Google has limited the use of its Android operating system on Huawei phones in the latest blow to the Chinese firm.
Huawei, which is the world's second largest seller of smartphones after Samsung, has long relied on Google's Android operating system to run its smartphones and tablets. The ban means that new Huawei phones will no longer be able to access certain apps, such as Google Maps and YouTube, and existing phones will not be able to update their Android operating systems. What may affect you?
No more Android updates from Google
Huawei will immediately lose access to updates for the Android operating system – which all Huawei phones use.
New Huawei phones won’t have access to key Google services
the next generation of Huawei phones outside of China will lose access to crucial Google-owned apps, including the Play Store and the Gmail app.
Existing Huawei users won’t suddenly lose access to services
In a statement on Twitter, Android said current Huawei owners need not worry about losing access to apps like the Play Store. “We assure you while we are complying with all US gov’t requirements, services like Google Play & security from Google Play Protect will keep functioning on your existing Huawei device,” it said.
What Huawei responses
There’s an official response came from Huawei after being banned by Google, saying that Android is an open source operating system and its consumers around the globe won’t have to worry about anything.
Huawei and Honor brand products including smartphones and tablets and their product services will not be affected in the Chines market, so consumers can use and buy new products without any worries, said the company.
Details of the specific services were still being discussed internally at Google, according to the source. Huawei attorneys are also studying the impact of the US commerce department's actions, a spokesman said on Friday. Huawei will continue to have access to the version of the Android operating system available through the open source license, known as Android Open Source Project, that is available for free to anyone who wishes to use it.
What Huawei‘s Plan B
Huawei started building its own operating system after a US investigation into Huawei and ZTE Corp in 2012, according to the South China Morning Post.
"We have prepared our own operating system, if it turns out we can no longer use these [Android] systems, we will be ready and have our plan B," Huawei's mobile chief Richard Yu Chengdong, said in an interview with German publication Die Welt in March.
"Huawei does have backup systems but only for use in extenuating circumstances. We don't expect to use them, and to be honest, we don't want to use them," said a Huawei spokesperson in March.
"We fully support our partners' operating systems — we love using them and our customers love using them. Android and Windows will always remain our first choices."
Huawei Technologies Co Chief Executive Officer and founder Ren Zhengfei said he expects US restrictions won't hurt the Chinese company's growth much, Nikkei reported.
If you were planning to buy and use a new Huawei or Honor phone overseas, it might be worth holding off for now, until it is clear what the company plans to do. You would not be affected while you use your phone in China, as there is no Google Service in China for years.
Will you still support and buy Huawei mobile phones?
source: huaweicentral,twitter,fb,chinadaily
