Google warns against non-compatible, forked versions of Android

Google warns against non-compatible, forked versions of Android
Acer stuck in the middle of the Google Alibaba squabble

Google has moved to clarify its position on Android incompatibility, after it was claimed that the mobile giant 'strong-armed' Acer out of launching a device with the Ayliun OS.

Acer had planned to launch the S800 CloudMobile in China on the OS developed by the Chinese search giant Alibaba, which Google says is a 'forked version of Android.'

Google has released a statement saying non-compatible versions of Android weaken the ecosystem and says Open Handset Alliance members had agreed not to do so.

The company says: "Compatibility is at the heart of the Android ecosystem and ensures a consistent experience for developers, manufacturers and consumers.

"Non-compatible versions of Android, like Aliyun, weaken the ecosystem. All members of the Open Handset Alliance have committed to building one Android platform and to not ship non-compatible Android devices. This does not however, keep OHA members from participating in competing ecosystems."

Espousing a closed ecosystem

Alibaba has responded to Google's statement, saying: "Aliyun OS is not part of the Android ecosystem so of course Aliyun OS is not and does not have to be compatible with Android. It is ironic that a company that talks freely about openness is espousing a closed ecosystem."

Alibaba claims that Aliyun is 'different' to Android, but Google staunchly believes that it derives from its open-source mobile software.

This will, of course, renew the debate on just how open-source Android really is.

It seems fair that Google would do its utmost to protect against Android fragmentation, but that, of course, seems to go against the whole nature of open-source.

Via: Engadget

TOPICS
Chris Smith

A technology journalist, writer and videographer of many magazines and websites including T3, Gadget Magazine and TechRadar.com. He specializes in applications for smartphones, tablets and handheld devices, with bylines also at The Guardian, WIRED, Trusted Reviews and Wareable. Chris is also the podcast host for The Liverpool Way. As well as tech and football, Chris is a pop-punk fan and enjoys the art of wrasslin'.

Latest in Software & Services
TinEye website
I like this reverse image search service the most
A person in a wheelchair working at a computer.
Here’s a free way to find long lost relatives and friends
A white woman with long brown hair in a ponytail looks down at her computer in a distressed manner. She is holding her forehead with one hand and a credit card with the other
This people search finder covers all the bases, but it's not perfect
That's Them home page
Is That's Them worth it? My honest review
woman listening to computer
AWS vs Azure: choosing the right platform to maximize your company's investment
A person at a desktop computer working on spreadsheet tables.
Trello vs Jira: which project management solution is best for you?
Latest in News
EA Sports F1 25 promotional image featuring drivers Oscar Piastri, Carlos Sainz and Oliver Bearman.
F1 25 has been officially announced, with this year's entry marking a return for Braking Point and a 'significant overhaul' for My Team mode
Garmin clippd integration
Garmin's golf watches just got a big software integration upgrade to help you improve your game
Robert Downey Jr reveals himself as Doctor Doom to a delighted crowd at San Diego Comic-Con 2024
Marvel is currently making a major announcement about Avengers: Doomsday's cast on YouTube, and I think it's going to be a long-winded reveal
Samsung QN90F on yellow background
Samsung announces US prices for its 2025 mini-LED TV lineup, and it’s good and bad news
Nintendo Switch Lite
Forget the Nintendo Switch 2, the original Switch is getting one last hurrah in a surprise Nintendo Direct tomorrow
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge on display the January 22, 2025 Galaxy Unpacked event.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge colors seemingly revealed in new video, and there’s another sign of an imminent launch