This post is based on the blog post made by technology and strategy blogger Navneet Alang http://www.canadianbusiness.com/article/90577–microsoft-s-surface-tablet-signals-the-age-of-everyware

As explained by Navneet, Microsoft is moving towards integrating its services by producing its own Surface table, which is its first attempt in producing its own PC hardware. This is a direct attempt in stopping Apple’s dominance in the tablet space, after suffering a humiliating defeat in the smartphone space when Apple introduced its iPhone in 2007.

While Google may seem like the new Microsoft in that its Android operating system is licensed to various Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), it is already actively trying to reduce Android fragmentation by increasing its focus in the Nexus initiative: Meaning working together with OEMs to create a more Google-integrated product.

Additionally, integration is further tightened through the implementation of a single store solution for all of the customers’ needs. Microsoft has its Store, Apple has its App Store and iTunes while Google has its Google Play.

While integration can definitely improve customer experience due to better control, however, the same obsessive control would also mean that the freedom that many associate with the internet and computers may be threatened.

For example, Apple is known to block app submissions while Microsoft is extremely strict with its cloud policy.

So will Navneet’s vision of ‘computing everywhere’ would also mean a sacrifice of ‘computing any way you want’?