Some companies buy other companies to let them die – strategically, some companies buy other companies to get their features/talents but remove any trace of that company or that design language, or so. Some companies buy other companies to control competition. Apple seems to buy other companies for doing nothing at all. They have so much money that they buy other companies, but they are so bad at software that they can’t figure out what to do with it after that.

It’s sad stating this as an iPhone/Mac user (but not an Apple fan – yes, there’s a distinction), but even if Apple is able to buy Google in its entirety, they will not be able to fix search in any part of the Apple ecosystem.

It’s one of those organic produce items among the Internet things which happens to be in vogue these days.

• By forcing you to use a non-anonymous Google Account.
• Then tying it with Google Play Services on that device.
• Google Play Services are like a combo of arteries and nerves of Android OS.

That’s how.

Simplenote, DayOne, Pocket Casts are already ready to challenge this failure - maybe not in terms of money, Matt. So never say never.