Google Tightens Control on Android Manufacturers

Google is looking to tighten up on what device manufacturers running Android can pre-install on an Android device. This is following issues of bloatware by some makers and extensive customization via new GUI skins that overlay Android providing different options, configurations and looks with everything from menus to icons. This can create confusion with users when switching from one manufacturer to another and finding the switch difficult because Android doesn't look the same between smart phone and tablet makers.

Samsung is a case in point being perhaps the most prominent Android OEM user through its many Galaxy model smart phones and tablets. Many of the apps included in their devices are Samsung or Galaxy model specific and have little connection to the plain vanilla un-skinned Android that one would see when using a Nexus branded device that comes from Google's own ideal.

The adjustment to the contracts between Google and each Android OEM partner will seek to limit what customization can be added in order to not have skins and final versions that veer too far away from the original Android. Both HTC and Huawei Technologies are thought to be the manufacturers that Google is most concerned about.

Google is particularly looking to add a greater emphasis on its search capabilities, include more Google specified pre-installed apps and also determine where apps are displayed to that users are more likely to use them than ignore them. The company essentially wants to take back control of the home screen to ensure that the app icons on the bottom row include their best apps.

Samsung is in a tricky spot with Google because whilst they're the market leader in Android devices, they wish to extensively customize the user experience. Google on the other hands wants control of the mobile platform that users see and wishes to see less customization by OEM manufacturers. Indeed, Samsung was made to pair down their Android tricks and tweaks earlier in the year when Google felt they had gone too far.

This isn't the first time that Samsung and Google have clashed either. The Korean electronics manufacturer's decision to use their own Tizen operating system in their Gear range of wearable devices didn't sit well with the Google Android team.

As time passes new Android device buyers may begin to notice more Google influence and less OEM manufacturer customization. This may or may not be welcomed by users. Time will tell.