New Delhi . Google has suffered a big shock. The end of the monopoly of Google in India for Android TV has ended in India. Google's Android OS Default Operating System for smart TVs will no longer be in India. Also, Google Play will no longer be a default app store for Android Smart TV. Competition Regulator has accused Google's parent company Alphabet of trying to create a monopaly in the smart TV segment for anti-compatible practice in India. The Competition Commission of India said that India is one of the largest global markets in Google and is equivalent to misusing the system dominance to pre-install the operating system, play store and its associated applications under its TV app distribution agreement.
Google can disappear from smart TV
The case against Google and Alphabet was filed by two Indian antitrust lawyers. The CCI then ordered an inquiry into the case. Investigations have shown that Google is engaged in such procedures that can be considered an obstacle for small companies wishing to develop alternative operating systems and modified operating systems for Android Smart TV.
Google will file Settlement App
Based on the decision of the competition regulator, Google has agreed to file a settlement application. In this, it has proposed a standalone license instead of bundling services for Android Smart TV in India and services for play services. According to the new agreement, Google Play Store and Play Services will no longer be free for pre-installation as before. Google has also been asked to send a letter to all its partners selling Android TV in India to tell that they are no longer obliged to use Android OS and they can now use any open-source OS of their choice.
What is the effect on users
Users who like Google's Android OS and Play Store, now have to find out from retailers and brands which TVs come with them and in which these are not being offered. It will be necessary for users to ask this because now other operating systems and app stores will have the freedom to partnership with smart TV manufacturers.
At present, not all apps are available at all applications stores. Google Play and Amazon app store offers the biggest range of the app for TV users. Many major app developers only provide services to Apple, Google and Amazon Store and hence they are not available on other platforms offering normal service. Apple, Google and Amazon also like users for their interfaces. However, now users will need to know well about OS and App Store before buying TV.
What option for TV manufacturer and Android TV Partners
In India, Android TV partners will not be compulsory to use any Google app by default on their TVs, besides choosing any other operating system. Let us tell you that the new agreement is mainly for smart TVs, but the Competition Commission of India said that it can be extended even beyond television. The Competition Commission also imposed a fine of $ 2.38 million (about Rs 20.2 crore) on Google, which would have to be repaid as a settlement.
