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It is widely known that Android OEMs need to conform to certain rules and regulations from Google before they can even ship a device running Android. These rules are generally pretty mundane but Google is pretty strict on enforcing them.
For example, earlier this year, Google updated its contract with OEMs to mandate that every Android device should have a ‘Powered by Android’ text on its boot logo.
Now, according to The Information, Google has once again updated this contract — apparently known as MADA (Mobile Application Distribution Agreement) — and increased the number of pre-installed Google apps on all Android devices to 20. The Internet giant is also becoming more stringent on placing its apps inside a folder on the primary homescreen of every Android device along with a Google Search bar.
The report also reveals some other very interesting tidbits from the MADA including the fact that OEMs cannot even customize the ‘Ok Google’ hotword command or use any other web view other than the web view used by Google in Android. OEMs are also required to make sure that Google Now is accessible by a long press on the home button and via a simple swipe up from the button.
Either ways, the main takeaway from this report is that you should not be surprised if you see more Google apps pre-loaded on your next Android device — which ultimately is not really a bad thing.
[Via The Information]
