Google’s success stories aren’t a mystery
On the hardware front, Google has two very successful platforms that are used by billions of people nearly every day: Android and Chromebooks. Although its offerings aren’t driving huge sales numbers, Google is still raking in the money because of its business model; Google knows what you are interested in and gets big bucks from showing relevant ads. That, in itself, is also pretty successful and genius, even if it’s a little creepy sometimes.
Can Samsung save Android XR from an untimely demise?
I don’t think so, but there is a chance. Samsung does software in a weird way. It’s hard to describe, but the company takes a slightly different approach than most, and that means it’s not the right company to launch a new software platform. Hardware is another story. Samsung builds phenomenal things you can touch. Whether it’s a refrigerator, an anti-aircraft gun, or a phone, Samsung products are designed well, built to last, and, in the case of consumer products, look good.
We are the real unknown here
What Android XR will need more than anything else is a public that wants to buy into it. I don’t think that’s in place, and I am doubtful that Google and Samsung can make it happen. Maybe people just aren’t interested in wearing something on their faces? Your guess is as good as mine, but I’m going to gamble and say 90% of consumers have never tried an AR/VR product, and most have no interest in doing so. Until that changes, any sort of XR platform is going to be a financial black hole.
