Google forbids OEMs from un-bundling it-s other services not android. OEMs have the choice to build an Android with no Google service whatsoever like Amazon or some Chinese OEMs are doing. What they can not do is offer an Android while picking what google app they offer. Google apps are take it all or leave it for OEMs. for users they can choose to install what they like.
I do not believe that I am more knowledged that Lawers but seeing already in plenty other examples that EU is more worried about businesses than consumers I can say that these is just another misuse of the antitrust rules.
Re:Don’t Mess with The Google
by Whitestrake on Thursday November 17, 2016 @09:09AM
(#12977535)
Wouldn't it be more accurate to say that Google does not license the Google Play Services to be bundled by OEMs who sell custom Android forks?
Not really, because Google also retroactively removes the license for devices already in production if the OEM later on decides to sell forked devices, as was threatened with Acer.
Or even just delivers parts for such a device, as was threatened with SAMSUNG and Amazon.
Yes, it does, that’s the entire point.
Will we still see as much innovation in 10, 20 years? For that, this part is very important.
> The simple fact of bundling is not a problem when there are choices.
Google forbids OEMs from selling custom Android forks. That’s not choice.
As said, both the EU and US consider this anticompetitive, and are investigating it. If you believe you – which apparantly are unable to use correct orthography – are more knowledged than the top lawyers of the two largest economies, then, sure, go on.
Even Google has admitted they are doing anticompetitive bundling, their defense is that it’s required to fund Android at all. That alone should say everything.