why google is losing my trust
I’ve been a Gmail user since invitations were hard to come by and Google really revolutionized the web in the 2000’s. However, the last few years I’ve felt more and more distanced from Google. I believe it is a mixture of the direction Google is heading and that my preferences are changing as I get older – however we are no longer aligned.
Here are a couple reasons.
I can’t depend on them. Google is an amazing innovator, they have created a lot of amazing software. However, one thing I’ve noticed (as they have matured) is that they abandon projects on a whim. Google Wave is a good example. Chrome OS will be next.
I don’t like giving up personal information to advertisers. Having ads in Gmail wasn’t too bad. Having personalized web results based on my web search history is useful. Sometimes. But as my phone becomes a bigger part of my life and interactions and personal security I feel wary of using an OS from an advertiser. It rubs me wrong. I’ve also begun to appreciate simple business models where you make a product and someone pays you for it. It is simple, less annoying, and supporting to the business. Putting down money forces you to make a decision on whether you like it or not and whether you’ll continue to support that product. Free with advertising doesn’t generate that type of loyalty. Google doesn’t have a large number of loyal customers. They just have fans of free. I’d rather pay to not have ads because even in 2011 they are not relevant, yet always annoying and a waste of my time.
I don’t support copycat innovation. The first couple versions of Android are really just bad copies of iOS. It reminds me of how Linux desktops look very similar to Microsoft Windows.1 Perhaps Android “Ice Cream Sandwich” (yes, that is the name) will look more like the original design of Android 3 but we’ll have to wait and see. I understand the reasons for copying and that some things should just be that way but that doesn’t stop the impression the Android group feels like a new Microsoft. Copying (poorly) whatever they see as fast as they can.
1. Interesting that they didn’t copy the Mac desktop which is superior from a design and usability standpoint.
