New Features For Android Users: Google on Wednesday said it is going to provide ‘default’ features to users of Android-based smartphones in India. That is, now users will be able to search about any subject on any other browser other than Google browser. The company has taken this step after not getting any relief from the court against the order of the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The Supreme Court had last week declined to stay the CCI order. Under the order, Google was fined Rs 1,337.76 crore for abusing its dominant position with its popular ‘Android’. About 97 percent of the 600 million smartphones in the country run on this process.

Now ready to accept CCI’s order

The CCI had also imposed a fine of Rs 936 crore on the American IT company in a case related to ‘Play Store’ policies. Google wrote in a blog that we reiterate our commitment to seriously follow local laws and regulations in India. Due to the recent directive of the Competition Commission regarding Android and Play Store, there is a need for a significant change for India. Today we have informed CCI how we will comply with their directions. These changes include the freedom for original equipment manufacturers or smartphone makers to license individual Google apps for pre-installation on their devices.

It added, “Android users have always been able to customize their devices to their liking. Indian users will have the option of selecting their ‘default’ search engine. This option will be available on the ‘Choice Screen’ appearing shortly. When users set up a new Android smartphone or tablet in India, they will see this option.” Google licenses its Android system to smartphone makers. It is pre-installed with its own app. This condition is considered anti-competitive.

The company presented its argument

However, the company argues that such agreements help keep Android free. The Competition Commission in its order in October last year said that the license of Google’s Play Store will not be linked to the condition of pre-installing Google Search Services, Chrome browser, YouTube or any other Google application. The order asked Google to allow the removal of apps such as Google Maps and YouTube. At the moment it cannot be removed from Android phones. These are already ‘installed’ in the phone. Google said that we are updating Android as per the need.

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