> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.philsimon.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# On Android and Frenemies
- URL: https://www.philsimon.com/on-android-and-frenemies/
- Published: 2013-03-29T15:10:38.000Z
- Updated: 2025-12-30T10:47:56.000Z
- Description: Has Google inadvertently empowered its rivals–and created new ones?
- Author: Phil Simon
- Tags: Platforms, Strategy, Apple, Facebook/Meta, Frenemies, Google, The Age of the Platform

In its quest to kill Apple, has Google inadvertently empowered its rivals–and created new ones?

We know that Google has created a monster in Samsung. Giving away Android has certainly hurt Apple, but what are the other consequences of the move? Now add in [Facebook Home](https://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2013/04/facebook-android-home-phone/?ref=philsimon.com). I'm wondering if Larry Page now thinks that Android has become a bit *too* open?

In the book, I write about the notions of coopetition and frenemies. Nowhere is this more evident than in how Android is playing out.

## Simon Says

In the Age of the Platform, understand that the competitive landscape changes very quickly. New threats emerge in the course of dealing with existing ones. Hurting one competitor may embolden and strengthen another.

There is no simple solution.