Google cuts off Huawei – Loses Play Store, Gmail and Android security updates
May 20, 2019
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
Share:
Google has suspended business operations with Huawei, effective immediately, according to Reuters. They say that a source close to the matter has told them Google was forced to suspend business with Huawei that “requires the transfer of hardware and software products”.
What this essentially means is that all future Hauwei products are cut off. If you already have a Huawei, though, you might be ok. Probably. At least, for now. A Google spokesperson told Reuters that “Google Play and the security protections from Google Play Protect will continue to function on existing Huawei devices”
It comes in response to adding Huawei Technologies Co Ltd to a US trade blacklist known as the “Entity List”. Being on this list makes it very difficult for the company to do business in the US, or deal with US-based companies. The Entity List is basically a list of people and companies that the US government deems to be a national security risk.
The source told Reuters that Huawei will be limited to only accessing the open source public version of the Android operating system and will no longer have access to the proprietary apps and services from Google. This cuts off some pretty vital services such as the Google Play Store and any security updates that have not yet made it into the open source distribution.
Reuters also reports that the impact of this decision is unlikely to affect the Chinese market all that much, where most Google mobile apps are already banned. Alternatives are offered in China by domestic competitors. It will have a major effect on countries outside of China, though, where having Google integration is vital for security and usability to stay competitive.
The news comes as chipmakers including Intel, Qualcomm and Broadcom have told their employees that they will no longer be supplying Huawei with critical software and components until further notice.
Huawei is set to launch the Honor 20 in London tomorrow. Android Authority reports that a Huawei representative has stated that this launch will go ahead as planned.
[via Reuters]
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
Related Posts
New Google Photos storage rules could delete your Gmail and Google Drive files too
Google pulled 29 photo apps from the Play Store that stole photos and promoted scams
DJI warns of fake DJI drone apps on Google Play Store that steal your money
Biker shooting a 20 stairs BMX jump confronts security and removes security cart (with guard) from road
Join the Discussion
DIYP Comment Policy
Be nice, be on-topic, no personal information or flames.
10 responses to “Google cuts off Huawei – Loses Play Store, Gmail and Android security updates”
This politically motivated move could prove to do the opposite. They say ‘necessity s the mother of all inventions’ the Chinese people had proven that they can rise to the challenge.
But the effect of that can be far reaching beyond China. Companies and states who rely on US made goods take notice. They witnessed the US treatment of Canada, its best ally, and now China and if they have any brain, will realized that it is time they rely on local suppliers.
This move shows that the US will do anything to try to keep their top position as the largest economy. This has nothing to do with national security (Canada was named a national risk to the US for example…Canada!) exactly the the same way that invading Iraq had anything to do with the terror attack in New York. Zero.
Bullying others worked before but it might prove having the opposite effect.
It is Fully Politically Motivated Move, in 2-3 months, they’re gonna overturn that decision
Xda dev will save us
huawei has got blocked bootloader :P
Daniel Hung
I think it’s time for China to fly on its’ own without relying on anything US based. No need to cooperate with a country where privacy has already disappeared and which is governed by a childish dictator (yes: I’m talking about the US). It’s actually easy as most on the technological intelligence is in Asia anyway.
Very true. On all points.
M Huawei still uses all google services incl play store…
I have no choice but to state BS on this