[bobviolier]

Because back then you paid a lot of money for Windows and they also sold you on Office and the likes. Google's business model with android is exactly this, give the OS for cheap but earn money on the apps.

Not saying 10 or 30 is the correct amount. It's just different now.

[adrian_b]

During most of the time since Windows exists, the majority of its users have not paid for Windows separately, but as a part of the purchase price of a new computer.

Android could also be paid as a part of the purchase price of a smartphone and maybe it already is, but of course a one-time payment would be much less profitable for Google than a continuous stream of revenue from the apps.

[tester756]

majority of the world never paid a single cent for windows

[josh2600]

It was built into the cost of the computer.

[belltaco]

And cost of Android isn't or can't be?

They make most of their money from user data and search anyway.

[oauea]

Same for Android. Google charges a licensing fee from manufacturers.

[oauea]

I think you meant ads instead of apps.