Papers marked as “Confidential” have popped into the limelight today as part of court papers submitted by Google. It seems to reveal that companies who adhere to the Google specs are able to put phones and tablets on sale first.
One section reveals how Google attempts to ramp up revenue on the Android platform despite the OS being “free” and “open”. It even seems to re-define the word “open”…
Do not develop in the open. Instead, make source code available after innovation is compete.
A “lead device” concept is also mentioned, which seems to suggest that certain handsets launch with the newer version of the OS provided they tick all the Google boxes.
There’s still a worry that Google will give preferential treatment to certain manufacturers, especially Motorlola, who they recently purchased.
Link – Fosspatents
Read the update: http://thedroidguy.com/2011/09/proof-google-is-putting-motorola-first/
To quote the BBC
“What is not yet clear is when the papers were drawn up, whether it was during the early days of Android or more recently.Mr Mueller said the mention of “early access” should worry firms making handsets that run Android. It suggests, he said, that Google has a “stated commitment to a non-level playing field”.A Google spokesperson said: “We have had a “lead device” strategy publicly for years with a variety of manufacturers including HTC and Samsung”.The spokesperson cited the example of Samsung’s Nexus S – the lead device for the Gingerbread release of Android co-developed by Google and Samsung.”Which is true I guess. So no need to worry?