BRUSSELS/SAN FRANCISCO: Alphabet Inc’s Google will charge hardware firms up to $40 per device to use its apps under a new licensing system to replace one that the European Union this year deemed anti-competitive, a person familiar with the matter said on Friday.
The new fee goes into effect on Oct. 29 for any new smartphone or tablet models launched in the European Economic Area and running Google’s Android operating system, the company announced on Tuesday.
The fee can be as low as $2.50 and rises depending on the country and device size, the person said. It is standard across manufacturers, with the majority likely to pay around $20, the person added.
Companies can offset the charge, which applies to a suite of apps including the Google Play app store, Gmail and Google Maps, by placing Google’s search and Chrome Internet browser in a prominent position. Under that arrangement, Google would give the device maker a portion of ad revenue it generates through search and Chrome.
Tech news outlet the Verge reported the pricing earlier on Friday, citing confidential documents.
The European Commission in July found Google abused its market dominance in mobile software to essentially force Android partners to pre-install search and Chrome on their gadgets. It levied a record $5-billion fine, which Google has appealed, and threatened additional penalties unless the company ended its illegal practices.
The new system should give Google’s rivals such as Microsoft Corp. more room to partner with hardware makers to become the default apps for search and browsing, analysts said.
Qwant, a small French search company that has been critical of Google, said in a statement on Friday that it was “satisfied that the European Commission’s action pushed Google to finally give manufacturers the possibility to offer such choices to consumers.”
Google to charge Android partners up to $40 per device for apps
Google to charge Android partners up to $40 per device for apps
- The new system should give Google’s rivals such as Microsoft Corp. more room to partner with hardware makers
- The fee can be as low as $2.50 and rises depending on the country and device size
Al-Ahsa governor meets Saudi Journalists Association chairman, board members
- Prince Saud briefed on SJA’s activities including enhancing media ecosystem, developing local talent
LONDON: Al-Ahsa Gov. Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr on Monday met with the Saudi Journalists Association’s Chairman Adhwan Mohammed Al-Ahmari, members of its board of directors, and the head of the local branch, at the governorate’s headquarters.
Prince Saud was briefed on the SJA board’s efforts to help regulate the work of journalists, enhance professionalism, develop the media environment, and help train and empower national talent.
He was also updated on the association’s programs to support responsible media, strengthen local and international partnerships, and host domestic and foreign media delegations currently visiting the governorate.
The governor said Saudi Arabia’s leadership has helped to modernize the media industry and strengthen its presence at home and abroad.
He underlined the role of professional media in showcasing national achievements and values, and deepening engagement between all sectors of society.
Al-Ahmari thanked Prince Saud for supporting the media in Al-Ahsa and his commitment to developing the industry across the region.
