When you have purchased a new Android phone and you are eager to use it, sometimes you switch on the phone and you realize most applications were pre-installed without your consent. If you have, then don’t feel that you are the only one dealing with this problem alone. What may come to your surprise is that a majority of these applications are pre downloaded apps developed by Google. Yes, the very same company that has provided the android operating system.
Android Application Development: Past, Present, and Future
Many years ago, when you decided to purchase an Android smartphone you would most probably get a whole bunch of apps as well as some custom options (which in essence refers to a concept of the phone’s UI/UX) by your phone’s manufacturer.Â
But gradually the situation altered. Google, the maker of Android in the primary sense, began to exert its influence. The plain and simple Android that we initially had and started to slowly disappeared as Google began pre-loading our devices with its own applications.
How Google Took Over
Now, here’s the thing. Android will therefore be open for anyone to use or create applications on, hence it is an open source platform. This has prompted many companies from the giants such as Samsung, Motorola and other small-scale and specialized competitors. However, as Android was developed, Google sought to gain more control over its operations.
Now, if a company wishes to preload its devices with the Google Play Store (which almost is mandatory if they want their phones to have a shot at success), they must also preload their devices with a whole host of Google applications. Now, I’m referring to Google Search, Chrome, Gmail, YouTube, and other such services. Absolutely, many people do like these apps, but the issue is these apps are not something you need for your smartphone for core functionalities. Instead, they are all about hooking you into Google’s environment.
Where Did the Custom Apps Go?
This control has led to a rather strange situation. Most of the phone manufacturers have realized that it is not feasible to develop their own apps from scratch. Why bother when Google’s apps are already there? Samsung is one of the few exceptions that still tries: the company supplies applications like Samsung Internet and Samsung Notes, which are actually similar to the Google’s versions of the same thing.
But for the most part, phone makers are simply leaving these aspects alone and using Google’s defaults. This has resulted in monotony in the Android world. At some point, you could choose a phone depending on the additional capabilities of its operating system. But now there is the feeling that the only major distinguishing feature of Android devices is the look of the camera module.
Google or Not Google?
This is a real dilemma for those who adore Android, but do not wish to have Google around. Yes, you can attempt to ‘de-Google’ your phone but believe me it is not very easy. Removing or disabling Google apps requires some time and patience and the result can still be a phone that seems more Google’s than you would like.
Some of the Google apps are actually helpful. Who does not like the simplicity of Google Maps or the abundance of content in YouTube? But the thing is that these apps are forced into every available android phone.
What is Next for Android?
Well, where does this leave us? The issues that used to spice the Android market are gradually disappearing after Google has started ‘polishing’ things up. However, the decision is all yours. Stay loyal to Google and enjoy the benefits of exclusivity, or try to shift and build your own Android sandbox.
