They don't release paid apps on Android because it's not their business model to charge for apps; they don't even charge for Android itself. But they do release pretty serious apps, see recently Chrome for Android.

Google pretty much do the other way around: they build tools they need for their own developments (Closure Library, v8, Go...) then release it Open Source for others to use.

Your first point isn't really valid, they are an ad company, paid apps don't fit their business model. Providing a phone OS, ad service, and free apps that interact with their core services however are.

The second is more interesting though. They actually do use it quite a bit. Its the kind of thing they use internally, and the employees use for personal projects or when they need something technical for an external presentation. Also, app engine is probably built to serve a different purpose to their other services.

"The alternative is Google, who doesn't release any top-tier paid apps on Android or Chrome Web Store."

Google's business model isn't to release paid apps on their stores. They have many free apps that are downloaded by the 50's of millions and have 4.5-5 stars almost across the board so, yes, they do release top tier apps.

> Google's business model isn't to release paid apps

This differs from every OS vendor I'm aware of in the past. Just noting.

> they do release top tier apps.

Could you point out to me some of these apps where the alternatives are sold for top-tier prices?

Compare Google Navigation on Android, to TomTom on iOS. Navigation is free, works perfectly, and even goes so far as to include a "Car Mode" for docking your phone in your car.

TomTom costs, at last check, $95NZD. I've not bothered trying it.

I do believe TomTom has data for offline use, unlike Google Navigation.

(I have iOS tomtom for western Europe) Also, it has voices in many languages. So it will still work when you're out of coverage/country.

Remember, 99% of the land surface has crap/non-existant 2G/3G/4G coverage.

I think the difference would be that TomTom supplies it's own maps in the App, whereas Google Navigation probably downloads the tiles/street view as you go.

This can make a world of difference when travelling abroad when you can't be bothered getting a local data plan.

I definitely use GPS navigation more often when travelling than when in my home country.

Google Maps for Android comes to mind. I guess "top tier" on a mobile phone is still in the tens of dollars right now, but I haven't seen an alternative (free or paid) that comes close.

Mail and calendars are also better than anything I've found in the market...but that's maybe just my preference.

That's a bit disingenuous. The fact that Google's offerings are both good and free significantly reduces the likelihood of their being expensive alternatives. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy.

There are companies that sell software that competes with things like Google Docs, Navigation, and other services. And yes, you can always point to things they do differently, but that's guaranteed. No one is going to pay $50 for something that exactly duplicates a free service that has more name recognition, so you by definition have to do something to differentiate yourself.

Neither is Apple's. App sales don't even show up in their revenue reports.