Google announces major changes for Android device makers in India

Google has allowed device makers in India to licence its individual apps for pre-installation and give an option for users to choose their default search engine.

This move followed the Indian Supreme Court upholding stringent antitrust directives from the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The CCI had ruled that Google abused its market position and ordered it to change how it markets its Android system, resulting in a fine of $161 million.

Google had challenged the CCI's ruling in court, warning that growth of its Android ecosystem could be stalled if the directives took effect. However, the Supreme Court did not agree to block the directives and the lower tribunal will hear the appeal, and must rule by March 31.