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schubidubidubayesterday at 10:51 PM1 replyview on HN

Not really. Google sets strict boundaries for smartphone brands on what they can do software-wise. For instance, iirc, shipping the phone primarily with a non-Google alternative ROM means you won't get any play services on them, even if you want to have a secondary version with a standard Google ROM.

Google has essentially full control. Because they own security updates. Because banking apps already now often do not work without Google services. Etc. Etc.

It is a monopoly (regarding Android app developers), and is increasingly exploiting that to cash in.


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megagpt3today at 8:48 AM

Actually, the phone doesn't have play services if the vendor doesn't install play services. If the vendor installs play services then it has play services.

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