Amazon’s Tablet Is No Threat To Apple, It’s A Huge Threat To Google | TechCrunch

More Google Android tablet analysis.  There’s another possible scenario to ponder: Amazon and Google could productively partner on Android devices, up to and including a seamlessly integrated Android app store, and with Amazon strongly promoting Google services for search, email, maps, social, etc.  In a model similar to the Microsoft/Nokia deal for Windows Phone, Google might also barter with Amazon to get Amazon to agree to not, e.g., introduce a Windows-based Amazon slate, when Windows 8 is released (the general assumption in the Microsoft/Nokia relationship involved Microsoft negotiating with Nokia to focus exclusively on Windows Phone, instead of Android).

Google has been able to control Android so far while keeping it “open” because they offer carrots to partners to stay with them for most services. Those carrots are Google apps, Google branding, early access to new Android builds, etc. But Amazon likely won’t care about those things. They could be the first major player to use Android that Google has absolutely no control over.

This is going to be fascinating to watch. All I know is that if I were Apple, I wouldn’t be too concerned by this Amazon tablet. Next year, maybe. But not now. But if I were Google, I’d put down those Android carrots I’ve been offering up and go find my stick.

Amazon’s Tablet Is No Threat To Apple, It’s A Huge Threat To Google | TechCrunch