On phones, Symbian and Blackberry were about as open as Android is currently (though signing apps was partially required IIRC). iOS/iPhones has always been closed except for the web browser.
I think there are completely valid cases for having a locked down phone, but it should be up to the user, not the device/OS maker. In this case, I don't think a phone developer can negotiate fair terms until the users have choice.
Single purpose locked-down devices are all around us from ereaders to TV streaming boxes to game consoles, and here I think it's important to distinguish by purpose from the more general purpose of a phone.
I think there are completely valid cases for having a locked down phone, but it should be up to the user, not the device/OS maker. In this case, I don't think a phone developer can negotiate fair terms until the users have choice.
Single purpose locked-down devices are all around us from ereaders to TV streaming boxes to game consoles, and here I think it's important to distinguish by purpose from the more general purpose of a phone.