Google restricts Huawei’s use of Android
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The second biggest smartphone maker, Huawei, has been dealt another blow as a result of the ongoing US-China trade dispute.
Following the news that the telecoms giant has been added to America’s ‘Entity List’ – a move that bans the telecom giant from buying parts and components without official approval – Google has barred Huawei from some updates to the Android operating system.
Reuters reported on Sunday that Google suspended all business with Huawei that requires the transfer of hardware, software and technical services, except those publicly available. With new designs of Huawei smartphones potentially losing access to apps such as YouTube, Gmail and Maps.
In a response to the Trump administration, Google announced it was “complying with the order and reviewing the implications.”
Google has reiterated, however, that current owners of Huawei phones will retain their access to the Play Store and continue to be able to update their apps.
Huawei’s first official response to having its Android license revoked by Google, seems to leave more questions than it answers.
In a statement emailed to DCNN, Huawei accentuates its contributions to the growth of Android globally whilst reassuring current owners of Huawei and Honor phones that they will continue to receive security updates and after-sales service. This promise is extended to phones that are already shipped and in stock at stores globally, though it is unclear about handsets beyond that.
“Huawei has made substantial contributions to the development and growth of Android around the world. As one of Android’s key global partners, we have worked closely with their open-source platform to develop an ecosystem that has benefitted both users and the industry.
Huawei will continue to provide security updates and after sales services to all existing Huawei and Honor smartphone and tablet products covering those have been sold or still in stock globally.
We will continue to build a safe and sustainable software ecosystem, in order to provide the best experience for all users globally.”
The official statement released Monday differs somewhat in tone to an announcement made by Huawei’s founder, Ren Zhengfei to Chinese media today, who says the US ‘underestimates’ the Chinese telecom makers strength; alluding that conflict with the US is inevitable in the tech giants quest to ‘stand on top of the world.’
“Huawei’s 5G will absolutely not be affected. In terms of 5G technologies, others won’t be able to catch up with Huawei in two or three years. We have sacrificed ourselves and our families for our ideal, to stand on top of the world. To reach this ideal, sooner or later there will be conflict with the US.”
The Chinese telecommunications equipment maker has become a focal point in a protracted trade war with the US. The new restrictions set to make it extremely difficult for Huawei to do business with US companies including major companies such as Qualcomm, Intel, Broadcom and Xilinx.
