In a response to meet up with the $5 billion antitrust fine imposed on smartphone makers in Europe by the EU, Google said it will henceforth, charge for the pre-installation of apps like YouTube, Gmail, Google Maps on Android phones.
The recent announcement said it has reversed from allowing free installation of Apps by manufacturers on Android systems. Being the most used operating system, phone manufacturers will now be able to install modified version of Android.
This is being done to comply with the EU ruling that found Google as abusing Android Apps in order to hold back competitors. Google will introduce the changes by the end of the month so as to meet up with the deadline given by the EU authorities.
The EU said it is totally wrong for Google to pressure smartphone makers to install it’s apps but the company said it’s method made way for cheaper phones and increased competition with Apple.
Google said it will introduce a new pay licensing agreement for smartphone and tablets in Europe to make up for lost revenue.