Let's talk: We wish device platforms spoke to each other

When Google and Apple set out to create mobile phones, their ecosystems ended up being isolated camps. As consumers, you could either choose between being part of the Android or the iOS ecosystem.

Although Apple still has relatively more control over the ecosystem, Google on the other hand seems to have opened up a bit.

The Apple Watch was launched earlier this year, and soon enough there were reports questioning its success . During WWDC 2015, Apple announced Apple Music – a service that was to be made available to Android users as well. We believe that’s the beginning of a new trend. When BlackBerry opened up BBM to Android, iOS and Windows Phone, it seemed like a question of survival and transition, at least according to popular perception. But a similar move by a very successful brand makes you ponder over why cross platform makes sense.

It’s quite interesting when Apple opens up its Apple Music offering to an ecosystem that Steve Jobs wanted to go thermonuclear on ! The reality is both need numbers to sustain growth. And the most logical way to accomplishing it is to tap into a rival platform and hopefully acquire new users.

Wearables or Bluetooth extensions?

In the way wearables and smartwatches are currently designed, they end up being Bluetooth extensions for a smartphone. Effectively, an Apple Watch is a Bluetooth extension for the iPhone. Similarly, a Moto 360 or any of the other Android Wear powered smartwatches ended up being Bluetooth devices for an Android smartphone. It’s probably an exceptional opportunity by device manufacturers to create a standalone ecosystem. Only if it had an effective battery and some decent processing power. That way, you could simply buy a glittering Apple Watch to use with your Android or Windows smartphone. It seems unlikely you’ll be able to do that with your Apple Watch, given how closed the Apple ecosystem is.

Things are opening up

Google’s decision to open up Android Wear to work with an iPhone is a welcome move. Android Wear now available for iPhone users. Earlier Apple Music was also targeted at Android users. The need seems to be talking to each platform, and not stay isolated. Samsung’s Tizen-based watches were previously limited to its own portfolio of smartwatches. Now, with the new Gear S2 the company has not only opened its doors to Android handsets, but  reports claim it is also working to support iPhone.

Manufacturers are seeing the impact of rising device costs. It is said, premium Android phones are beginning to see a decline. By opening up Android Wear, Google has managed to secure a wider audience to give the much needed push to the smartwatch ecosystem. Now we wish Apple follows suit, so users could get their hand on an Apple Watch even if they don’t have a premium smartphone.