Google will charge European manufacturers of Android to use its applications

Looks like Google is about to radically change its operation with Android manufacturers, at least in Europe. To date, Android device manufacturers have been able to charge Google apps and services for free on their Android phones. Now, however, Google will start charging device manufacturers who want to use its apps.

The move follows a decision in July that Google ordered Google to stop "illegally linking" Chrome and some search-related apps to Android. Businesses will now be able to use Chrome, the Play Store, and other Google mobile apps instead of bundling them. Companies will also be able to license Google apps for split versions of Android, which could result in more phones with alternate versions of Android.

Traditionally, Google has not billed the use of these apps because of the revenue generated by the search and Chrome. Being forced to stop linking them changes all the money Google could potentially draw. We do not yet know exactly how much Google will charge for the license of its apps.

"Since the pre-installation of Google Search and Chrome as well as our other applications have allowed us to finance the development and free distribution of Android, we will introduce a new fee-based license agreement for smartphones and smartphones. tablets delivered in the software. [European Economic Area]Said Hiroshi Lockheimer, director of Android, in a blog post.

It is important to note that Android as a whole will always be free. It may be that the apps we most often associate with Android may not be. In addition, these apps may not be preinstalled on all Android devices. If you wish, you may need to download them separately.

In the end, Android device makers can still be linked to Google. They will probably still have to use the Google Play Store under license, where users can download all Google apps that otherwise would have been delivered with their phone. Not only that, but it is possible that Google can continue to consolidate all its applications in the future – the company is appealing the decision of the European Commission. In the meantime, however, he must abide by the decision and, as such, the amendments will come into effect as of October 29.