Google Has Restricted Huawei’s Use of Android Operating System

By Newsfeed/BBC

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – New designs of Huawei smartphones are set to lose access to some Google apps. They work the same as Samsung and LG phones in that Huawei devices rely on Android to be powered.

The BBC reported that the move comes after the Trump administration cracked down on Chinese tech companies and added the telecommunications giant to a list of businesses that American firms cannot trade with unless they have a license.

Reuters reported that even though there has been some suspension, current Huawei smartphone users with Google apps will be able to use and download app updates from Google.

For Huawei users' questions regarding our steps to comply w/ the recent US government actions: 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.

— Android (@Android) May 20, 2019

A Google spokesperson told Reuters: “We are complying with the order and reviewing the implications.” Before adding: “For users of our services, Google Play and the security protections from Google Play Protect will continue to function on existing Huawei devices.”

The move will mean that when Google launches the next version of Android later on this year, it might not be available on Huawei devices. As well as YouTube, smartphones could lose Google Maps.

According to Sky News, it is believed that Huawei users will end up having to use a public version of the operating system called Android Open Source Project – that system doesn’t include standard Google apps such as Gmail, Google Maps, Google Photos, and YouTube.

How will people find their way, well, anywhere? How will children be silenced on public transport or in restaurants?

The BBC reported that Huawei chief executive Ren Zhengfei told Japanese media on Saturday: “We have already been preparing for this.”

Speaking from the company’s headquarters in Shenzhen, China, he added: “We have not done anything which violates the law.”

Nikkei Asian Review reported that Mr. Zhengfei also reassured users that the company would be “fine” even if American suppliers would not sell chips to Huawei.