Android and Google

Is he aware that without Google approval, ISVs cannot ship Google software such youtube player, gmail integration or android market, and that it likely the reason of doing a partnership in the first place ? The added value is quite important, especially for the market.

I am doubtful that Canonical would achieve the same type of deal without using proprietary software to force their clients. And doing that would be a significant leap from their stance about freedom that could damage the relationship with the community. I am sure that they will manage fine, but given previous stories ( like the banshee debacle, the lesser know rhythmbox one ), they could still face hard problems. Good luck to them.