Monday, March 31, 2025

Android’s survival hinges on its continued partnership with Google.

As part of the ongoing antitrust scrutiny of Google, there is a possibility that regulators could impose measures to separate its Android and Chrome businesses from the parent company. As a result of the landmark trial in August 2024, Google faced scrutiny for its alleged abuse of its dominant market position, sparking concerns about the tech giant’s monopoly powers.

Google’s dominance in the digital landscape warrants scrutiny, and severe repercussions should be considered for any abuse of its influence. Here is the rewritten text:

While Google may not have earned a reputation as a “pal” or a “good man,” it’s simply a prominent technology company responsible for developing the software powering nearly 70% of the world’s phones. All relevant data must be securely housed beneath the direct purview of senior administrators. I share your view exactly: none. The Department of Justice and another party are accountable for this issue.

Android & Chill

Android Central mascot

One of the internet’s longest-running tech columns is our weekly Saturday dialogue covering Android, Google, and all things tech-related.

As a reminder, the current situation has the same level of significance as when we last learned about potential changes to Google’s structure. Until it becomes a reality, despite all efforts and avenues being explored.

If the unlikely event of Android’s demise occurs, it makes little sense to switch solely due to Apple’s market dominance; instead, consider exploring alternative options that cater to your specific needs.

Android loses cash

Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL angled view

Google generates no immediate revenue from Android. While it’s undeniable that developing an open-source Android operating system can have significant benefits for Google, the monumental costs associated with building, maintaining, hosting, and deploying this free resource far outweigh any potential gains.

Google derives significant revenue from the existence of Android. What’s Android? It’s an open-source operating system developed by Google, providing a platform for developers to build applications that can be freely downloaded and used by anyone around the world. With this type of buyer data at their disposal, Google can command significant revenue from advertisers while still offering a vast pool of potential customers. Companies of all sorts use their titles as advertising tools on platforms like Google. Google’s ads perform more effectively than those of other firms, primarily because of the vast scale and reach afforded by the billions of Android devices in use daily.

In the long run, as all revenue streams are accounted for, Android proves to be a significant profit driver for Google. This unique journey was designed specifically for me alone.

What companies would bother to keep an OS that isn’t as popular?

The Microsoft logo at MWC 2024

Only a handful of prominent tech companies could potentially ensure the continued viability of Android by maintaining its competitiveness. I can consider one: Microsoft.

Microsoft is uniquely positioned to “manage” a massive software project deployed across thousands of diverse hardware configurations due to its existing event infrastructure and expertise, whereas Apple, Mozilla, IBM, or Oracle may possibly be contenders for such an endeavor. Microsoft wouldn’t require it either.

If Microsoft were to acquire Android (and Chrome), they would likely face similar antitrust concerns that Google faces by owning it. .

It’s unlikely that Apple would treat Android with kid gloves due to their fundamentally distinct software philosophies. Despite their publicly professed admiration for innovation and competition, Apple’s underlying motivations suggest they secretly covet the demise of Android, a rival that has consistently threatened their market dominance.

A smaller firm, driven by ambitions akin to those of Mozilla, would struggle to undertake such a venture without the substantial injection of funds, likely in the billions of dollars, provided by Google. These alleged dollar transactions could potentially trigger another Department of Justice investigation.

Android telephone manufacturers cannot and should not compromise on security to ensure seamless user experiences.

Samsung logo

The plain response, at the very least on the floor, is indeed Samsung. The very thought sends shivers down my spine: that this catastrophic event might come to pass, leaving us in a state of utter chaos and despair.

What would happen if Samsung were to take over development of Android? They are likely to respond with a firm “No,” accompanied by laughter. Samsung’s software prowess is surprisingly underwhelming.

Samsung is renowned for its exceptional telephone hardware capabilities. While some might argue that Samsung is solely responsible for Android’s success, a more accurate assessment suggests that the company plays a significant role in shaping the ecosystem due to the high-quality devices it produces, which in turn drive innovation and growth within the Android community. As a well-established Korean company with a strong brand reputation, Samsung’s products are often expected to deliver, and rightly so, as they consistently exceed expectations. 

Samsung’s struggle with its software program facets. Android’s flagship software product is its operating system, where another company does the lion’s share of the work, contributing 90% while assisting Google with the remaining 10%. Samsung’s reluctance to invest heavily in recruiting top talent and revamping its corporate culture is likely to hinder its potential for growth.

It’s unlikely that Motorola or OnePlus could afford to independently develop and maintain Android, a complex operating system with significant costs associated with security updates, app ecosystem support, and compatibility testing. Chinese telephone manufacturers would face intense backlash if they attempted to enter the US market directly due to the country’s long history of trade tensions and security concerns surrounding Chinese technology companies? Are Americans more fearful of Chinese dominance than they are of corporate monopolies?

Google protesters

While Google ultimately owns and controls Android, its future development and progress are crucial for the platform’s continued success and relevance in the market. Google has been deemed “evil” by many for its numerous questionable practices. Nevertheless, the tech giant excels at managing large-scale software development projects.

If the incentive driving interest in Android were removed, Google may well reconsider its commitment to developing the platform. What Google primarily seeks is a unified Android experience that seamlessly integrates its core services: Gmail, the Google Play Store, Google Play Businesses, and other relevant features. If we eliminate these limitations, Android will likely become an encumbrance rather than a prospect.

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