New legislation has bestowed antitrust authorities with expanded powers, which they are keen on exercising. Among their targets is Android Automotive OS, particularly the variant bundled with Google services. Critics argue that this bundling is coercive, as Google aims to bolster its market dominance while jeopardizing competition.
A cautionary note has been issued regarding several practices associated with Google Automotive Services and the Google Maps Platform. According to the statement, Google solely offers vehicle manufacturers a bundle comprising Android Automotive, Google Maps, Play Store, and Assistant. However, I find an error in this accusation.
The said bundle only exists when vehicle manufacturers explicitly choose Google services. If they opt against it, they can utilize an open version of Android Automotive OS and refrain from providing any Google offerings to their customers. This is precisely what some manufacturers are currently implementing or planning to do in the future.
Nevertheless, once manufacturers collaborate with Google, customer options become limited. Vehicles equipped with Google services heavily favor them, leaving no room for alternative language assistants or map applications. Furthermore, the exclusive option for app purchases is the Google Play Store. Consequently, it will be intriguing to observe how Google responds to these allegations and whether any adjustments might be made.
In contrast, on Android devices, such as smartphones, users are presented with a selection menu for alternative search providers during the initial setup, despite Google services being preinstalled.