Google’s Greatest Hit List – What to Expect Next!
Love gadgets? Apparently so does Google because the world’s largest search engine has released a veritable xmas list” of great gizmos and gadgets sure to make even the most dedicated geek sway with envy. But what is behind the sudden switch from search engine software to hardware? Is Google getting out of the search game? Is software suddenly going down the drain or perhaps Google is gearing up for something even bigger and better? Today we are going to take an exciting look at what the future has in store for the world’s leading search engine and the implications for social media management firms.
The Great Gadget List
Nexus – The first of many upcoming hardware products, Nexus is designed to go head-to-head with Nook and Fire, the two most popular e-readers in existence today. With a starting price of roughly $200, Nexus will be priced right with two options made available in July (Nexus 7 and Q). Can Google catch up? Only time will tell but rumor has it that Google got it right; the latest version of Android combined with powerful graphics might make Nexus the next big thing!
Why Nexus and Why Now? Clearly Google has lost the first to market advantage so why make the first hardware launch something that requires playing catch-up? There may be a method to the madness. In marketing, there is an advantage to being first to market but it can also be costly and time consuming. Second (or even third) to market also has its own advantage; the ability to attract consumers based on price alone (made possible by lower development cost), fixing known problems and a more mature secondary market. Google has yet another major advantage; the ability to create a tablet built exclusively around social media! For example, the Nexus Q will allow users to stream movies and music via social networking and a connected Android device. In short, Google is taking a calculated risk that the low entry price point combined with social features will help drive buyers who become future clients on future hardware sales.
Jelly Bean – Eye candy for gadget geeks and just as sweet! Jelly Bean is Google’s new and improved Android 4.1 which promises to enhance search and social status by combining location data, appointments, reminders, calendar and other user tools. Not only will you keep track of where you are and what you are doing but pretty soon it will possibly be able to tell you where you should be and want to be doing! Location based search is just one more example of how Google is using social media to deliver the most relevant search results possible.
Why Jelly Bean & Why Now? Google is taking search to the next level. Rather than creating software that simply allows users to search by keyword, the next generation of search will connect the data points for an immersive experience designed to anticipate useful information based upon location, social feedback, user history and much more. As a social media marketing and management firm, we’ve consistently stated that the future of search is social…and Google is going to great lengths to prepare for that future!
Voice – Finally! Let’s face it, we’ve all been waiting for voice! Even the most dedicated texting expert can’t help wishing for a more convenient method of interacting with a favored device. Google seems to have a plan in play although mum is the word on when voice typing will eventually become a consumer reality. With the release of Android 4.1, expect to see the first rudimentary manifestations of voice input. Experts predict it won’t be long before texting is as antiquated as a party-line phone (if you need to ask…just don’t. You wouldn’t believe the answer anyway!).
Why Voice & Why Now? It’s a no-brainer. Texting might be terrific for kids wishing to pass notes in class but most adults find the inconvenience intolerable. Tiny font, distracted driving and an endless stream of acronyms simply demonstrate how far technology has to go. Voice will be the next BIG thing and finally allow users to interact seamlessly – and safely – with their phones, tablets and even vehicles!
Google Glass(es). We reported on these earlier in the year but Google seems to be taking another look at how future consumers might want to use this portable computer. From snapping a few photo’s in real time (and instantly uploading to your favorite social media site for sharing) to scouting out great deals, Google expects the future of computing – and search – to be totally immersive. Will users want to wear a computer? Only time will tell but one thing is certain, Google is no longer just a search engine. The foray into hardware is expected to continue at a strong but steady pace for at least the next few years.
So, which Google gadgets do you plan to purchase and why? Share your thoughts!
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