![]() Both Motorola and Samsung are required to get Google's written approval before pre-loading any device with Google apps, which comes in the form of a device-specific "Launch Addendum." Google has the right to specify exactly which versions of its apps are pre-loaded on each device, as well. Merely signing this license isn't enough to get Google's apps. ![]() I'd imagine getting these re-signed isn't a huge problem for either company, but Google definitely has the right and ability to take their apps and walk away. ![]() Motorola's license expires on December 31, 2011, and the Samsung license provided expired on December 31, 2010, although it was significantly amended in June 2010 after the Skyhook debacle went down. We've gone through the entire stack of documents and pulled out all the information we can, so clear your schedule and let's dive in. Perhaps surprisingly, it's relatively clear from the evidence that Google is the major gatekeeper between OEMs and the market - and that's just the tip of the iceberg. The sheer amount of information is enormous - over 750 pages across 88 documents - and it offers a look into the nitty-gritty of Google's Android device approval process, including emails between Andy Rubin and Moto CEO Sanjay Jha. The case is still ongoing, but it just passed a major milestone last week when Google's initial motions to dismiss and for summary judgment were denied - and lucky for us, a huge trove of documentation was unsealed by the court. You might remember that a company called Skyhook Wireless sued Google back in September for business interference and patent infringement - the Skyhook XPS WiFi and cell tower positioning system was all set to ship in the Droid X before Google got involved and Motorola dropped it from the phone.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |