I think it's fair to say that I've been semi-obsessed by Google's decision to add Android app support to Chrome OS: I see this combined platform as a clear and present danger to Windows 10 and, more important, the most aggressive step yet taken by a competitor to unseat Microsoft's desktop platform in its core remaining markets.

Microsoft's response to this threat has often been tone-deaf, mirroring, in some ways, its absurd response to the iPhone and multi-touch smartphones a decade ago. And it has done itself no favors by making the Windows experience less bearable with in-product advertising, crapware bundling, Windows 10 S/S mode, and other initiatives aimed at reinventing the product at the expense of its users.