squincybones

I understand where you're coming from with this comment. I'm also generally frustrated when I see people commenting on sensationalized headlines without taking the time to learn more.

I, however, have read their published plans for developer ID's.

Think back, and be objective about how Google has managed Android since AOSP launched. Time and time again, Google has borrowed and adapted code which was submitted to the project by talented, passionate developers who expected no compensation. At each milestone, Google has taken steps to apply additional restrictions on developers- Siding instead with hardware manufacturers to limit the public's ability to use their purchased hardware as they see fit.

I am aware that there is a balance that must be struck to limit expense, exploitation, and to prevent widespread security incidents and piracy, but how many times in the past have end users and developers been in this precise situation over the years? How long until Google decides that they don't need the AOSP project at all and fork the entire project? They've already taken large parts of the framework private.

Maybe I'm a little jaded, but I can't see a benefit here for anyone but Google and hardware manufacturers. This is just another step towards locking us out.