> Computers are quite central to everyone's lives, and still, 98% of people 'tolerate' Windows and OSX...
On Windows and OSX you can install and run whatever application you want. You can, without permission from Microsoft or Apple, develop whatever application you like and distribute it in any fashion you wish. This is the key difference between the iPhone and "computers" that I was trying to highlight.
Re:The iPhone Software Revolution
by stcredzero on Thursday June 25, 2009 @12:02PM
(#673887)
Open Source/Free Software doesn't have to dominate to achieve its aims. It just has to be a vibrant fringe. If it's a passably good alternative, it can perform its function of disseminating knowledge. It can also act as the springboard for new development.
Plus, cellphones are much more seen as appliances than 'computers' (at least today). As they get smarter, so do videogames, DVRs and other appliances - and still, there's no rush for making any of those electronics 'open source', nor claims for intolerance.
Android has an edge since the company behind it knows how to make software - I'm not convinced, though, it would be any different if Google did it all closed-source...