosting amateur content.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2008
Who really cares about Android activations?
They don't actually represent anything of value. One iOS activation represents at least one sold piece of hardware and that revenue goes directly to Apple. One Android activation means that exactly zero revenue goes to Google. Multiply that times 200,000 and it still equals zero revenue for Google.
Anyway, it won't be the first time one company tries to belittle a rival company using dubious numbers.