"I think the big reason that we're starting to compare Google & Android to Microsoft & Windows is the way that Google has so quickly moved to provide a platform for the masses (of manufacturers, and people in general) - While Google isn't putting the stranglehold on the manufacturers that Microsoft has, they have assured dominance through sheer numbers as Microsoft did. Apple may be the incumbent, but everyone sees the writing on the wall. Apple, once upon a time, could have gone down the road that produced hardware & software, and allowed other companies to clone hardware and license software. Microsoft chose more of that route, and dominated the market. Apple has made the same types of choices in the mobile marketplace as in the pc market, and Google will reap the rewards. You've hit the nail on the head in the last paragraph though, Louis. The beauty of this market battle is that we have much more evenly matched players. And, no matter which "wins" we are all better off than we were..." - guruvan (Rob Nelson)