In an age of consumer technology, business is almost a religion or a sport for some people. And of course we all have our favorites and we don’t like other people talking bad about the company’s products we use. Today we are seeing two great forces in the world of technology. Sony against Apple.
Sony
Sony is a Japanese company founded in the 1950s. Their estimated value is around 50 billion and they make products for almost every consumer electronics market. The most famous are their Bravia televisions, PlayStation devices, Cybershot cameras, and VAIO computers. On top of that, Sony has many artists and movies signed under their name. Artists include current sensation Taylor Swift and legend Michael Jackson.
Apple
Apple is an American company that was founded in the 1970s. Their estimated value is almost equal to that of Sony, but they are active in fewer markets. The most famous products they make are iPods, iPhones, MacBooks, and the iMac. What makes this company different is their eye for design and detail. Everything they do seems to be successful (except for Apple TV), and as a result, their annual earnings keep getting bigger and bigger.
markets
Sony and Apple clash in some markets. Most notable, of course, is the computer market. MacBooks and VAIOs actually have a lot of similarities. Both are priced high and designed with great care. Although in general Apple does things a little better. Their design seems a bit tougher and the materials they use are a bit more premium. The problem with Sony is that they don’t make the software, they’re stuck with Windows. Apple is in the fortunate position of having ultimate control over both the software (OS X) and the hardware. Still, it’s an easy decision which laptop you should buy. Do you want just Windows? Get a Sony VAIO. Do you prefer Mac OS X? Get an Apple MacBook.
Now let’s talk about the mp3 market. Sony has a good share of the market with its Walkman series, but there is no denying that Apple dominates this market with the iPod. It is difficult to see this change in the near future. But the way the market is now, Sony is the only brand that can challenge Apple’s iPod. Because they have the experience, the name and the artists to make a very good and competitive product.
The last market in conflict is the telephony market. Sony is actively involved in a joint venture with Ericsson and has an established name in the phone business. They will likely be able to hold their ground, as the Xperia lineup will soon use Android software. But Apple has the iPhone, and it’s a popular device. Apple may very well overtake Sony if it doesn’t act fast.
conclusion
Both Apple and Sony are huge. Both are mostly active in different markets. Apple has the edge in mp3 players/laptops and may very well overtake Sony when it comes to mobile phones. However, Sony has a sizeable stake in a large number of consumer electronics and has a separate music and movie business. In the end, both are worth the same and there is no real winner here. They both do an amazing job of offering great premium consumer electronics and in the end, that’s the most important thing.