[simonh]

By claiming Android compatibility, it's claiming to be the same platform when it isn't. The fact that even people like you, presumably a technically savvy IT insider, can't tell and are easily confused over that point is exactly why Google picked this fight.

My first instinct was to post here jokes about how Android is open, but in a closed way. I'm generally speaking an iOS/Apple symapathist. Just check my posting history. But on reflection and investigation fo what's actually going on, I think Google are trying to do the right thing. They have no leverage over Alibaba directly though, so they're putting pressure on Acer. If Acer wanted to fork Android like B&N or Amazon then fine, but getting the benefits of their OHA commitments means meeting their responsibilities. Supporting a marketing parasite like Alibaba is a step too far.