Originally Posted by
Global_Hi_Flyer
While your statement is the potential *promise* of Google, it is NOT the way business is being conducted. I see plenty of signs that Google is purchasing companies with the intent to shut them down.
Much of what I said is fact, not opinion. Google, Apple, Amazon, Facebook, and many other big companies readily acquire smaller start-ups strategically to utilize their tech, add market share, and other competitive reasons. Not unique to Google and isn't inherently restrictive of choice.
Originally Posted by
Global_Hi_Flyer
You cannot opt out of some Google tracking - and if you want to use the contacts list on your Android you cannot keep it local... it will be sent to their servers.
You can opt out of not only ad tracking, but various aspects of all services. All in one place:
Google Dashboard. Of course, you have the ultimate control of simply not using or not adding information, and if you do and change your mind later, simply removing it and closing your account.
Originally Posted by
Global_Hi_Flyer
At one time Google offered choice. It no longer does. From my perspective, as long as Google offers a "store" the failure to impartially offer products is wrong, even if it allows folks to do something that alters the "business model". If it were true "choice", I would have the choice to purchase a product and not see ads (or have my movements tracked).
Again, you do have choice. Google is one of the biggest privacy and open-platform advocates in the world, and that extends to their Play Store as well. The
limitations in place are vastly less restrictive than Apple's, and prohibit things like phishing, porn, spam, illegal activity, etc. Their decision to exclude software designed to steal from Google (harming other users as much as Google) is hardly an attempt to limit free choice.
Back to the topic of Reader... Google gave fair warning and isn't hoarding your data. They are all for free choice, and they know that millions will flee to Feedly and similar services. They are simply taking a business decision that is their prerogative to encourage users to migrate to a superior service they now offer, rather continue to offer a free service that is waning in popularity.