I disagree with Android part. Other companies do not "contribute" to android. They put stuff on top of Android. It's not good for Google. They can use all Google work without giving a dime to Google(Amazon, Barnes & Noble and even Samsung).<p>I think Google will scape form this Android situation with just not working on Android anymore. They can easily make a lightweight Linux that runs Webkit on top it (Chrome OS mobile?) and make a pure web app ecosystem and discontinue Android development. This will KILL Amazon and other abusers.
very nicely written article, seems like 10x (or is it like 100x) difference between goog's contributions, and everyone else's creates a <i>very</i> asymmetric playing field for everyone else.<p>other notable stuff from the article: "... can’t just mine for more resources and build new developer barracks." and most importantly, "... And as a wise man once said, you come at the king, you best not miss."