Do Android-based Laptops Fit the Bill?

Android has surely come a long way since Google bought the company back in 2005. There were serious questions posed to Google as to how the search-engine giant could see a new operating system compete with majors like Windows and even Mac OS? Fast-forward to 2013 and those worries have been well and truly quashed.

It is the most popular mobile based platform (validated by research reports) and looking to make inroads in the tablet space as well, which has been very much Apple's (iPad) arena till now but slow and gradually, the wide-mass availability Android tablet seems to have made its impact. After conquering the smart mobility space, Google was eyeing avenues which were never considered to be Android's play but with smartwatch, Google Glass and other wearable devices making its way into the technology scene, the options have increased manifold. Another segment which Google can tap into with Android is the PC segment, where laptops are very much the instigator and reason for survival of the industry at a time when smartphones/ tablets have started eating into the PC's share. While there hasn't been widespread interest among OEM's with regards to laptops running on Android platform but recently we have seen brands like Asus, HP and Lenovo take the first step in the direction to gaining some traction in Android PC space.

Is there market for Android laptops?

Just like when Android smartphones were introduced, the same question arises again and this time manufacturers seem to understand the true value that the platform offers and the resulting cost factor of the product will attract consumer interest. "Yes, there is a significant opportunity for Android in Laptop/Hybrid devices as users find it difficult to carry two devices (one tablet and one Notebook). Today consumers want ease and hence are looking for Android availability under Notebook form factor," said Shailendra Katyal, director, consumer business segment, Lenovo India. According to Ketan Patel, director - computing category, PPS India, an Android-based hybrid or other devices are gaining acceptance because the user interface is familiar and users are comfortable, also they find the price points hugely compelling. Currently, HP and Asus are the only major brands offering Android powered notebooks; Slatebook X2 and Transformer Pad respectively, which plays the role of both; tablet as well laptop being hybrid in nature. So who are the consumers, where they come from and what do they offer? The basic consensus is that the brands target young professionals in tier 1 and 2 cities, who are looking at devices that serve dual purpose for them and offer both; touch and physical keyboard as options. Add to the fact that Android has been accepted across mass and comes at more reasonable pricing (compared to Windows powered devices) plays a huge role in the final buying decision.

Doubts linger about

Android originated from open source, which unlike Windows and Mac OS are not considered to be the safest platform especially for enterprise and professional use. And the brands are aware of this fact but still are quietly confident that the pros will overpower certain cons. "Android is an open platform, which is why security is something that can't be achieved 100%" Katyal adds. The OS does not support security features required by large enterprises, which is why initially content consumption will be the preferred functionality for these devices rather than content creation. Therefore, Windows will continue to remain as a primary OS.

Real picture

We've talked about Android laptops coming into the reckoning but as things stand these are still early days, which become evident as nobody has either a forward looking or present scenario outlook to share. "This market is yet to shape up at the worldwide and there is no historical trend as of now. All the major brands are gearing up to launch Android devices in next 3 to 6 months' time frame, according to Katyal. Blindly expecting the platform to be a runaway hit just because it did wonders for smartphone and tablet manufacturers could be a high stake gamble, which could go either way. But with device and platform convergence happening as we speak and with the overall PC market going down south, it won't be a bad idea for OEMs to look at Android as an option, after all how worse can it get from the present scenario.

Who's the target?

Open source may have a huge role to play in enterprise space with bring your own device (BYOD) implementation starting to take shape and this is where notebooks powered by Android could gain its acceptance and traction, if some minor adjustments (mostly security based) are made to the platform. Another big encouragement for Android notebooks could be the emergence of Chromebooks, the Chrome OS powered laptops also developed by Google with the OEM partners like Acer, HP and Samsung among others. If manufacturers are able to decide whether content creation or content consumption will be their go-to strategy, then consumers will reap the benefits of a well thought out product line-up, say in the next six months or so, which is when the real Android laptop revolution could unravel.