Going through some of the end of year posts by some of my favourite pundits as I am spending some very limited time to figure out what the big trends affecting my work will be. One big take away: Nobody in the media still understands the workings of the Open Handset Alliance  (OHA) which stands behind the Android project and comes up with tons of bullshit arguments.

I remember talking to Carolyn Penner, then the PR lead for the Android team, now the comms director for Twitter back in August 2009 on how OHA works and communicates. Summarised, Google NEVER NEVER intends to talk for OHA. Now compare that with how tech pundits view OHA. Particulary in the last couple of weeks journalists tried to have make a point of arguing that “running a mobile OS (read Android) by committee can be very hard” and try to make an argument out that no Google spokespeople comment on it. So I repeat: Google NEVER NEVER intends to talk for OHA and will never comment on it. Specifically, Android is so designed that NO PARTY, even Google, can not control the platform. Rule by committee is exactly what is not happening - any other announcements are lip service. Additionally, Android IS BUILT to be used by each OHA member in a way he likes. The supposed weaknesses folks write about are keys to its success.

If you want to hear any comments on this issue, then you need to look for very early commentary, like the video from 2007 I just have referenced above. Anyone, please view minutes 5-20 where Rich Miner walks you through the motivation behind Android.  Thank you.