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> consumers have accepted an Apple/Google duopoly over mobile computing Consumers don't have any choice. Apps are typically only available for iOS/Android. The
by nicoburns 5y ago
> consumers have accepted an Apple/Google duopoly over mobile computing
Consumers don't have any choice. Apps are typically only available for iOS/Android. The difference with Xbox/PlayStation is that those aren't general purpose platform. Nobody needs an Xbox to access their bank or government functions. But people do (realistically) need to use smartphones. Regulation is absolutely appropriate here.
My question to you would be: why not regulate? What concrete harm do you think it would cause?
- sigstoat 5y ago> The difference with Xbox/PlayStation is that those aren't general purpose platform. they've been general purpose platforms for years. they just don't look like it because the manufacturers are even more restrictive with access than apple.
- zmk5 5y agoThey may have the ability to be general purpose platforms but they are specifically marketed as gaming devices for gamers meanwhile smartphones are marketed to the general populace. The Xbox and PlayStation sell maybe 10 million consoles a year meanwhile the iPhone is 200+ million.
- nicoburns 5y agoThey're general purpose from a technical perspective (although really only from a hardware perspective - the software not so much), but they're not sold or marketed as general purpose devices. People purchasing an Xbox are primarily doing so to play games.
- FabHK 5y agoBut the bank and government apps that one realistically needs do not require in-App purchases or other subscriptions, of which Apple or Google take a 30% cut. Has there ever been a problem that such an app has not been approved? If not, what is the problem that regulation ought to address?