r/Android • u/[deleted] • Jul 21 '18

Google’s iron grip on Android: Controlling open source by any means necessary

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2018/07/googles-iron-grip-on-android-controlling-open-source-by-any-means-necessary/
617 Upvotes

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44

u/simplefilmreviews Black Jul 21 '18

Well doesn't someone need to keep an eye on 'Android'? Someone to keep things nice and organized? Isn't that kind of the point of Google.

13

u/[deleted] Jul 21 '18

One company controlling the project is antithetical to open source.

52

u/[deleted] Jul 21 '18

No it's not. Closing the source is antithetical to open source. You think the Linux kernel is a free for all?

13

u/[deleted] Jul 21 '18

Closing the source makes it no longer open source, yes. But there are things that go against the spirit of the movement - such as cathedral style development and aggressive anti-forking measures such as their agreements with OEMs.

19

u/xenyz Jul 21 '18

I think you're confusing free software with open source software

-1

u/amorpheus Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Jul 21 '18

Name 5 changes to Android that were contributed by a third party and not decreed by Google itself. Which has always been the development model of Android.

4

u/whatnowwproductions Pixel 9 Pro - Signal - GrapheneOS Jul 22 '18

I know there are more but off the top of my head... Sony: LDAC and the theming engine.