I don't disagree, but I'm concerned that we're just recreating the Mac / Windows / Linux issue, in gadget form. The current form may sway towards Apple, as the

I don't disagree, but I'm concerned that we're just recreating the Mac / Windows / Linux issue, in gadget form. The current form may sway towards Apple, as the previous did Windows, but it's still the same problem. The nice thing about the ipod - or any mp3 player - is that mp3s work anywhere. I can move content from my media center (linux), to my ipod, to my Android phone, wherever I want it. And sure, with these new OSs, content can still be moved around to an extent. But when Apps are the content, we're back to where we started. As a linux user, I have a plethora of software I can use, but if I want photoshop, I have to install Windows or buy a Mac. (dislike WINE, absolutely despise The Gimp). I don't know what the answer is, but I think Android comes closer to what the answer could be. To develop for the iPhone, I HAVE to buy a Mac. To develop for the Android, I can develop on almost any desktop system, and I have a plethora of competing devices to choose from. As a consumer, if there was an app I loved on my last phone or tablet, it will most likely work on my next one. Sure it has to be based on Android, but that's the ONLY requirement. I'm not tied to a device manufacturer, only an OS - one from which applications could potentially be used on other OSs.