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 is because Google was discovered to be abusing monopoly powers throughout 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 manage the software program that powers seven of each 10 telephones on the planet. It must be saved underneath 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 need to make sure 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 most likely 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 providers, that are used to construct complete commercial profiles for everybody who makes use of them. Having that sort of buyer information means Google can cost lots for advert providers and nonetheless have loads of clients. Each identify you possibly can consider advertises by means of Google, from tech objects to groceries and clothes. Google advertisements work higher than every other firm’s, partially due to the billions of Android telephones used every day.
Ultimately when all of the funds are tallied, Android is a web profit for Google. However it would not be for anybody else.
No firm that might preserve Android would need it
There are most likely just a few large tech firms that might preserve Android effectively sufficient for it to stay aggressive. I can consider one: Microsoft.
Possibly Apple might, perhaps Mozilla might, and perhaps 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 somewhat see Android (and Chrome) go away as a result of proudly owning it could result in the identical antitrust issues 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 effectively 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.
Every 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 connected that will spur one other DoJ investigation.
Android telephone makers cannot and should not
The plain reply, a minimum of on the floor, is Samsung. That is the worst possibility of all.
Ask any software program developer who has appeared on the Tizen supply code if Samsung can preserve and develop Android. They’re going to inform you “No,” most likely whereas laughing. Software program will not be one thing Samsung does significantly effectively.
Samsung is a superb telephone {hardware} maker. Misguided individuals will say Samsung does not innovate, however Samsung single-handedly made Android what it’s as we speak 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 individuals know the Samsung identify and know their merchandise aren’t more likely to disappoint.Â
In the case of the software program facet of issues Samsung struggles. Android telephones working 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 appropriate individuals and altering its firm tradition, but it surely will not.
Motorola or OnePlus cannot presumably afford to develop and preserve Android. Chinese language telephone makers (sure, I do know Motorola is technically one in every of 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 numerous methods however it is vitally competent with regards to working a software program undertaking like AOSP.
If the inducement to are likely to Android is taken away, Google most likely will not need to achieve this. Google solely desires Android with Gmail, the Play Retailer, Google Play Companies, and all the opposite Google bits baked into it. Take these away, and Android will develop into a burden somewhat than a possibility.