Google has announced some exciting changes to its Android operating system in India, following a landmark antitrust ruling. Indian users will now have the power to choose their default search engine and even uninstall Google apps!
When setting up a new device, users will be presented with a “choice screen” where they can select their preferred search engine. This means that users can now opt for a search engine that better suits their needs and preferences.
In addition to this, starting next month, all apps and games downloaded from the Play Store will support third-party billing options. This will enable developers to bypass Google’s fees on in-app purchases, giving them more freedom and flexibility.
Google is also allowing users to uninstall the first-party apps that came pre-installed on their devices. This means that users can declutter their devices and only keep the apps they actually use.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) fined Google the equivalent of $162 million last October, citing the company’s abuse of its “dominant position” in search, video, and the web to disadvantage competitors. As a result, Google’s relationship with Android manufacturers will also be impacted.
Google will now allow Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to license individual first-party apps to pre-install on their devices. The company will also update Android’s compatibility requirements to better support forked operating system variants. Google acknowledges that implementing these changes will be complex and require significant work. However, the company is committed to complying with local laws and regulations in India and will “respectfully appeal certain aspects” of the Commission’s decisions.
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