Apple vs Google < Apple + Google
Remember the awesome days when Apple had GoogleMaps as a stock option? No? Well, those days have not necessarily ended. And even when there are lawsuits in between their relationship I believe Apple and Google have a more than cordial enough relationship... I still use google maps a lot, I work on Google drive and format the final version of those pieces on iWork apps, I have all kinds of Google apps on my Mac, iPad and iPhone. And specially iPad is a tool that I adore how much I can get out of all the Google apps. I don't know how I would deal with my thousands of pictures if not for Google Photos and it's UNLIMITED cloud storage!
Having said all that and to clearly state my point on the current state of tech companies and complimentary offers, what better example than education and their separate yet complementary approaches.
First of all, let us keep in mind the following commercial by Apple that reminds us what education is truly about: developing the future.
Both Apple and Google offer: hardware and software options, Cloud Storage capabilities, guides for teachers on how-to for any tool or troubleshoot that is needed. So, you may wonder, what makes the difference? Well, their approach to education.
Google is universal and unlimited. while Apple requires an entry-level-cost. Let us not forget that Apple did introduce the iPad to find a space in between the laptop and the smartphone. And what better place than the classroom? Interacting with content and media all on one simple straight forward large screen was and still is one of the best ways to incentivize education for the newer generations. Textbooks and paper in general alienates the future kid with the content in the classroom. Calling their attention with dynamic material, media and MOST OF ALL augmented reality IS AND WILL BE KEY in education today and tomorrow like never before.
Apple's path in education is all about one word: CREATIVITY
If the kid cannot go to the field trip they wish, that field trip can now come to them. Museums, landscapes and natural phenomenon that they wish to meet is now an app away. Apple gives each student the world in a screen to move their interest toward the subject-matter the teacher needs. They do have to use Apple hardware to get there because they make the entire ecosystem, but once the student, teacher and even school is in, the benefits are as clear as can be.
Google's path on the other hand in one word is: ACCESS
If the student, teacher or school has all Apple, Huawei, LG or any other brand technological tools, it won't matter. They will always have access to the tools. Software-wise apps like google forms, docs, slides, sheets, classroom and hangouts allow for everyone and anyone to access a vast array of ways to interact in small and large groups of teachers and students. And ChromeBooks start as affordable as $149, never before has technology been so accessible. It does not matter if you have the most expensive or affordable laptop, tablet and smartphone, the Google experience will guide you with any and all hardware you have.
So, do they compete? YES. But the best competition is the one that benefits the customer, and I for one could not be happier that even when Apple has a higher entry price to their education experience, their benefits, products and tools in general are not mutually exclusive, on the complete contrary they up and improve each other and make the students of today have access to technology for education and become incentivized to create and not just memorize and spit our.
