[dpkirchner]

Creating apps -- native or otherwise -- has never been easier, so I think we're doing pretty well there. Devices are indeed locked down but I would guess that most people, even programmers, don't care as long as they can create most of the user interfaces they can imagine.

[mbakke]

How can we make better operating systems if devices are locked down? How can hobbyists keep the hardware useful when the manufacturer no longer cares?

Devices must remain open for the kernel programmers and hardware hackers of tomorrow to follow their curiosity and develop their potential.

[paulryanrogers]

I'd argue more things are easier to do than ever, yet making them distributable has narrowed. Before you could ship floppies from your garage, partner with a publisher, shareware, or sell to local shops. Now you have to pay gatekeepers, or train users to do dangerous things.