Google a couple of days ago announced that it would charge Android manufacturers to use its app suite in Europe. According to documents obtained by 'The Verge,' a confidential fee schedule shows the cost as high as $40 per device to install the “Google Mobile Services” suite of apps, which includes the Google Play Store. Furthermore, the new fees vary depending on country and device type, and it would apply to devices activated on or after February 1st, 2019. Alternatively, manufacturers can choose not to pay the fee as Google is also offering separate agreements to cover the licensing costs for companies that choose to install Chrome and Google search on their devices, according to sources. Google’s licensing terms are changing in Europe later this month on account of a European Commission fine over misusing its position and forcing its apps on Android manufacturers. The leaked document said: "FEES VARY BY PIXEL DENSITY, PUTTING HIGHER COSTS ON HIGHER-END PHONES." EU countries are divided into three tiers, with the highest fees coming in the UK, Sweden, Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands. In those countries, a device with a pixel density higher than 500 ppi would have to pay a $40 fee to license Google’s suite of apps. ...
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