In an effort to tackle the ongoing problem of Android fragmentation – where builds of the open-source operating system are customised by manufacturers and carriers, resulting in an inconsistent user experience and long waits for updates – Google Inc. has apparently issued an ultimatum to its partners that from now on Android Godfather Andy Rubin will check all customisations and must approve them before they are released.
Business Week has heard from around a dozen people from various manufacturers, carriers, and even Facebook, who have been told by Google that any alterations they wish to make to stock Android must be vetted first. Even thought Android is famously open source, there is a so-called “non-fragmentation clause” that distributors must abide by if they wish to be one of Google’s preferred partners. They can always go it alone and customize the current, open build of Android, but would miss out on the closed-source apps, namely the Android Market, GMail and Maps.
Aside from the move away from true openness, some participants are not comfortable with allowing Google to pry into their customization work, especially Facebook, who are currently involved in spats on several fronts with the search giant. The article also alleges that Google is actively scuppering attempts by Verizon Wireless to launch handsets that replace the default Google search with arch-rivals Bing.
These allegations may sound damning, although we can hardly blame Google for wanting to look after their baby. Many of the complaints about Android are completely out of Google’s control due to the way they distribute the OS – it seems like a no-brainer that they would try to reign in customisation somewhat to deliver a better user experience. Unfortunately, the hardware partners seem to not agree, and Google has been reported to the Justice Department for issuing the demands.
Via Business Week
