"Operators then may want to customize the software, and the OS must be localized for the market and language."

I think that is where the bulk of the time is spent.

Android 3.1 and up allow apps to use USB Host mode to access USB devices. So you can use game pads and such without rooting. For iOS devices, redpark makes a RS232 cable that plugs into the dock connector. I have used it in a few projects and it works well for sending small data commands but not as a data link for something like tethering.

Your entire collection of music available, browser based (no installation needed), no ads, unlimited streaming, mobile access on android and iphone with offline listening, and it's FREE!

Placing a loading status icon in the content viewing area of a browser.

Compatibility of file names employed by current and outmoded operating systems.

Storing input/output factors in a shared data structure.

Simulating mouse inputs using non-mouse devices. (Really????)

Browser that recognizes background images in an electronic document and displays the background images after text.

Putting known tab controls into an operating system for use by all applications, rather than providing tabs on an application-by-application basis.

Using handles to change the size of selection areas for selected text.

Storing and displaying annotations of text which is not modifiable.

It's more like they gave you a book but didn't say which page it is on.

"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2y8Sx4B2Sk

Android is just a phone OS. iPhone and Blackberry actually make their own phones. You can't blame Android for crappy hardware.

Jobs didn't park in handicap spaces because they were closer to the buildings. He parked in them because he was an asshole.

It was Apple's walled garden and strict control over iOS that led to Android. Google came to the conclusion that at any time they could get locked out of the biggest smart phone OS. They had no choice but to enter the market to guarantee their future survival.

What legal requirement? Google doesn't have to release any of the Android source code because they chose the Apache license. The parts of Android under GPL like the kernel have been released. Also Google has a better track record of releasing source code than most companies so I think they have earned a bit of slack in this situation.

His greatest invention but doesn't get enough press.

The reason phones use ARM chips is because ARM focused on providing low power consumption solutions. Intel/AMD basically ignored the mobile phone sector for a long time.

Google doesn't need to get into bed with cable companies. Not when they can slip in between the cable box and the TV (Logitech Revue) or directly into the the TV (Sony). I think about the only thing you can expect to see from this acquisition is a new Google TV device from Motorola. GoogleTV may not have taken off yet but I believe it is only a matter of time.

Why would one crash bring an end to robotic cars? Crashes can be expected while they are still developing this car.

Of course prosecutors can be disbarred! What's next, prosecutors are immune to death?