[billybolton]

I want something to new to come up and shatter Facebook, Google etc. We need more internet companies, and right now Facebook & Google reek with a vile stench. They lack creativity and innovation. They are the IBM of the current generation.

[stochastic_monk]

As far as fundamental research goes, they are both currently doing a lot of the very best machine learning research.

What they are as companies is an entirely different matter, in which case I would not doubt your comparison.

Take, for example, the decreasing quality in user experience in map apps over the last few years. Mining our data is apparently much more valuable than doing a simple job better.

[nsuser3]

Openstreetmap can be very good when used with the right app. On Android I like OsmAnd, it has the best available UI imo.

[baxtr]

Apple maps got way better! Granted, coming from a difficult starting point...

[stochastic_monk]

It strikes me as not a coincidence that they are also the company in the big few which most highly values its users' privacy. Still not great, but it's something.