“RIP Huawei outside of China” tweeted technology Youtuber Marques Brownlee, shortly after Google announced it will suspend business with Chinese company Huawei.
Google’s decision comes after US President Donald Trump last week declared a national emergency to ban the sale and use of telecom equipment that poses a risk to national security.
Unsurprisingly Huawei, known for its close ties with the Chinese government, was added to the ‘entity list’ of banned companies.
A Google spokesperson said: “We are complying with the order and reviewing the implications”.
Huawei is the world’s number two smartphone seller.
The decision has caused confusion among Huawei phone owners about what the consequences of this decision look like.
It means Huawei will no longer be given access to Android (the mobile operating system owned by Google) updates for apps and security.
But Google has promised that those who currently have a Huawei device will not be left out in the cold and will receive app and security updates for the foreseeable future.
No such guarantees have been made for those who purchase new Huawei devices in the future.
Huawei still has the option of creating its own software through the Android Open Source Project, but users would miss out on features such as Google Maps and YouTube.
Huawei has since responded to the decision, promising to deliver safe services, even if that’s without the help of Google.
“Huawei has made substantial contributions to the development and growth of Android around the world,” the Chinese tech giant said in a statement.
“As one of Android’s key global partners, we have worked closely with their open-source platform to develop an ecosystem that has benefitted both users and the industry.
“We will continue to build a safe and sustainable software ecosystem, in order to provide the best experience for all users globally.
Huawei, which also builds telecommunications networks along with smartphones, has previously been banned from taking part in the construction of Australia’s 5G network by the Federal Government.
