US tech company, Google has added to Chinese technology firm, Huawei’s woes with new restrictions to its Android operating system.
New designs of Huawei smartphones will lose access to some Google applications. Existing Huawei smartphones users will however,be able to update apps and security fixes as well as update Google Play services but will be unable to update to the next version of Android that Google is set to launch later this year.
The move is the fallout of Trump’s administration decision to add Huawei to list of companies American companies cannot trade with unless they have a license. Huawei was added to the “Entity List” last week that bans the company from acquiring technology from US firms without government approval.
Google said it was “complying with the order and reviewing the implications”.
Future Huawei devices may no longer have apps such as YouTube and Maps.
Huawei can still use the version of the Android operating system available through an open source licence.
Huawei is facing growing backlash from Western companies led by the US over possible risks its 5G products pose. Some countries have accused Huawei of using its telecoms equipment to spy for China an allegation the company has repeatedly denied.
In a similar development, three of world’s leading chipmakers, Intel,Qualcomm and Broadcom are severing ties with Huawei. German chipmaker, Infineon has also suspended shipments to Huawei.
