Back in July European Commision has fined Google with $5.04 billion for misusing its position and forcing its apps on Android manufacturers. While Google appealed the decision last week, it is also working on how to comply with the decision. Firstly, Google is updating the compatibility agreements with mobile device makers that set out how Android is used to develop smartphones and tablets.
The company, going forward, Android partners who are wishing to distribute Google apps may also build non-compatible, or forked, smartphones and tablets for the European Economic Area (EEA). Next, device manufacturers will be able to license the Google mobile application suite separately from the Google Search App or the Chrome browser.
Since pre-installation of Google Search and Chrome together with other apps helped fund the development and free distribution of Android, Google will start charging a licensing fee for the Play Store and other Google apps for the first time. However, confirmed that Android would remain free and open source. Lastly, Google also mentioned that it would offer separate licenses to the Google Search app and Chrome.
The company mentioned that it will also offer new commercial agreements to partners for the non-exclusive pre-installation and placement of Google Search and Chrome. These new licensing options will come into effect on October 29, 2018, for all new smartphones and tablets launched in the EEA.