Yes, the word “open” alone can wage war between Apple fans and everyone else because of how the operating systems work. I’m not going into the details, but I am also not saying that it’s not good, given both have different degree of openness, they have their own pros and cons.
Let’s start off with Apple.
Firstly we can all see how the iPhone has a proprietary 30-pin port that locks down all Apple devices before this. When Apple iPhone 5 came, the Lightning port showed up and then locking it down even further with an authentication chip.
It’s also obvious why Apple would make such a move – to control and maintain quality the accessories available in the market. We have all seen how cheap those China-imitated 30-pin ports were during the days prior to iPhone 5.
Obviously, to make it work with those accessories with the old 30-pin port, you will have to get the Apple’s Lightning to 30-pin adapter for a hefty $29.00. This is not the first time Apple is doing this as it happened for their removal of VGA port too, making all those who do presentation will need to slice up their wallets for another adapter. Back then though, it does not have any authentication chip like the Lightning port does, but still expensive.
Then Google comes along.
Manufacturers of Google’s Android devices’ accessories aim to create a single, universal dock for all Android devices.. Now, the ports aren’t proprietary or in whichever way locked down (except for Samsung Galaxy Tab) they all use a standard micro USB these days.
Problem comes is when accessory manufacturers try to develop something for it. Imagine this – having to release another variant of a product line just because the phone has a slightly different shape and/or size and it can’t fit the existing one. Frustrating, time-consuming and costly! Here’s a video that pretty much sums it all up.
Then comes the price and choice, which is pretty much a highway robbery given that there are minimal number of manufacturers and also it’s basically resembling a monopoly in the market given.
The one and only accessory that fits all is the Philips AS851 which has a moving, swiveling and rotating USB port that can fit all – yes, all – of your micro USB-compatible Android devices. Price is amazingly high but as I said, Android users don’t have any choices.
So, a quick rundown is effects on your device for being open is :
Advantages :
- No proprietary ports
- Cheap and abundant USB cables
- More choices of devices
Disadvantages :
- Less choice, but more expensive of accessories
- Qualityless products abundant
It’s a hair’s breadth while comparing being open or not in this case but when you do look into the software’s openness, everyone will love the wireless file transfers and the ability to play nearly all media files!
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