Aliyun

[Skel]

Can someone please let me know what I’m missing here. My coworker was making huge drama this morning about it, and I’m just not sure I see it. I could just be missing something which is why I ask here.

From what I’ve read this morning some Chinese company created an Android type OS like the Kindle Fire, an Android with all the Google bits ripped out of it. Acer was set to release a phone(s) in China using this OS but was told by Google not to. The reason Acer was told to not release it due to it being a non-standard Android which could possibly harm the Android brand. The reasoning behind why Google being able to is they’re part of the “Open Handset Alliance” which besides being a Google created and supported group, means they agree to keep Android stable by keeping to certain standards set forth by Google. Amazon isn’t part of this agreement so they’re free to do whatever, hence the Googleless Fire.

That about it, or is there more to it?

 

[Bateluer]

That about it, or is there more to it?

http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/0...d-android-apps-many-from-another-pirate-site/

Massive piracy.

while Google may not be able to quash piracy once and for all, it recognizes that turning a blind eye while an Open Handset Alliance member releases a platform that copies Android and steals from its app and developer ecosystem is not a good starting place.

 

[zerocool84]

From what I read it uses Google services like their Maps and to be able to use those you have to stick to certain guidelines which that didn't.

 

[cl-scott]

While I have to admit to not looking into it a great deal, I think a common misconception is that Google somehow forced Acer to do this. Acer could still go ahead with this if they wanted, but Google would then kick them out of the club to get access to the HEAD branch of Android. This wouldn't prevent Acer from making Android phones, but they'd have to wait for the AOSP release to begin work on new versions of Android for any devices, putting them at a significant disadvantage.

 

[runawayprisoner]

It's not just that. Acer will also not be able to bundle Google services with their devices. (so no Maps, Gmail, Play Store, etc...)

Google made it clear they aren't happy with OHA members not playing along with the "rules" (that Google created).

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

lawsuit
lawsuit
lawsuit!!!

 

[runawayprisoner]

lawsuit
lawsuit
lawsuit!!!

Not gonna happen.

Since Android is "free" (emphasizing that), Google can't claim "damage" in court, and therefore, they don't have a case to go with.

On the flip side, Alibaba (the company behind Aliyun) can't throw a lawsuit, either...

 

[T_Yamamoto]

Not gonna happen.

Since Android is "free" (emphasizing that), Google can't claim "damage" in court, and therefore, they don't have a case to go with.

On the flip side, Alibaba (the company behind Aliyun) can't throw a lawsuit, either...

So they're both safe.

 

[TuxDave]

While I have to admit to not looking into it a great deal, I think a common misconception is that Google somehow forced Acer to do this. Acer could still go ahead with this if they wanted, but Google would then kick them out of the club to get access to the HEAD branch of Android. This wouldn't prevent Acer from making Android phones, but they'd have to wait for the AOSP release to begin work on new versions of Android for any devices, putting them at a significant disadvantage.

So in other words... forcing Acer to quit development on Aliyun. It's like having the option of handing over money or jumping off a bridge. You can very much jump off the bridge if you wish.

 

[NikolaeVarius]

So in other words... forcing Acer to quit development on Aliyun. It's like having the option of handing over money or jumping off a bridge. You can very much jump off the bridge if you wish.

No. If Acer quit the OHA, they could keep developing Aliyun all they wanted. AOSP is public to everyone to use.

They can't do it as part of the OHA.

 

[TuxDave]

No. If Acer quit the OHA, they could keep developing Aliyun all they wanted. AOSP is public to everyone to use.

They can't do it as part of the OHA.

And thus leading to "This wouldn't prevent Acer from making Android phones, but they'd have to wait for the AOSP release to begin work on new versions of Android for any devices, putting them at a significant disadvantage."

Unless you disagree that being restricted to AOSP wouldn't be a disadvantage for an OEM?

 

[Bateluer]

No. If Acer quit the OHA, they could keep developing Aliyun all they wanted. AOSP is public to everyone to use.

They can't do it as part of the OHA.

^ Correct. Amazon forked Android and can do almost anything they please with publicly available AOSP source.

Another great editorial on Aliyun from Android Police.

http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/0...ut-googles-assertion-of-control-over-android/

If you want to start building Android products that don't play by Google's decidedly lenient rules, though, you can't have one foot in, one foot out. You can make a go of it, like Amazon, and Google won't fight you. But it's a harsh, competitive smartphone and tablet world out there. And I think there's nothing wrong with Google making sure its partners don't forget who's really making them relevant in it.

 

[TuxDave]

^ Correct. Amazon forked Android and can do almost anything they please with publicly available AOSP source.

Another great editorial on Aliyun from Android Police.

http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/0...ut-googles-assertion-of-control-over-android/

And there's not many companies that can pull off what Amazon did. Clearly the Acer did the math and they realize that they couldn't compete without being in the OHA. There's not much of a choice if the math shows that you'll be jumping off a bridge if you don't comply.

 

[s44]

Pirate OS is for pirates