Here's the problem I have with google or the big platforms and why the "user value" I think is overwrought: They've pushed everyone else that could compete out

Here's the problem I have with google or the big platforms and why the "user value" I think is overwrought: They've pushed everyone else that could compete out, because they've achieved such economies of scale and vertical integration that they can afford to build many products AT A LOSS, because only at their scale can one actually make money on the product. A $50 google home speaker, or amazon alexa should be $200. They're selling it to you basically at cost so they can get your data. Similarly storing all those youtube videos - it costs them money. This deal isn't free for the consumer, its a tradeoff that you HAVE to use them, the company store.