Apple this, Google that. The two behemoths seem to be in a continuous fight over technology and data. Jobs says nay to Google as the iPhone's default QI (that's right, query index - that's some serious pre-Y2K throw-back buzz wordage). Google integrates multi-touch into their android platform.
In my personal opinion, Google has all of their eggs in a single basket - user-generated advertisements. How else do they really make money?
The true discussion should be around the value of building a content delivery platform. I'm not talking about an online banner ad service that none of my specific demographic ever clicks-on, I'm talking about a hardware device that people will inevitably use on the day-to-day. I'm talking Kindle, BlackBerry, iPhone.... iPad.
Guaranteed, Mr.Jobs had communicated with a variety of content publishers during the initial design of the device - before designers even decided to make a giant iPod. In fact, Jobs has created a compelling platform on all sides of the content fence with delivery methods in both the hardware and software domains.
So now you have a really sexy and intuitive piece of hardware that anyone can use and an entire network of pre-existing, extremely popular services that tons of people already love.
And now, that extremely amazing device is forcing Google out of the equation. No Google Search, no picasa photo-albums. Ads will continuously appear on the device in a variety of forms but the generated money will now end up in the pockets of Mr. Jobs rather then Mr. Page or Mr. Brin.
Sure Google is making a go at this with Android, but they haven't really figured out a way to make money with it yet.
The iPad will liven up the struggling print-media industry at the benefit of Apple alone. Once again, Jobs has targeted a struggling niche with a fantastic device that I personally hate to love.
As we hurtle forwards into the new age of ad/partnership-oriented consumer devices and platforms, I'm sure we'll see many contenders rise and fall. If I had to choose a content king? I'd go with Apple hands-down.
-Michael Litt