The fact that Android was open source was a huge factor in increasing adoption and obliterating the other competition (like Symbian, Windows, etc). It's a competitive advantage, not a kind hearted choice.
When Android was launched is was just another unknown piece of software, poor performance, lack of features, etc.
They can't both reap the profits of open source and then reject any disadvantages (such as with their anti-fragmentation clause).
They have the option at any point to go closed source and face the huge shitstorm that will follow.
When Android was launched is was just another unknown piece of software, poor performance, lack of features, etc.
They can't both reap the profits of open source and then reject any disadvantages (such as with their anti-fragmentation clause).
They have the option at any point to go closed source and face the huge shitstorm that will follow.