With iPhone Hovering, Android Faces Its Toughest Test Yet

One needs to look no further than Google's most recent quarterly report filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in which it spells out potential risks ahead in its business:

The key phrase is "difficult to predict the problems we may encounter." Google's never really been in the volume smartphone business before. One key factor with the launch of Android 2.0 is it marks the first time Google may face challenges with post-sales support of smartphones.

By contrast, with the Droid's launch in the offing, Apple said this in its most recent SEC report:

With its back to the wall in the mobile device market, facing its stiffest challenge to date, Apple says it is "focused on expanding its market opportunities." This is a company with swagger.

Apple has what Google doesn't: experience in post-sales support. With millions upon millions of iPhone customers and users of various iterations of its iPhone software operating system, Apple has a mountain of data that probably gives it a good idea of what Google and Motorola are in for with customer problems, issues and complaints. While the guys in Schaumberg, Ill., and Mountain View, Calif., are grappling with the inevitable bug fixes, compatibility concerns and "known issues," Apple is planning on its expansion.

Today for Apple, the competition has never been stronger. So is its opportunity.