I think one big difference between the two is that you don't hear much about "Apple buyout" rumors as opposed to the frequency you do hear about "Microsoft buyo

I think one big difference between the two is that you don't hear much about "Apple buyout" rumors as opposed to the frequency you do hear about "Microsoft buyout" rumors. I also alluded to the fact that there is an analogous phenomenon beginning to emerge with "Google buyout" rumors and internet startups. Btw, I hope I'm not coming off as saying that Apple is saintly in their business practices. I'm mainly saying that it is evident to me (hence it is my opinion, not an imposed fact) that Apple does more to encourage diversity with third party developers and such diversity is overall synergistic. I also hope that people don't perceive my question above as being a troll against Xobni/Ycombinator! I'm just asking a general question.