Android Modder Tries To Outmaneuver Google

itwbennett writes "Google recently sent a cease-and-desist letter to Steve Kondik, the creator of Cyanogen, a popular souped-up version of Android, asking him to stop distributing applications such as Gmail with his modified software. 'We make some of these apps available to users of any Android-powered device via Android Market, and others are pre-installed on some phones through business deals,' wrote Dan Morrill on the Android developer blog. 'Either way, these apps aren't open source, and that's why they aren't included in the Android source code repository.' Now, Kondik thinks he's found a workaround. He plans to release a 'bare bones' version of Cyanogen without the applications, leaving it to modders to make a backup copy of the Google applications that shipped with their phone for later reinstallation before hacking away at the Android software. 'The idea is that you'll be able to Google-ify your CyanogenMod installation with the applications and files that shipped on your device already,' Kondik wrote."

Interesting

[56]

This actually seems like a more-or-less legitimate point by Google. I'll probably get flamed for this, but it seems like people may have overreacted a little bit.

In other words

[DaveV1.0]

This is not a work around. He will comply with Google's wishes and most everyone will be more or less happy. Google keeps their proprietary apps available for license and he gets to have his distro without having to pay for a distribution license.

A compromise that is win-win all around.

cyanogenmod

[proudfoot]

I have a rooted G1 and use Cyanogenmod: it provides several enhancements, such as root, which allows for Wifi/bluetooth based tethering. It is also somewhat more responsive and quicker than the official firmware. It does have less battery life, and can be less stable then the official version however. While it is true that Android is open source, Android without many of the base apps such as Gmail/Google maps is not particularly useful. Still though, this won't prevent me, and other users from using this mod. And since I paid for the phone, and by extension, the applications that came with the phone, I should be able to transfer them to a new operating system on the same phone.

Re:Interesting

[56]

I'm with you right up until the end... I agree that there are IP issues with open source, particularly when you have to both open and proprietary IP involved. However, I don't see how this is a case of google being opened to 'unwanted competition.' Here is how I see it: - Android is open-source. - Not all of the apps on Android are necessarily open-source. - Therefore, Cyanogen, Drizzy, and whoever else are free to mod it to their hearts delight - just so long as they don't also redistribute things that aren't open-source. If this is really Google's qualm, and they will leave Cyanogen alone after he removes the proprietary IP, then I really don't see the problem.

Outmaneuver?

[bernywork]

I don't think that's actually true.

I think this solves their complaint, this means that the code is being left with the end user, and is not being distributed by them.

Wait, Google != Android

[dada21]

I love my Android G1 (with Cyanogen's Mod). But Google is not Android, nor vice versa. Google created Android, and then spun it off to the Open Handset Alliance (OHA).

This means that Google is now an application developer for Android, just like any other application developer. Android supports competitive markets (and there are at least 3 Android markets out there). Gmail isn't the only email interface, Google Maps is not the only maps interface.

I love my Android phone, but I don't love the Google apps -- they're too intrusive. I'd love a Google-less G1, and I'm down for trying the new mod without the Google apps if it will work fine.

Again, Google is not Android. Android is Android, maintained by the Open Handset Alliance. Cyanogen might be wiser to join the OHA, actually, and license the apps if he wants them.

Re:Interesting

[dada21]

Try researching before commenting. Android is not Google's operating system. Android is run by the Open Handset Alliance. Google is a member of the OHA. Yes, Google created Android -- you or I or anyone can download Android, compile it for our hardware, and run it without paying Google or anyone a single dime.

Google Maps, Google Mail, Google Market? They're GOOGLE'S software, not OHA's. Google wants money for them. You want it on your phone, you pay.

Why is it so hard to see that Google and Android are not affiliated anymore. Separate companies.

This is what he should have done in the 1st place

[vrmlguy]

The WINE and ReactOS projects don't provide MS Office, IE or Media Player. FPGB (http://games.slashdot.org/story/09/09/29/0516251/Gameboy-Color-Boot-ROM-Dumped-After-10-Years [slashdot.org]) doesn't provide GameBoy cartridges. MAME makes you responsible for finding your own ROMs. Et cetera, etc.

Re:So this is Google's dirty little secret

[Anonymous Coward]

Android is an open source operating system. But not all apps that run on it are open source. How is that a "dirty little secret"? Google never claimed anything different.

Re:Andoid Touch

[Anonymous Coward]

Why not get the nokia n810 [wikipedia.org] then? It's much less restrictive, it's been on the market for quite some time now and you can get one quite cheap.

Nothing new here, really

[diamondsw]

This is essentially how it works on any platform you're hacking. You can release all the open-source bits, modifications, and instructions you want (modified roms, killhdinitrd, dsmos), but the minute you combine that with proprietary software (Google Apps, Tivo software, Mac OS X DVD's), you're in hot water. So the usual result is anyone who wants to remain legitimate distributes only the modifications, and allows users to bring in the proprietary bits themselves. It's worked well, and keeps everything legally clean. Perhaps a little more work for the end user, but hacking has never been point-and-click.

Tivo hacking, Mac OS X hacking, now GooglePhone hacking. No different.

Re:Interesting

[Enderandrew]

Why is the modded interesting?

Android is 100% open source.

It is possible to use non-OSS apps with Android.

If someone was taking Linux and illegally distributing proprietary, commercial Linux apps with it, they'd get a cease and desist. That doesn't mean that Linux isn't open source because you're prohibited from illegally distributing certain closed source apps with it.

Re:This is what he should have done in the 1st pla

[_Sprocket_]

Heck - Windows doesn't provide MS Office.

Doing the right thing

[argent]

This isn't an "outmaneuver", it's precisely the right thing to do. It's no different from other open source projects with closed source components, like emulators that require a ROM image to function, or the Second Life client that requires proprietary Vivox components for voice.

Re:This is what he should have done in the 1st pla

[MBCook]

WINE and ReactOS aren't redistributions of Windows.

This is more like if MS told people making Windows XP slimming programs to not distribute Calculator with their mods because MS owns Calculator.

Of course, you can't redistribute Windows like that, where you can Android.

Re:THING IS, USERS ARE IDIOTS !!

[Anonymous Coward]

Umm... The first shttp://mobile.slashdot.org/story/09/09/29/1510232/Android-Modder-Tries-To-Outmaneuver-Google?from=rss#tep in installing Cyanogen's stuff is to root your phone. This is not intended for the technically challenged.

Re:Interesting

[tonyreadsnews]

But the one thing they love more than a hero is to see a hero fail, fall, die trying. In spite of everything you've done for them, eventually they will hate you.

Re:Andoid Touch

[56]

IWell there's the android netbook, the Acer Aspire One D250m, so I can't imagine an android-does-ipod-touch will be far behind.

Timothy,

[mewsenews]

"Complying with demands" is not "outmaneuvering".

Re:Interesting

[Anonymous Coward]

why is this flamebait? stupid mods.

Re:Wait, Google != Android

[Beezlebub33]

Creating a company is a pretty trivial process, at least in the US. In addition, it provides nice legal separation between personal assets and company assets (though not completely impervious) in case something goes horribly wrong and he gets sued.

The catch is, how much does it cost? The OHA FAQ is silent on the subject.