As I have written previously, “closed” is the new “open” in Android city. And now it is becoming even more closed, according to Bloomberg Business Week.
Playtime is over in Android Land. Over the last couple of months Google (GOOG) has reached out to the major carriers and device makers backing its mobile operating system with a message: There will be no more willy-nilly tweaks to the software. No more partnerships formed outside of Google’s purview. From now on, companies hoping to receive early access to Google’s most up-to-date software will need approval of their plans. And they will seek that approval from Andy Rubin, the head of Google’s Android group.
This is the new reality described by about a dozen executives working at key companies in the Android ecosystem. Some of those affected include LG, Toshiba, Samsung, and even Facebook, which has been trying to develop an Android device. There have been enough run-ins to trigger complaints with the Justice Dept., according to a person familiar with the matter. The Google that once welcomed all comers to help get its mobile software off the ground has become far more discriminating—especially for companies that want to include Google services such as search and maps on their hardware. Google also gives chip and device makers that abide by its rules a head start in bringing Android products to market, according to the executives.
You can’t really blame Google for taking back such control and it is likely actually in the interest of consumers.
The key to success in the consumer tech market is to deliver the best possible experience for users. The telecom carriers are a huge barrier to delivering a service that pleases the consumer, because the carriers are trying to maximize revenue and minimize actual service. The carriers are neither able to tweak Android (or any software designs) to please customers nor interested in doing so. Do you remember the nature of software on telephones prior to the launch of the iPhone. Features were allowed or blocked at the whim of the carriers. Interfaces were ugly and unintuitive. Crapware was everywhere on the devices. And filling a mobile phone with mandatory carrier crapware is not the road to success. And, even worse, the carriers have been largely incapable of pushing out significant Android software updates to their customers.
However, while Google may be doing the right thing, their continued claims of “openness” increasingly ring hollow.
Disclosure: I own Apple stock.
Update: Be sure to check out John Gruber’s take on this as well.
So here’s the Android bait-and-switch laid bare. Android was “open” only until it became popular and handset makers dependent upon it. Now that Google has the handset makers by the balls, Android is no longer open and Google starts asserting control.
