[swe_dima]

There goes one of the main arguments why I've been using Android over iPhone

[bigstrat2003]

If anything, this is even worse than what Apple does. iPhone users frequently argue that the inability to install arbitrary software is a feature in their eyes, one of the things that attracts them to the platform. I disagree with their argument, but in fairness I must admit Apple has never pretended that an iPhone is a device you control. They have always been very up front that it is a curated experience, their way or the highway. It's distasteful to me but they're honest about it. What Google is doing is a bait and switch to so many users who chose their platform specifically because it was open.

[bambax]

Yes, and that may be something Google does care about in the end. If Android becomes as closed and as controlled as iOS, why Android??

[pjmlp]

Because most of us live in countries where an iPhone is two months salary at least, or a contract bound to several years before it can be cancelled, while Android is usually half of that, with the freedom of pre-pay.

[Disposal8433]

I also remember the early war between Androids and the iPhone. The main argument was that you don't need Google's permission to run applications.

[silverliver]

Can Google be sued for misleading and defrauding phone owners?