Most people outside of tech don’t understand what the word “platform” means, let alone “open development.” It’s why the G1 was described as the “G1 with Google” and not the “G1 built on Google’s Android OS that will power Internet connected devices across multiple devices instead of on Apple’s closed ecosystem.”

The other day, I was at a media company and someone was asking me about my iPhone and if I would ever switch. I said that I would definitely consider getting an Android phone because I could get it with a cheaper plan and it comes with most of the applications that I would use anyways. I was asked “What’s an Android phone?” Just like I would be asked “What’s Web OS?” or even, “Phones are on platforms? Wait, explain that.” M

Most of the world doesn’t live inside our tech bubble, doesn’t know what “open source” or “open platforms” or really, just “open” means in technology, and people just want their stuff to work. Apple didn’t explode into the smartphone world by touting technology, they did it by showing simple things that just worked.

(other than making phone calls or texting when you’re in a crowded environment, or syncing Bluetooth headsets, or trying to unfreeze your phone, or have battery life for more than a day, but that’s not important when you have technology)

What I would like to see is a deep, dumb network with great coverage, low prices, and none of these dopey “value added” services. Basically, I want a wireless Walmart to come in and destroy Vz, Sprint, ATT. Not holding my breath, alas.