Google cuts off ties with Huawei
A month ago, the CEO of Huawei’s consumer product division mentioned that they are preparing for their own mobile operating system in case Google decides to cut them off from Android. Mr. Richar Yu probably didn’t expect that to happen anytime soon. Nevertheless, Google cuts off ties with Huawei meaning that the company lost Android license.
Google’s decision to cut off Huawei from Android license could hit hard for the company. The Chinese Tech Giant ambition to be a top player in the smartphone industry will be greatly affected.
There is an ongoing gap between Huawei and western companies on technological innovation thus exerting fear that the company is a proxy for China’s central government. Regardless of the case, Google made this move in compliance with the Washinton’s decision to put Huawei on the blacklist.
A Spokesperson from Google said that Google services will continue to function on existing Huawei devices.
Huawei has made substantial contributions to technological development on smartphones. It’s a huge blow to the Chinese firm that heavily relies on Android for the smartphones that sell outside of China. The company uses a modified version of the Android that doesn’t have Google services preinstalled within China.
Huawei is the second largest smartphone producers by Global market. Huawei’s goal to overtake Samsung is probably now on hold with this single decision.
Google issued Huawei 90 days stay of execution. This means the decision will be implemented after 90 days. This is somewhat relief for the company to start preparing for its next move.
Is Huawei Prepared?
The company kept hinting that they had a plan B. In March they announced that they have developed their own operating system for smartphones. The company also believed to have stockpiled chips and other hardware that can suffice to at least 3 months. Huawei is also developing its own chip technology in order to tackle the ongoing trade wars.
Huawei might have reduced their dependence for parts and components, however, experts believe that it would not be enough. They will still need to import from the US
The new OS will not be on the popular side as well. Thousands if not millions of apps will not be available on the new OS that is available on the Google Play store. The company will have to make them available through third party sources. The disadvantage is clear and is not in favor of the Chinese firm.
90 days Stay of execution
The three month time has given Huawei to obtain enough parts to service its existing consumers. The company now will also be forced to bring a new Android update before their scheduled date.
The temporary license will also help the American foreign telecommunication providers that currently rely on Huawei’s equipment for critical services.
The decision to ban a smartphone can have other collateral damage as well. Many hoped that the Chinese government does not take any retaliatory actions to ban iPhone and apple products.
Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, warns against underestimating the company. He believes that they are 2-3 years ahead in terms of 5G.
As of 19th May, the effect of the ban is already seen as the company is no longer supplying the Google version of the operating system, removing integration with its apps and Google Play store.
The move can be seen as a political one but can escalate to greater trade wars. Millions of Huawei’s consumers are baffled with the decision. Google ensures that they will keep pushing security patches but it’s unlikely that they will be getting Android Q.
New devices of Huawei will have to rely on the AOSP version of the Android. The devices will not have Google Play Services, Youtube and many amazing features.
Many experts commented that the survival of the company is at the stake. Huawei is not overly prepared on the matter. In fact, lots of people will not be happy with having to use the new OS as they are already customed to Android.
Although Huawei is developing their own OS and chips, the device made with purely Huawei parts will undoubtedly raise questions. Given the environment of suspicion in which it currently operates, there will be claims of backdoor shenanigans.
Google said that they are respecting the ban. This will probably be the last handset from Huawei. Millions of users who have just spent their money on P30 pro, will not have three years support and iterated updates as promoted.