As the company nears the split, investors are awaiting news of the strategies for operating both.

WSJ: News Corp 3Q beats Street on pay TV, 'Pi'

To stay on top, operating system vendors implement strategies that lock consumers in.

ENGADGET: Switched On: Adding to Android's army

Eschewing her game-changing acquisitions and grand strategies, Mr Hurd concentrated on operating efficiency, execution, financial performance and customers.

ECONOMIST: Struggling giants

Apple and Google, in many ways, have successfully carved out successful strategies as evidenced by profits (Apple, 30.4% operating margin reported last quarter) and pervasiveness and profits (Google, 19.4% operating margin reported last quarter).

FORBES: Apple and Google: Why Current Market Share Results Don't Matter Yet, Part 2