As a part of the antitrust motion towards 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 through the trial in August 2024.
I agree that Google abuses its energy, and extreme penalties needs to be imposed on the corporate. Google isn’t your good friend 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 this planet. It must be saved underneath management. Then once more, my opinion issues the identical as yours: none. The DoJ and a choose are in charge of this one.
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I additionally need to ensure 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 any case appeals and alternate options are exhausted, it is enterprise as traditional.
If it does occur, it is best to 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 more cash 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 form of buyer information means Google can cost loads for advert companies and nonetheless have loads of clients. Each title you’ll be able to consider advertises by means of Google, from tech objects to groceries and clothes. Google adverts work higher than every other firm’s, partially due to the billions of Android telephones used day by day.
In the long run when all of the funds are tallied, Android is a web 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 companies that might keep Android nicely 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 venture that’s deployed on 1000’s of various {hardware} configurations. And Microsoft would not need it.
Microsoft would a lot reasonably see Android (and Chrome) go away as a result of proudly owning it might 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 suppose Apple might handle Android very nicely as a result of it has a really completely different philosophy relating to software program. Even when it might, Apple would additionally like to see Android die.
Another 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 apparent reply, not 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 let you know “No,” in all probability whereas laughing. Software program isn’t one thing Samsung does significantly nicely.
Samsung is a wonderful telephone {hardware} maker. Misguided folks will say Samsung does not innovate, however Samsung single-handedly made Android what it’s right this moment and drives its progress 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 prone to disappoint.
In terms 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 proper folks and altering its firm tradition, but it surely will not.
Motorola or OnePlus cannot probably afford to develop and keep Android. Chinese language telephone makers (sure, I do know Motorola is technically certainly one 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.
In the long run, Google is the corporate that should maintain tending to Android whether it is to proceed to get higher. Google is “evil” now in loads of methods however it is vitally competent relating to working a software program venture like AOSP.
If the inducement to are likely to Android is taken away, Google in all probability will not need to accomplish that. Google solely needs Android with Gmail, the Play Retailer, Google Play Providers, and all the opposite Google bits baked into it. Take these away, and Android will turn out to be a burden reasonably than a possibility.
