The examples in the article are not wrong, but seem a bit simple. Rarely do I find the cost of the switch from not scalable to scalable to be close to zero. More often, I find software built on a years-long pattern of these types of low-cost immediate-effect decisions. The result is something that can hardly be fixed at all.
I've been using T-mobile for about 5 years as well and have been tethering for about 3 years with no issue. I just have a regular data plan. No hotspot option or anything.
I'm not sure it is as deliberate as is being suggested. I think renaming the store allows it to potentially function for all types of devices, not just android devices.
Also, if you look at the play store on a device or the web, you generally see the android character all over it.
I really dislike the use of the word "hacker" as it is used by most people. It's just semantics, but it makes me sad that when most people think hacker, they think these types of activities.
I recently picked this book up after hearing great things about it for so long. I'm not surprised that much of the information is relevant from a strategic sense. The book is really written in a thoughtful and careful manner.
Side note: I really hope the movie coming out later this year does the book justice.