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The real, main advantage of Android (and the reason I have been working with/on it since 2008) is exactly this: that it is an open platform that supports innovation, flexibility, and user choice. Single gatekeepers are always a problem. 1/ @richminer/1587186280940593155
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Android (the platform) explicitly supports unlocking bootloaders and sideloading apps as well as building completely custom system images (as e.g. Amazon Echo devices use, next to normal OEM customizations). This benefits an open ecosystem. 2/
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All apps are sandboxed, they are the prime security principals, and the platform enforces this sandbox without assuming prior validation through external gatekeeper functions. Actions are blocked by default unless there is consent by all stakeholders. 3/
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And an important bit; these security and privacy guarantees are compatibility requirements (for details on the model, please see dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3448609). Therefore, customizations of Android don't violate these principles. Open platforms with a stable base allow innovation. 4/4