As a part of the antitrust motion in opposition to Google, the Division of Justice has proposed a treatment that might break 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 ought to be imposed on the corporate. Google just isn’t your pal or a “good man;” it is merely one other tech firm that occurs to regulate the software program that powers seven of each 10 telephones on the earth. It must be saved beneath 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 wish 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 options are exhausted, it is enterprise as traditional.
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 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 sort of buyer knowledge means Google can cost so much for advert companies and nonetheless have loads of prospects. Each identify you may consider advertises by means of Google, from tech objects to groceries and clothes. Google adverts work higher than some other firm’s, partially due to the billions of Android telephones used every day.
In the long run when all of the funds are tallied, Android is a web profit for Google. But it surely would not be for anybody else.
No firm that might keep Android would need it
There are most likely a couple of large tech firms that might keep Android effectively sufficient for it to stay aggressive. I can consider one: Microsoft.
Perhaps Apple may, perhaps Mozilla may, and perhaps IBM or Oracle may, however Microsoft has each the event infrastructure and expertise to “management” an enormous software program mission that’s deployed on hundreds of various {hardware} configurations. And Microsoft would not need it.
Microsoft would a lot relatively see Android (and Chrome) go away as a result of proudly owning it will 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 suppose Apple may handle Android very effectively as a result of it has a really totally different philosophy in terms of software program. Even when it may, Apple would additionally like to see Android die.
Every other smaller firm that might 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 might spur one other DoJ investigation.
Android cellphone makers cannot and should not
The plain reply, at the least on the floor, is Samsung. That is the worst possibility of all.
Ask any software program developer who has seemed on the Tizen supply code if Samsung can keep and develop Android. They will let you know “No,” most likely whereas laughing. Software program just isn’t one thing Samsung does significantly effectively.
Samsung is a superb cellphone {hardware} maker. Misguided individuals will say Samsung would not innovate, however Samsung single-handedly made Android what it’s right now 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.
In the case of the software program facet of issues Samsung struggles. Android telephones working One UI are its greatest software program product and one other firm is doing 90% of the work and serving to them with the ultimate 10%. Samsung may make investments billions into hiring the precise individuals and altering its firm tradition, however it will not.
Motorola or OnePlus cannot probably afford to develop and keep Android. Chinese language cellphone 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.
In the long run, Google is the corporate that should preserve tending to Android whether it is to proceed to get higher. Google is “evil” now in a number of methods however it is rather competent in terms of working a software program mission like AOSP.
If the motivation to are likely to Android is taken away, Google most likely will not wish 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 relatively than a chance.
