Open Source License, yet proprietary versions?

[glasswave]

If Android is Open Source, how can comapanies like verizon & sprint come up with closed systems that cannot be edited or changed?

Can't some just take the verizon source code and modify it so people can do whatever they want with there phones?

 

[chanchan05]

Companies can do that because its open sourced. They get it open and they close it themselves. Android being open source doesn't have anything to do with Verizon closing down their systems. Open source means that you can get the Android source code and do anything you want to it. Also, its only the OS that's open source. The phone itself is a hardware which is technically owned by Verizon until you finish paying for it.

Basically, root your phone and flash a custom version of Android if you want to have a fresh unit.

Or buy an unlocked Nexus.

 

[karandpr]

Open source means you can study edit or compile code . The code is entirely open source .You can compile it and install it .
You can use or install stuff .However you will violate warranty of your device since ,they offer warranty ,if and only if you have made no changes to /system . Which means they wont take responsibility for mistakes you may have made .
If you think you need more freedom rooting and custom rom is way to go but you have to be equally responsible of your actions .