IDG News Service – Google responded to allegations it stopped the launch of a new Acer smartphone in China, by stating that the handset’s Chinese-developed mobile OS was “apparently derived” from Android, but still not fully compatible with the Android ecosystem and its apps.
Taiwanese PC maker Acer was originally scheduled to launch a new smartphone on Thursday that was to use the Aliyun OS, a Linux-based mobile operating system developed by a subsidiary of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group. But the launch event for the device was abruptly canceled, with no clear word from Acer on why.
Alibaba, however, quickly responded and alleged that Google had threatened to revoke Acer’s license to use Android if it went ahead with the launch of the Aliyun OS smartphone.
Google initially declined to comment on the matter. But on Saturday, Andy Rubin, head of the company’s Android development team, addressed some of the controversy in a blog post and also on his Google+ page. He alleged the Aliyun OS was based on Android, but incompatible with the Android ecosystem.
Read also:
Google Objects to Acer-Alibaba Phone (Wall Street Journal)
Acer Cancels Smartphone Launch With Alibaba At Last Minute (Business Insider)
The Acer Smartphone That Never Was (Businessweek)
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