I'm not sure I buy the premise that all of Android is just a blocking move to Microsoft. Microsoft had 10 years to make a dent in the mobile market and failed against Nokia and RIM, and that was before Apple jumped into the game and stomped everybody else. There was no danger of Windows Mobile, sorry, Windows Phone getting anywhere.
If Android is a loss-making strategic move against any company, then it's Apple -- having an open development platform in place from a credible company like Google keeps Apple honest and open, when they would otherwise tend to lock things down.
Google bought Android before Apple announced the iPhone, although it wouldn't surprise me if Google changed their strategy to target Apple after seeing the iPhone.
The point is still a good one though. The market was fractured when they entered. It is still fractured & it doesn't seem to need Google to stay that way.
If Android is a loss-making strategic move against any company, then it's Apple -- having an open development platform in place from a credible company like Google keeps Apple honest and open, when they would otherwise tend to lock things down.