Re: Once was Microsoft, now it's Google...
When last did you look at AOSP? Apart from the kernel and some base libraries, the "standard" applications have been left to rot as Google moved more and more stuff into its "Google Play Services" black box. Even Cyanogen's given in and are now shipping Play Services and consequently, all the other Google apps that they're forced to bundle with Play Services.
tl;dr: AOSP is very far from offering remotely (commercially) competitive product.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
