As a part of the antitrust motion in opposition to Google, the Division of Justice has proposed a treatment that will cut up Android and Chrome away from Google. It’s because Google was discovered to be abusing monopoly powers in the course of the trial in August 2024.
I agree that Google abuses its energy, and extreme penalties needs to be imposed on the corporate. Google will not be your pal or a “good man;” it is merely one other tech firm that occurs to regulate the software program that powers seven of each 10 telephones on the earth. It must be stored below management. Then once more, my opinion issues the identical as yours: none. The DoJ and a decide are answerable for this one.
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I additionally wish to ensure that everybody understands that proper now, this holds the identical weight because the final time we heard Google was going to be damaged up. till it occurs, in spite of everything appeals and alternate options are exhausted, it is enterprise as common.
If it does occur, you must in all probability simply purchase an iPhone as a result of Android will wither and die.
Android loses cash
Google makes no cash instantly from Android. I am not saying that having Android round is not worthwhile for Google, however the price of constructing, sustaining, internet hosting, and deploying a free smartphone working system is astronomical, and the revenue from doing it’s zero.
Google makes extra money as a result of Android exists. Android is a automobile for Google’s free apps and companies, that are used to construct complete commercial profiles for everybody who makes use of them. Having that type of buyer knowledge means Google can cost loads for advert companies and nonetheless have loads of prospects. Each title you possibly can consider advertises by Google, from tech gadgets to groceries and clothes. Google adverts work higher than another firm’s, partially due to the billions of Android telephones used day by day.
Ultimately when all of the funds are tallied, Android is a internet profit for Google. Nevertheless it would not be for anybody else.
No firm that might keep Android would need it
There are in all probability just a few big tech firms that might keep Android nicely sufficient for it to stay aggressive. I can consider one: Microsoft.
Possibly Apple might, possibly Mozilla might, and possibly IBM or Oracle might, however Microsoft has each the event infrastructure and expertise to “management” an enormous software program undertaking that’s deployed on hundreds of various {hardware} configurations. And Microsoft would not need it.
Microsoft would a lot fairly see Android (and Chrome) go away as a result of proudly owning it could result in the identical antitrust considerations that we see from Google proudly owning it. Microsoft is aware of a factor or two about these.
I do not assume Apple might handle Android very nicely as a result of it has a really completely different philosophy with regards to software program. Even when it might, Apple would additionally like to see Android die.
Some other smaller firm that will have the ambition, like Mozilla, could not afford to do it with out billions of {dollars} from Google. These {dollars} would include strings hooked up that will spur one other DoJ investigation.
Android telephone makers cannot and should not
The plain reply, no less than on the floor, is Samsung. That is the worst choice of all.
Ask any software program developer who has regarded on the Tizen supply code if Samsung can keep and develop Android. They will inform you “No,” in all probability whereas laughing. Software program will not be one thing Samsung does notably nicely.
Samsung is a superb telephone {hardware} maker. Misguided folks will say Samsung does not innovate, however Samsung single-handedly made Android what it’s immediately and drives its development as a result of the telephones it makes are so good. Being a Korean (and never Chinese language) firm helps construct some belief, however folks know the Samsung title and know their merchandise aren’t more likely to disappoint.
Relating to the software program aspect of issues Samsung struggles. Android telephones operating One UI are its finest software program product and one other firm is doing 90% of the work and serving to them with the ultimate 10%. Samsung might make investments billions into hiring the precise folks and altering its firm tradition, nevertheless it will not.
Motorola or OnePlus cannot presumably afford to develop and keep Android. Chinese language telephone makers (sure, I do know Motorola is technically one in all them) would instantly face backlash in the event that they even tried as a result of the U.S. is extra afraid of China than it’s of monopolies.
Ultimately, Google is the corporate that should maintain tending to Android whether it is to proceed to get higher. Google is “evil” now in plenty of methods however it is vitally competent with regards to operating a software program undertaking like AOSP.
If the inducement to are inclined to Android is taken away, Google in all probability will not wish to achieve this. Google solely needs Android with Gmail, the Play Retailer, Google Play Companies, and all the opposite Google bits baked into it. Take these away, and Android will turn into a burden fairly than a possibility.