Google Nobbles Huawei, Denies Android Access

Google has stripped Huawei of its license to use Android in another blow to the under siege Chinese smartphone maker.

It comes after an executive order by President Donald Trump effectively banned the company from the United States over spying fears.

Google has now blocked Huawei receiving any hardware, software or technical services, according to Reuters.

Huawei will still be able to use the open-source version of Android but won’t receive security or operating system updates.

While initially thought Huawei users would be prevented from accessing the Play services and app updates, Engadget is reporting updates and services will still be available as they don’t require Google interacting with Huawei.

Google later confirmed this via Twitter.

For Huawei users’ questions regarding our steps to comply w/ the recent US government actions: We assure you while we are complying with all US gov’t requirements, services like Google Play & security from Google Play Protect will keep functioning on your existing Huawei device.

— Android (@Android) May 20, 2019

Users in Huawei’s home-country will be largely unaffected as Google services are already banned in China, but it’s likely to hurt the company’s international business at a time when they were beginning to gain a foothold.

Huawei’s smartphone sales in Australia grew by 87% in the 12 months to September last year, according to Roy Morgan research.

Huawei confirmed to German newspaper Die Welt it had been working on its own operating system for its smartphones earlier this year, but it remains to be seen whether they will implement it or seek to find a way around the ban.

Attention now turns to whether Microsoft will follow suit and prevent Huawei using Windows on its laptops.