Google pulls Huawei’s Android license, forcing it to use open source version | Hacker News Reader

Google pulls Huawei’s Android license, forcing it to use open source version

theverge.com

57 pointsbkmn21 comments

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=19954673

>That also means Huawei will only be able to push security updates for Android once they’re made available in AOSP, assuming the company uses its own update system. It’s not clear yet how this will affect the full range of Android integrations that Huawei depends on, but we will update this story when we receive additional clarification about the impacts of Google’s decision.

Do I understand that right, existing android phones will be cut from their current update mechanism? This is absolutely unbelievable on Googles part.

Huawei is on the entities list, if Google didn't stop providing Play Services to new devices shipped by Huawei then the Feds would be apt to get involved.

The executive order[0] doesn't actually call out Huawei by name. I also can't find them on the OFAC search[1], so which entities list are you referring to?

[0]: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/executive-or...

[1]: https://sanctionssearch.ofac.treas.gov/

As much as I distrust Huawei, this is one of the main reasons why I don't like Android and iOS security models.

That is, imagine if an update in the Linux kernel meant that Debian wouldn't install on Thinkpads. Would we be OK with that?

Conversely, consider all the outrage about Secure Boot initially not working for Linux distros. And then requiring Microsoft approval, and the use of closed-source software.

Edit: And yes, this is just Google complying with US law. However, without Google's power to discriminate against Huawei phones, that would be moot.

What? If Apple decides to stop supporting a device, you need to buy a new phone. If Google prevents support or the manufacturer stops support, you can install AOSP or any other version of Android you can find that still gets updated, AND you can manually install Googles play framework and store. Hell, if Huawei is forced to use AOSP, nothing is stopping you from still installing all of Googles stuff and using your phone like before. You have complete freedom and... You have a problem with that?

Sure, I guess.

But you still couldn't run Huawei's version, use Google stuff, and get updates. So that's hardly "complete freedom".

The freedom is in being able to use your device how you want, regardless of what Google or the manufacturer wants or decides. This means that you always have access to Google's framework/store if you want it and you'll always have access to updates in one way or another. So, yes, complete freedom. Show me a phone platform that gives you more freedom than that.

Linux. With nothing from Google.

Using Qemu, KVM or VirtualBox, I can run just about anything on it. Windows, Android, MacOS. Maybe even iOS, although I haven't found an open-source release for that, yet.

This actually makes me consider buying Huawei. Using open source version sounds great!

AOSP but still with their crappy buggy shell above it. Don't be so optimistic yet. Let's see what comes out of this first.

And not to mention potential government mandated spyware. I don't trust my (US) government much, and I trust the Chinese government even less.

Nothing ever stopped them from doing so with official android builds prior to this point.

What are, if any, reasons to care about what does a government of a foreign country overseas might know about you?

There is a LineageOS for P20 Pro, and it can be had dirt cheap in a few days.

Yikes, this is an uninformed comment...

This is very good news for the android ecosystem. Having a variety of stores and services can only be good for the users.

Nobody in China can use play store or Google services. There are many local equivalents of them all

Let’s hope Huawei develops an alternative to Play Store or even OS.

https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3001685/huawei-co...

Will they have enough time to build their own operating system?

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