Sundar Pichai vs. Tim Cook

Sundar Pichai and Tim Cook held differing beliefs central to information privacy. Sundar Pichai is more about providing access to information for affordable prices (even free at times) but at the cost of privacy. Tim Cook, on the other hand, is more about data security and privacy but provided at premium prices. Sundar, the current CEO of Alphabet Inc., and Tim, the current CEO of Apple Inc., are each renowned businessmen in their fields. Irrefutable leaders in the technology space.

Regardless, the question remains: is there a middle ground between these two schools of thought? Yes, absolutely. There are endless informational services available today for nominal rates.

A middle ground is possible, but merging these two technological ideals will require collective efforts. What might that look like? Let’s explore.

Product Options

Google designs its products by ease of use and helpfulness. You’ve certainly used Google’s search engine before, you may even do so on the regular. It’s simple, it’s efficient, it’s easy. Perhaps you use their cloud storage services, or maybe you subscribe to using Gmail for your regular email account.

Regardless of what the product is, Google has made sure its products are designed to simplify your life. Billions around the world use Google products. That equates to billions around the world that are able to access information affordably at the cost of their privacy.  

On the flip side, Apple products are synonymous with innovation and overall aesthetics. While Apple has touted better privacy practices, said security comes at a cost of higher-priced products.

In terms of devices we use every day central to our personal privacy, cell phones are a perfect example. You might likely be reading this very article on an Apple or Google product. While Windows hasn’t released new phone hardware in a few years, you can technically still buy the product. As an example, let’s look at what Windows phones hoped to provide as an alternative to the ever-popular iPhone or Android.   

Reaching a Middle Ground

The operating system of a Windows phone was built to be safe, reliable, and secure thanks to its source code. Windows phones also focused more on productivity as opposed to simplicity or aesthetics. While dated by a few years, an average Windows phone retailed for about $400.00. In comparison, an average iPhone cost upfront will run about $800.00, with newer model releases running well over $1,000.00.

While these numbers are not exact, it’s important to note the price discrepancy. Why? When we’re talking about services available for nominal rates, Windows phones lead the pack.

Many people use their phones for nothing more than basic tasks throughout the day. Tasks like calling, texting, or emailing can be done similarly whether you have an Android, an iPhone, or a Windows phone. One could argue that acquiring the newest iPhone model release is unnecessary when it comes to basic functions.

So, why are Windows phones a good example of that middle ground we’re hoping to find between the two commonly offered tech giants?

Advantages

The three leading operating systems all offer something tangible for consumers, with each offering ways to make certain tasks and day-to-day functions easier. However, there were some standout advantages when it comes to Windows phones.

Windows phones were more budget-friendly while still retaining that smartphone look consumers are used to. Some may remember the days of the first Nokia phones that resembled bricks more than they resembled cell phones. Today, Nokia phones come equipped with a powerful operating system and a streamlined design similar to any iPhone or Android on the market.

New phones and upgrades are introduced constantly. When scrolling through the endless array of apps offered by Android or iPhone, the first thing that comes to mind is quantity over quality. Windows phones don’t operate on an open-source platform, therefore, the criteria as to what applications are available is more strict. A natural byproduct of this is that the apps offered tend to be better. Quality, not quantity. Not to mention, the layout of the applications is consistently clean, offering a better viewing experience.

Another tangible bonus that Windows offered is the integrative nature of its software and services. Windows phones came with commonly used applications like Office already downloaded in the operating system. Having crucial apps integrated at purchase is highly beneficial. It’s one simple way that these phones provide consumers a direct way to access information at a lower cost all while keeping privacy intact.

Lesser important, but still advantageous, is the versatility and responsiveness of the phone itself through Live Tiles. While not directly related to privacy or information, in terms of ease of access, being able to customize the homepage is one thing that Windows did well.

Windows phones also offered expandable storage options with back-up capabilities. Yet again, this cements the fact that a Windows user had access to premium services at a low cost, all while keeping their personal information safe and secure.

From platform integration to data security, a Windows phone offered an excellent middle ground for technological services offered at nominal rates.

Bridging the Gap

Now windows phones are thing of the past. But the solution still lies somewhere in the realm of similar phones. If we learn from success of windows phones and not failures in addressing catch 22 of apps and user acceptance, which ultimately lead to demise of windows phones, we can see the path forward to bridge the gap between what Sunder Pichai and Tim Cook fought over a few years ago on twitter.

There is endless choice in the smartphone market. If we are to bridge the gap between affordable access to information and data privacy, one thing we can do as consumers is to research available options. Rather than defaulting to the newest or most popular choice, taking a little extra time to look at your next purchase can help get the ball rolling.

Smartphones are simply one piece of the puzzle. However, public opinion plays a huge role in consumer choices, especially when it comes to the phones in our pockets. Being a smart consumer is a good first step in making sure we continue to have options available to us when it comes to how we use, share, and distribute information.

Popular doesn’t always equate to private, and ease of use doesn’t always equate to safety.   Knowing where a company stands in regard to privacy practices and data security is also helpful in determining how and when our data gets used by the tech giants that indirectly guide our purchases. Personal privacy and access to basic information should not come at a luxury cost.