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Google has not acknowledged its defeat against the European Commission, but has announced some changes in the policy of its Android device to address the concerns of the Commission. In the EU, device makers will have more freedom in the use and licensing of Google's Android, but they will also have to pay higher fees. Consumers can also start to see unusual Android devices that were not allowed before.
Earlier this year, the European Union announced a record $ 5 billion fine for the licensed management of its software and services for Android devices. For years, Google's Android license has been an all-or-nothing affair. OEMs had to pre-download Google Search, Chrome and other apps if they wanted to have the Play Store. Google has also restricted the use of incompatible Android forks by companies holding Android licenses. Much of this will change in the EU in the future.
If a company wants to sell phones with the Play Store, they may choose not to pre-install Chrome and Google Search in Europe. This allows them to bundle applications from other providers, which could become an additional revenue stream. Consumers can still install Google apps from the Play Store, but at least in the case of search, the features may be limited because the app would not be a component of the system. If an OEM decides to do so, Google will charge an additional fee per device because integrating Chrome and Google Search is an essential part of the Android revenue model.
Google also plans to offer new offers to OEMs to encourage them to install Chrome and Search. These commercial agreements would require device manufacturers to add Chrome and Search, even if competing services were also preloaded. Honestly, I do not know who would use a licensed Android device without Google Search, so OEMs will surely talk to Google about it.
The last change is potentially much more problematic for Google. This will no longer prevent its partners from selling devices with incompatible Android "forks" – devices that do not work with Android apps and services. Since Android is open source, anyone can edit it for their own purposes. Google does not like this because it can cause confusion for users and fragmentation of the platform. Android licensed OEMs can be delivered by OEMs in the EU, but the bundled software still does not have Google services.
Google indicates that the new license conditions will come into effect on October 29, but only for the EU. Everyone has the same restrictions. In addition, Google is continuing its appeal against the decision of the European Commission to cancel this decision.
Now read: Pixel Summary 3: Amazing Camera, So-So Hardware Design, 25 Best Android Tips to Make Your Phone More Helpful, and European Commission: Google's Antitrust Charges Against Android
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