Saturday February 12, 2022; 1:20 PM EST
- Google currently is beta testing a version of Android (Android 12L) that adds support for foldable devices, which have larger screens. I've written before that I think one ought to view foldables as tablets that become smaller rather than phones that become bigger. As has been chronicled, Android apps have historically not effectively used large displays, and foldables will have that same issue with the added challenge of the use cases for when the devices fold. I personally think the Google's renewed energy around tablets is targeted at making foldables succeed.#
- Apple does not have a foldable and it's likely will not have one for some time, so that makes it a desirable new form factor for Apple's competitors. #
- Samsung is the leader in foldables, likely because they sell well in Asian markets and because they recognize it as their opportunity to gain on Apple.#
- Google's relationship with Samsung has clearly expanded over the last year. Wear OS 4 is the first fruit of the relationship, and while Wear OS 4 is currently only available for Samsung's Galaxy watches, I expect the first non-Samsung watch to include it will be a Google Pixel watch. Android 12L is another example of the collaboration between Google and Samsung, and keep in mind that Microsoft and Google also collaborated on changes to Android to support the Duo. #
- I expect Android 12L will launch with a foldable Google Pixel. It could become the base for Microsoft and Samsung's foldables. #
- Finally, Samsung has been the torch bearer for tablets competing with Apple's iPad. It makes sense that while Android 12L is primarily for foldables that it could be the version of Android for tablets, think Wear OS for tablets. I think it's likely that Android tablets will continue coming from Samsung and that we might not even see a Pixel tablet re-emerge. If Google is producing a Pixel foldable I think they would be smart to focus on it and take it slow with tablets. #