Google leans on Acer to not use new OS, could Windows Phone OEMs be next? [Updated]

Google

Google is getting bold, telling OEMs 'no' on other OSs

Update: Google'south Andy Rubin finally responds. See subsequently the break...

A bit of a controversy is slowly erupting over Acer's widely publicized programme to use the Aliyun Bone in a new line of low-price smartphones, generally destined for the Chinese market. Aliyun Os is a Linux-based system developed by the Chinese visitor Alibaba Group and offered a manner for OEMs like Acer to diversify.

Acer has now abruptly canceled plans afterwards Google "expressed concerns" over the proclamation. Though Acer still wants to use the Aliyun Bone, the move by Google is being interpreted every bit a hostile activity to block competition. Reportedly Google threatened to cancel Acer's license to make Android devices, which many consider playing hardball.

The question is, how far is Google willing to get to maintain say-so?

Cnet managed to become a quote from Alibaba about Asus on the matter directly, sparring no details:

"Our partner was notified past Google that if the production runs Aliyun Os, Google volition stop its Android-related cooperation and other technology licensing with our partner"

In a speculative piece over at Benzinga, they suggest that Samsung may be Google's next target. Specifically that Google may pressure Samsung to back-off with Windows Phone viii devices and just focus on Android.

Overly Attached Android

Would that be possible? Plausible?

Though we find Google'south apparent actions against Acer sorry, it'due south another thing to try and pressure the earth's meridian smartphone manufacture to surrender on Microsoft's OS. And permit's be clear, Microsoft pressures its OEM partners too with patent lawsuits for using Android. In turn, it is widely reported that Microsoft gives licensing discounts for preference of its Bone over Android.

Samsung would lose a lot by 100% giving up its human relationship with Microsoft for smartphones, including patent protections offered past previously negotiated deals. Non to mention, the whole ATIV line of phones, computers and slates could exist jeopardized?

Merely Google's deportment are brazen to say the least and it could mean that they pressure level Samsung in other ways. For instance, much like what has already happened in the past with Android devices getting showtime 'dibs' on new hardware and designs. That type of dominance could continue if Samsung wants to continue their bread-and-butter Google happy.

LG is currently on Windows Telephone hiatus only they're also ripe for pressure from Google—in fact, for all we know that is why they have no Windows Phone 8 devices this twelvemonth. Other smaller firms like Huawei may as well feel the long arm of Google as well.

Google has been accused of slighting partners in the past, similar Skyhook over their Wi-Fi based location services. Google reportedly forced OEMs to use their system over Skyhook'due south, resulting in a lawsuit. The threat included denying "...timely and equal access to evolving versions of the Android operating arrangement and other Google mobile applications."

Google Empire

"The more you tighten your grip, Google, the more OEMs volition slip through your fingers."

What if Windows Phone viii is a hit?

Hither's the real kicker, the more Google tightens its grip over OEMs the more than they volition look for alternatives. And those lawsuits are non helping either.

Samsung already has Tizen waiting but it won't be ready until quondam in 2022 and the visitor has already been reported as pushing abroad 'overly fastened' Google-friend. Volition Google get Samsung to abased Tizen?

And Acer evidently has Aliyun OS (simply not actually as evidenced today).

But if Windows Phone 8 catches on, these OEMs can offload on Android for Microsoft while withal making turn a profit for their shareholders.

With the iPhone five coming out soon and at present Nokia considered to be a contender, Google has a lot to worry about in 2022.

Until then, smaller firms like Acer have to take it from Google, equally they take no alternative.

Update from Google's Andy Rubin:

"We were surprised to read Alibaba Group's chief strategy officer Zeng Ming's quote "We want to exist the Android of China" when in fact the Aliyun OS incorporates the Android runtime and was apparently derived from Android.

Based on our analysis of the apps bachelor at http://apps.aliyun.com, the platform tries to, but does not succeed in beingness compatible.

Information technology's easy to exist Android compatible, the OHA supplies all the tools and details on how to do it. "

In essence what Rubin is proverb here is if yous are part of the Open Handset Alliance (OHA) like Acer, you lot cannot practise both: make Android devices and "forked" Android-ish devices. "Forked" he ways a branch of the Os based off either the kernel or similar Linux properties, for example what Amazon.com has done with the Kindle Fire series--that's Android, simply information technology does not contain any Google services.

Amazon.com gets away with it because they're not in the OHA, and so they don't demand to comply with the rules. Having said that, they could never do a Kindle Fire and a straight up Android phone.

Acer is office of the OHA and therefore must comply with the rules, meaning they can't go "off reservation" equally our buddy Phil Nickinson explained from Android Cardinal. The problem here is that China has no official Google Play store and that ecosystem is hurting badly over there. I response is create an culling market, which is exactly what Alibaba did with their Aliyun OS. In theory, it'southward fine for them to do that but Acer cannot be their partner while notwithstanding making OHA-compliant Android phones.

It'due south literally a "Play past our rules" type situation, which once once again seems fine. The problem is Android is technically open-source, and then it seems odd for such a gratis rolling operating organisation dictating to OEMs what they tin can and tin can't do. Let us be clear: Google is threatening Acer hither past boot them out of OHA and Google seems to have good cause to do so (legally and from a business perspective). The problem is it calls into question the nature of "open source", especially when things can be enforced with heavy penalties for disobeying the system that Google controls.

Source: Benzinga, NASDAQ, Engadget;'Vader-Google' image credit: Synecore Tech