Anyone who watches the mobile operating system world knows that the largest single market share is held by the Google based Android OS. While Apple has been busy getting a lot of the headlines when they introduce new models of phones etc. Android OS has been capturing the bulk of the market share in tablets, phones and now with the new Samsung line up of multifunction printers.
A recent article in the blog of West Mcdonald outlines five things that he feels are significant steps as a result of this new product introduction:
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The new touch screens are super as contrasted with other brands which he says have screens reminiscent of 2009
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Even with its current large market share Android is the fastest growing operating system on the planet
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He says Samsung is Android's poster child
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Printing from desktops is reducing. Mobile is the new normal
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Perhaps we are seeing the beginnings of the elimination of the MFP screen altogether
Now you may or may not agree with West's ideas on this new release, but he makes some interesting arguments on why this new Samsung release is so important. The new device screens are just like a Samsung tablet with all of the features and the feel that they bring. You can pinch to zoom, scroll and move around as needed. Downloading Android apps and widgets is allowed if you have the right admin rights, but will not be available for every employee to load up the machine.
Leveraging the strength of their IT and mobile expertise to add clout to their print device offerings is a logical thing for Samsung to do as they work to expand and grow their print market share. They are a late entrant to a mature market in printers (although they have manufactured them for years as an OEM for other major brands) with their own branded line really just finally becoming comprehensive especially in the ledger (A3) area.
If you are comfortable with a Samsung Android phone or tablet then when it comes time to look at your MFP it may be easier to anticipate adopting their brand of print hardware as well.
It is going to be interesting to see how this plays out in the market but it does add one more item for end users to consider when they look at their MFP choice.
What do you think? Does a strong market position in mobile strenghthen the print position?
Lee K
