Newsbreak # 2: Google takes on iPhone with G1
The article “Google takes on iPhone with G1”, reports on the phone that soon hits the market this October 22nd. The cell phone which runs Google software is reported to be similar to Apple’s iPhone with a large touch screen alongside added features such as a trackball, slide-out keyboard and easy access to Google’s email and mapping programs. T-mobile will aid in Google’s debut as a cell phone software provider, by launching the phone in its U.S stores for $179 (U.S.) with a two year contract. Other areas will have to purchase the phone through T-mobile’s website. Larry Page, one of Google’s founders, noticed a tremendous opportunity for Google in the mobile phone industry, which sells 1 billion units a year worldwide.
Google’s step in to the cell phone industry is quite similar to what many of the companies have been doing lately. The pressure from competition and an opportunity in a growing market signals Google’s move. Consumer responses influence marketing decision but also affect marketing strategies of competitors. In order to take such a decision by Google, the managers had to have gathered information about the marketing environment, in other words known as environment scanning. Google has entered a direct competition with the iPhone, by entering the competitive market with a similar idea. In the growing and fast-paced economy, it is wise for marketers to continually monitor and adjust to the marketing activities of the competitors and in this case, finding a niche and entering it to get a share of profits.
Personally, I believe that Google might’ve seen a growing opportunity in the cell phone industry, however, competing with a highly prestige iPhone might ...