Apple allows analytics data collection, but not for Google

I'm not sure how Apple gets a free pass for this kind of stuff. Sure, they get a blog post or two written about them, but it never sticks. People grumble a bit, but in the end everyone gets back in line for the next iGewgaw.<p>Some nasty things Apple has done:<p><pre><code> * Blocks all non-licensed integration with their products (notably iTunes). * Banned Flash from iOS * Banned iOS devs from using cross-compilers * Blocked apps from the App Store that compete with Apple products/services </code></pre> Apple has far surpassed Microsoft as abusers of the"lock-in" strategy to grow their business.<p>I await the day that Google decides they've had enough of this bullshit and drops support for all Apple products. I'm not sure how compelling the iPhone would be without Google Search, Maps, YouTube, Gmail, etc. The cherry on top would be for Adobe to do the same with their creative suite.<p>I suppose that's just a savage fantasy. The reality is that Google will simply continue to improve Android and, like a slow motion replay of the 90s, Apple will watch the iOS lineup pushed back into the luxury niche that the Mac has enjoyed for all these years.

Apple used to be the underdog fighting against "the man" Microsoft, but these tactics are reminiscent of Microsoft's heavy-handedness that landed it in so much hot water. It's hard not to see these things are start seeing Apple as the bad guy.

Given the Justice Department's inquiry into Apple, Google should just go ahead and press the issue by collecting the data anyway.