It isn't only Germany's Europe of Rules that is restricting policy choice: Policy makers are also held back by fear of the financial markets and by their past promises, such as that Greece would be the last euro-zone government to restructure its debt.

WSJ: Euro-Zone Rigidity Said to Add Risk in Bloc

The giants are able to use their scale to provide broader coverage and land access, sometimes exclusive, to the hottest devices, such as the iPhone and choice Android phones from device makers like HTC Corp.

WSJ: How the iPhone Zapped Carriers

Nevertheless, 3D is a feature that set makers are determined to develop. 3D product choice is expanding fast with increased product launch plans and more set makers adding 3D.

ENGADGET: DisplaySearch: consumers playing a 'wait and see' game with 3DTVs

Still, this road is unlikely to be tried unless decision makers feel they have no choice.

CNN: Economy: Unspoken issue in French election

For consumers, there is the prospect of more choice and lower prices, for the phone-makers an increasingly desperate fight to claim their share of the cake. it will be fun to watch.

BBC: Samsung, Apple, Nokia and the smartphone dogfight

And while it may still cause wrinkled brows and sleepless nights for IT pros, those of us in the software business are hearing more and more from CIOs and tech decision-makers that they want to support user choice.

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As Barry Schwartz explains in his fascinating book, The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less, there are two types of decision makers.

FORBES: Don't Fall Into "Decision Quicksand"

Since its launch in 2004, it has become a natural choice for users of all kinds, from Fortune 500 companies to hardware makers, content providers, software developers and individual technologists.

ENGADGET: Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Precise Pangolin hits the web, with HUD in tow

Since its launch in 2004, it has become the preferred choice for open desktop and scale-out computing, from Fortune 500 companies to hardware makers, content providers, software developers and consumers.

ENGADGET: Touch-based Ubuntu preview coming February 21st, will work on Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 4

If handset makers go looking for an OS alternative, Microsoft Phone 8 is the most obvious choice.

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