Google blocking Aliyun because its incompatible Android clone with pirated apps

Posted on Monday, September 17 2012 @ 16:42 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
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Last week a story hit the wire that Google threatened Acer not to launch a smartphone with Aliyun, a mobile operating system developed by Chinese Internet firm Alibaba.

Over the weekend more details hit the web about why Google is trying to block this Chinese operating system. Aliyun reportedly uses the Android runtime, framework and tools, but is not part of the Open Handset Alliance (OHA) and is basically an incompatible clone. The OHA forbids its members from shipping incompatible Android implementations, and therefore Google forbade Acer from shipping an Aliyun-based phone in China. Acer is free to do so if it leaves OHA, but that doesn't seem like a smart choice because it would prevent the company from making Android-compatible phones.

Google's Android boss Andy Rubin states on his Google+ page that "if you want to benefit from the Android ecosystem, then make the choice to be compatible. It's easy, free and we'll even help you it. But if you don't want to be compatible, then don't expect help from OHA members that are all working to support and build a unified Android ecosystem."

Additionally, another thing that upsets Google is that the Aliyun app store contains unauthorized copies of Google Apps, as well as pirated versions of popular Android apps.


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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