The majority of Android handsets come with access to some of Google’s services and the Google Play Store where they are able to download apps, music, movies, books, and so on. Then there are also some handsets that do not have access to Google’s services because they have chosen not to cooperate with the search giant, or they have chosen to create a forked version like Amazon and Nokia did.
That being said, a new report from The Information (paywall, via The Next Web) has revealed that Google has changed its contracts with Android OEMs, and is apparently now insisting that more of its apps and services be installed on Android devices. As it stands, only 9 Google apps and services are required to be installed on Android smartphones and tablets.
However with the change in contract, it has been reported that the number of required Google apps has been increased to 20. In fact Google has also dictated the placement and the ordering of the apps and the search bar on the homescreen as well as a dedicated Google folder for their apps/services.
Not only will the inclusion of more of Google’s apps and services help the company gain more users, but it will also help them generate more revenue from ads, storage space purchases, and much more.