4 ms·
Doesn't Google charge OEMs for Android certification and for the Google core apps (Gmail, Maps, Android Marketplace)? That's what I thought they were making mon
by maguay 16y ago
Doesn't Google charge OEMs for Android certification and for the Google core apps (Gmail, Maps, Android Marketplace)? That's what I thought they were making money from.
Edit: Ah, yes, the Android documentation says that they're licensed separately:
"Android Market is only licensed to handset manufacturers shipping devices."
"The Google apps for Android, such as YouTube, Google Maps and Navigation, Gmail, and so on are Google properties that are not part of Android, and are licensed separately. Contact android-partnerships@google.com for inquiries related to those apps."
- via http://source.android.com/faqs.html http://source.android.com/faqs.html
That still doesn't necessarily mean that they're charging for them, but I strongly suspect they are based on that wording. Does anyone know for sure?
- HelloBeautiful 16y agoSure they are. $10 - $12 per device sold, depending on volume. In return the manufacturer gets the right to use the trademarked 'Android' name, non-open source apps like Market and a very good deal on Google Ads.
- maguay 16y agoIf that's true across the board, then they're definitely making a fair amount from Android. They're supposed to be getting north of 300k daily activations, which could mean $3mil daily or north of $1bil annual revenue from Android if they're making $10/device directly.
- jrubyer 16y agoFunny, that's around the same amount MS charges for WP7! And they say WP7 can't compete with Android b'coz it's non-free.
- HelloBeautiful 16y agoFrom what I've heard MS currently gives WP7 licenses away and offers free support in development, testing, marketing.