You think they improved speech-to-text-to-data processing because they want to help you play music? Google makes its money by selling data. Use their search engine? KA-CHING!

Use a browser they can data-mine by installing a "tool" to copy your data stream? KA-CHING!

Use their "free" mail server so your email passes through their server? KA-CHING!

I use an Android smartphone because I prefer the ecosystem and dislike iOS but I try to minimize my interaction with Google otherwise. Don't use Chrome, don't use their search engine, don't use gmail. I wish YouTube was still independent; while I use Vimeo over YouTube when I can, the fact of the matter is that a number of the producers I like to follow are on YouTube.

When it comes to Apple vs. Google, think about this. Apple makes its money by selling consumers overpriced stylish electronics and selling vendors a place in their iOS ecosystem. Google makes everything "free" to attract a large customer base then sells their information to get cash flow.