[kenjackson]

The problem is, to get off of the analogy, that Google will be very tempted to design a great iPhone compete device. It's no secret that the iPhone is the best HW/SW integration on the market. For the first time Google can actually build something with no compromises w/ respect to Android.

I think Google's next play will be telling. Will they:

1) Buy a HW design/integration company - ala Intrinsity.

or

2) Spin off Moto Mobility, but keep share all patent rights (so either company could litigate).

If you see them start recruiting for people/companies like Intrinsity, they're going down the Apple route and partners should be worried. If they spin off Moto Mobility (and don't own much of the resulting company) it will show dedication to Android.

[kbutler]

> The problem is, to get off of the analogy, that Google will be very tempted to design a great iPhone compete device. It's no secret that the iPhone is the best HW/SW integration on the market. For the first time Google can actually build something with no compromises w/ respect to Android.

I fail to see how this is a "problem". If Google keeps Android open, others can compete by doing great HW/SW integration as well. Competing via excellence is most emphatically NOT a problem.

[bad_user]

     Google will be very tempted to design a great
     iPhone compete device

Past experience shows that Google doesn't have it in their DNA to build something akin to the iPhone. And the iPhone isn't great just because of how it feels, it's the customers service too. It would be stupid if they tried.

No, your best bet for an iPhone killer is Samsung, if only they would pull their head out of their ass for a moment and realize that the SG II is a disappointment as far as software goes and they should just install the original Android on it. Samsung should just focus on their strengths and let Google worry about the software.

This is Google's best approach - their stated goal for Android was to increase competition in the mobiles market. This strategy worked well (after all, their products are now distributed on most smartphones sold, what else could they want?) and they should just continue this strategy with Motorola -- and let Samsung and HTC compete directly with Apple, making Motorola release good products from time to time, just to keep them under fire.