Hey Google, take control of Android already, will ya?

Google’s “open” approach to Android has certainly helped build the platform’s user base: Android powers more than half of the world’s smartphones. Whether you love Android or hate it, it’s difficult to argue that this level of adoption is anything less than a success.

Android debuted as a clunky operating system with few apps in October 2008, but since then has improved and grown. But Google’s openness — allowing anyone to use the platform — might not be the best strategy for keeping its lead. Without a doubt, Google’s open approach has helped it build the Android user base. It gave consumers and software developers a viable choice as compared to Apple’s walled garden and it provided dozens of hardware makers a chance to stay in the smartphone game. But as Android’s “wild west show” continues — or even the perception of it — consumers are likely to turn their back on Android over time. For that reason, Google should consider a change and control its mobile destiny directly. And the longer it waits, the less likely such a move will pay off.