Titans clash: Google challenges Apple on multiple key fronts

“It’s on!” Says Google (metaphorically), as the search giant nets a 2.5 percent stock increase after unveiling its new version of Android, targeting all emerging key markets, namely home entertainment, wearable devices and cars.

The latest version, named simply Android “L”, is the most ubiquitous yet, and it’s also the response to Apple’s recent move in the direction of next generation devices and user experience.

Home entertainment may be a tough market to crack, after so many attempts by Google to compete with Apple TV and other smaller competitors such as Roku, but it won’t stop Google from trying, and with this new Android version, the chances are looking good, even if Apple has been rumored to be working on a more powerful and versatile version of Apple TV.

With the Apple iWatch taking its time to make an appearance, while building momentum with rumors and “secret” leaks, Google is not wasting any time, and delivered its own much awaited smart watch, tackling the competition head-on by taking advantage of Google’s very own range of services, especially Google Now cards, interacting with the watch in a much more integrated and fluid way than in any previous incarnation. Android Wear’s key features include health tracking, voice-activated ride-sharing, and navigation, which are destined to be major battlefields of wearable device manufacturers.

The hot button issue that analysts are watching up close is how far Google and Apple are willing to go to conquer the automotive market. Aside from self-driving cars, Google’s plans for Android seem to go pretty far, as the company has already 40 automakers signing in to adopt Android Auto.

Apple has lagged behind so far in securing a presence in the automotive market, but it’s important to remember Apple’s current schedule and its focus on the iPhone 6, and the much anticipated Apple iWatch.