Huawei has been cut-off from US Chipmakers and the Android OS
Huawei has been cut-off from US Chipmakers and the Android OS
While existing Huawei smartphones will continue to support Google Play and receive security updates through Google Play Protect, new handsets will be unable to utilise Google’s form of the OS, instead being forced to rely on the Open Source portions of the operating system. This means that Huawei’s next-generation smartphones will not have access to the Google Play Store, Google Maps or Gmail.Â
Intel, Qualcomm, Broadcom and other chipmakers have also been told to stop supplying Huawei, impacting devices outside of the mobile phone market, which included Windows-powered PCs. Reports have claimed that Huawei has been stockpiling chips in preparation for this ban.Â
This action showcases the power that the US has over the world’s technology giants, with president Donald Trump’s latest executive orders having a global impact. Huawei’s inability to deal with US companies will impact how their products will sell globally, as access to Google/Android services is critical within the European smartphone market.Â
The actions of the US government comes years after the nation’s “Trade War” with China began, though now things are likely to take a darker tone, as the US has specifically targetted one of China’s most successful companies.Â
In the case of Google, their hands are tied in this situation. They are obligated to act on the US governments laws, regulations and requirements. They don’t have the option to defy the state without risking huge penalties. The same applies to chipmakers. Google’s actions are not due to perceived risks from cyberattacks, and should not be seen as a confirmation that Huawei creates compromised/backdoored systems. Google is only acting on the requirements of the US’ regulations.Â
While Huawei has long been under the microscope due to their potential links to the Chinese government, there are no confirmed cases of international espionage using Huawei technology. Right now the US’ actions appear to be politically motivated, acting as an extension to the nation’s ongoing trade war and as a way of stalling Huawei’s international growth. At this time Huawei and the Chinese Government have not reacted to this move.Â
You can join the discussion on Huawei being cut-off from Google/Android and US chipmakers on the OC3D Forums.Â