Is Google the New Microsoft?

[silvarios]

MGS_forgot_password wrote:
1. Android is free, how can any non-proprietary mobile phone operating system compete against that?

Google doesn't make any money from Android if you don't use the Google middleware. When was that ever possible from a Microsoft or Apple OS? There are many forks of Android on the market. There are many devices which otherwise use stock Android, but do not use Google services.

Android has been a boon to the entire industry. Ask B&N and Amazon how forked Android has allowed them to build compelling products without paying a penny to an OS vendor. Shoot, without Android, MS wouldn't be making any money in mobile (see patent jackassery).