Steve Jobs reportedly took time away from running Apple and serving as Disney’s largest individual stakeholder this weekend to send email replies to strangers.
Responding to an email that cited a recent Gizmodo article saying Google had “leapfrogged” Apple by releasing its new Android Froyo 2.2 operating system, Jobs’ one-line response to an inquiring mobile enthusiast was simply “not a chance.”
On a roll, Jobs apparently fired off another email to a curious fan asking about Apple’s upcoming announcements at Worldwide Developers Conference. In a phrase, “You won’t be disappointed,” Jobs said.
Regardless of whether this is the authentic ramblings of the most powerful technology CEO in the world, the work of imposter, or part of Apple’s cloak n’ dagger marketing initiatives, the fact remains that Apple and Google are heading into DEFCON 5.
As anticipated by Appolicious and others last year, Apple in recent months has emerged as Google’s largest threat. The iPhone and the more than 200,000 applications available forever changes how consumers how consumers engage in mobile media. Recognizing a tectonic shift in media consumption, Google doubled down on its own app ambitions and now the Android Marketplace has more than 50,000 applications.
The release of Android 2.2, as well as details of Google’s ambitious to own the television platform during last week’s I/O developer’s conference is drawing admiration from the commentariat and consumers alike. Apple now has 14 days to hop over Google and reclaim mobile momentum.
It’s your turn, Steve. Time to stick the coin in and play.
