Google says it will start charging smartphone makers to pre-install apps like Gmail, YouTube and Google Maps on Android handsets sold in Europe, in response to a record $5 billion EU antitrust fine.
The U.S. tech company's announcement Tuesday is a change from its previous business model, in which it let phone makers install its suite of popular mobile apps for free on phones running its Android operating system.
Google has replaced the Easter Egg image in the latest preview of Android O developer, and now an Octopus can be seen. Pixabay
It's among measures the company is taking to comply with the July ruling by EU authorities that found Google allegedly abused the dominance of Android to stifle competitors, even as it appeals the decision.
The company will also let phone makers install rival versions of Android, the most widely used mobile operating system. (VOA)