4 ms·

Umm, some people like Samsung phones and some people like Pixels and there are lots of other popular handset makers. A small number of purchasers want to side

Umm, some people like Samsung phones and some people like Pixels and there are lots of other popular handset makers. A small number of purchasers want to side load and therefore exclude Apple as an option. I think it’s not right to say the horizontal ecosystem isn’t a reason for Android’s commercial success. In reality it is a driving reason why Android succeeded over (and completely obliterated) Nokia/Microsoft/RIM - the variety of OEMs innovating rapidly meant they just couldn’t keep up. In the early days people frequently upgraded their Android phone with a better one, often from another Android manufacturer. So, Google knowingly created an open market and now is (or at least appears to be) abusing it.

echelon 3y ago
> A small number of purchasers want to side load and therefore exclude Apple as an option. An overwhelming majority of consumers don't even know what side loading is. These decisions are not things lay consumers think about at all. The fact is that both Apple and Google set too many rules on a platform that is now essential for operating in modern society. These devices and platforms need to be opened up to competition. These companies are collecting tax on all innovation happening because of their gatekeeper positions.
- robertlagrant 3y ago
  Postulate: I don't believe they are essential for operating in modern society. They're a nice convenience, but not essential.
  - fsflover 3y ago
    Do you also believe that tractors should run closed software?
    - robertlagrant 3y ago
      Er, I don't have an opinion. I don't know nearly enough about tractors to have one.
      - fsflover 3y ago
        It's all about the proprietary software: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=26077294 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=26077294
        robertlagrant 3y ago
        That doesn't mean I know enough to believe that it should be proprietary. It seems an odd thing to ask.
        fsflover 3y ago
        It's the same as with your opinion about the sideloading. The case of tractors shows more clearly how ridiculous it is to give up the control of your devices to a corporation.
  - Nevermark 3y ago
    You may not find a mobile phone essential, but that's not a common view point. For many other people it is (perhaps the opposite to you?), that they don't need a laptop or desktop. Rich mobile communications with people, and other internet information and services, is one of the most non-trivial practical leaps that has ever transformed society. And virtually every business operates in part over mobile phones. The advent of the web is a comparable transition.

echelon 3y ago

> A small number of purchasers want to side load and therefore exclude Apple as an option. An overwhelming majority of consumers don't even know what side loading is. These decisions are not things lay consumers think about at all. The fact is that both Apple and Google set too many rules on a platform that is now essential for operating in modern society. These devices and platforms need to be opened up to competition. These companies are collecting tax on all innovation happening because of their gatekeeper positions.

robertlagrant 3y ago
Postulate: I don't believe they are essential for operating in modern society. They're a nice convenience, but not essential.
- fsflover 3y ago
  Do you also believe that tractors should run closed software?
  - robertlagrant 3y ago
    Er, I don't have an opinion. I don't know nearly enough about tractors to have one.
    - fsflover 3y ago
      It's all about the proprietary software: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=26077294 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=26077294
      - robertlagrant 3y ago
        That doesn't mean I know enough to believe that it should be proprietary. It seems an odd thing to ask.
        fsflover 3y ago
        It's the same as with your opinion about the sideloading. The case of tractors shows more clearly how ridiculous it is to give up the control of your devices to a corporation.
- Nevermark 3y ago
  You may not find a mobile phone essential, but that's not a common view point. For many other people it is (perhaps the opposite to you?), that they don't need a laptop or desktop. Rich mobile communications with people, and other internet information and services, is one of the most non-trivial practical leaps that has ever transformed society. And virtually every business operates in part over mobile phones. The advent of the web is a comparable transition.