[sirjaz]

We as tech enthusiasts killed a viable 3rd option. For all its warts Microsoft created a great mobile os, but we killed it. If we could convince them to bring it back to be the true alternative to the existing duopoly in might fix these issues.

[ACCount37]

I wouldn't expect Microsoft, of all people, to be a "viable third option". They weren't exactly keen on user freedom either - they aren't now, and they weren't in Windows Phone 7 days.

[akimbostrawman]

You mean the Microsoft that now requires a online microsoft account to use there desktop OS?

A viable 3rd option has existed for a very long time, AOSP and its forks.