What does this mean for Huawei users?
Existing Huawei smartphone users will be able to update apps and push through security fixes, as well as update Google Play services. But when Google launches the next version of Android later this year, it may not be available on Huawei devices. 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. Ben Wood, from the CCS Insight consultancy, said the move by Google would have "big implications for Huawei's consumer business".What can Huawei do about this?
Last Wednesday, the Trump administration added Huawei to its "entity list", which bans the company from acquiring technology from US firms without government approval. In his first comments since the firm was placed on the list, Huawei chief executive Ren Zhengfei told Japanese media on Saturday: "We have already been preparing for this." He said the firm, which buys about $67bn (£52.6bn) worth of components each year according to the Nikkei business newspaper, would push ahead with developing its own parts. Huawei faces a growing backlash from Western countries, led by the US, over possible risks posed by using its products in next-generation 5G mobile networks. Several countries have raised concerns that Huawei equipment could be used by China for surveillance, allegations the company has vehemently denied. Huawei has said its work does not pose any threats and that it is independent from the Chinese government. However, some countries have blocked telecoms companies from using Huawei products in 5G mobile networks. So far the UK has held back from any formal ban. "Huawei has been working hard on developing its own App Gallery and other software assets in a similar manner to its work on chipset solutions. There is little doubt these efforts are part of its desire to control its own destiny," said Mr Wood.What are other companies saying?
US chipmakers including Intel, Qualcomm and Broadcom are reported to have told their workers they will stop supplying Huawei, according to Bloomberg. Intel would not to comment to the BBC. Rosenblatt Securities analyst Ryan Koontz said Huawei would be "seriously crippled" if it did not have these "key US components", although the Chinese firm is believed to have stockpiles in place. California-based Xilinx said it was aware of the order by the Trump administration and was "co-operating" but had nothing to add. Outside the US, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is continuing to deliver to Huawai. The Nikkei reported that TSMC had said it owned a "complicated and sophisticated export control compliance system" and "based on the data in the system we are not changing our shipping practice for the time being".Short-term damage for Huawei?
By Leo Kelion, BBC Technology desk editor In the short term, this could be very damaging for Huawei in the West. Smartphone shoppers would not want an Android phone that lacked access to Google's Play Store, its virtual assistant or security updates, assuming these are among the services that would be pulled. In the longer term, though, this might give smartphone vendors in general a reason to seriously consider the need for a viable alternative to Google's operating system, particularly at a time that the search giant is trying to push its own Pixel brand at their expense. As far as Huawei is concerned, it appears to have prepared for the eventuality of being cut off from American know-how. Its smartphones are already powered by its own proprietary processors, and earlier this year its consumer devices chief told German newspaper Die Welt that "we have prepared our own operating systems - that's our plan B". Even so, this move could knock its ambition to overtake Samsung and become the bestselling smartphone brand in 2020 seriously off course.What about the US-China trade war?
The latest move against Huawei marks an escalation in tensions between the firm and the US. The company is facing almost two dozen criminal charges filed by US authorities. Washington is also seeking the extradition of Huawei executive Meng Wangzou from Canada, where she was arrested in December at the behest of American officials. It comes as trade tensions between the US and China also appear to be rising. The world's two largest economies have been locked in a bruising trade battle for the past year that has seen tariffs imposed on billions of dollars worth of one another's goods. Earlier this month, Washington more than doubled tariffs on $200bn of Chinese goods, prompting Beijing to retaliate with its own tariff hikes on US products. The move surprised some - and rattled global markets - as the situation had seemed to be nearing a conclusion. The US-China trade war has weighed on the global economy over the past year and created uncertainty for businesses and consumers.DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
Latest Stories
-
World Bank’s food price index eases; maize, wheat prices hit 3-year low
44 mins -
2020 polls all about pulling Ghana back from precipice of destruction, corruption – Naana Jane
48 mins -
Guru expresses interest in contesting SRC election at UG
55 mins -
Oil prices projected to average $84 in 2024 – World Bank
1 hour -
Meet 2 Ghanaian entrepreneurs on a mission to connect 1m African professionals to global companies by 2034
2 hours -
NCA approves Starlink’s satellite broadband application
2 hours -
Government orders FGR to revamp mining operations; assures workers of commitment to their welfare
2 hours -
Arne Slot philosophy could suit Liverpool – Van Dijk
2 hours -
EC replies Mahama: You also appointed someone who was tagged NDC
2 hours -
See colourful outdoor of Prof Naana Opoku-Agyemang as NDC’s running mate
2 hours -
Akufo-Addo commissions 15MWP Kaleo Solar Power Plant
3 hours -
GCB Bank PLC leads African financial integration, hosts ZICB delegation
3 hours -
Empowering Girls in ICT: FAWE Ghana advocates for gender equality in the Tech sector
4 hours -
Rangnick ‘contacted by Bayern Munich’ about manager job
4 hours -
Winneba Youth Choir celebrates 35th Anniversary with Aseda Concert sponsored by Fidelity Bank
4 hours