Huawei Phones to Cease Receiving Google Security & Android Updates

Tyrx on 20/05/2019 - 06:08
Last edited 21/05/2019 - 01:44 by 1 other user

Huawei has been blacklisted for trade in the United States. The impact is that Google announced they will cease to provide Huawei phones with security & Android updates, and the phones will not be shipped with Google Play Services.

You might still be able to receive updates if Huawei launch their own OTA update system, but switching to that means that all your Google Play Services apps (including the play store) will likely cease to work. You could potentially side-load the play store, but it will be interesting to see if there are any certification issues with play Store access under such circumstances.

Mobile Google Huawei

Comments

  • wallet72 on 20/05/2019 - 06:40
    +35

    wow. That puts the brakes on my plans to upgrade to the P30 :(

    • ScuseMe on 20/05/2019 - 08:39
      +11

      Same.. was gonna get a P30 pro. Might have to rethink my choices now.

      • goingDHfast on 20/05/2019 - 21:30

        Just curious.. what price would make you pull the trigger now? For me sub $800.

        • [Deactivated] on 21/05/2019 - 23:52
          +6

          Sub $100? Just to use it as a security camera, or weather station, or dash cam, maybe Google home,…

          Surely not as a phone. Definitely wouldn't wanna share my jokes with Chinese Ministry of State Security! Could also have a laugh with Xi Jinping!

          https://www.reddit.com/r/China/comments/bod16h/when_you_send…

    • hkmax721 on 20/05/2019 - 21:30
      +3

      well, for the existing Huawei devices, Google will still provide proper support. It only impact the up coming new devices that not release to the marker yet~~

      • Hawi on 20/05/2019 - 21:37
        +9

        That's not guaranteed. Google doesn't plan to support Huawei at all.
        Sydney Morning Herald quoted: "But Google will stop providing Huawei with access, technical support and collaboration involving its proprietary apps and services going forward, the source said."
        https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/google-cuts-huawe…

          • Hawi on 20/05/2019 - 21:39
            +3

            @hkmax721: Oh dang! That gives me a lot of hope for my P20 Pro. Thanks for the link!

          • [Deactivated] on 22/05/2019 - 18:06

            @hkmax721: Update:
            Looks like the concern is more on the Chinese ability to shut down or manipulate the infrastructure that they are building in other countries and less on spying on peoples' phones. So the US government eased the blacklisting conditions for Huawei customers. Then Huawei says, "US underestimated their abilities" I don't think this approach is business oriented. It more looks like the Chinese government show of power.
            Looks Chinese propaganda arm is working well. Security is more important than using a Huawei device but some people don't understand security.

        • abb on 21/05/2019 - 10:34
          +1

          Google can stop supplying Huawei, the company, with dev tools but still supply Huawei phones/users the security updates for Android.

          Especially given the latest versions of Android now do some separation of church and state hardware abstraction, I think updates will continue unless there's a Google statement explicitly stating that software updates to existing devices will cease.

          Google risks driving people to Apple if they prematurely dump support for phones people are already using just because of a minor issue of geopolitics…

          • Reubzy on 21/05/2019 - 12:27
            +8

            @abb: It's not a minor issue of geopolitics…

            Google are complying with US Law after Washington placed Huawei on a list of foreign firms deemed to undermine American national security or foreign policy interests. Listed companies are barred from receiving components and software unless the trade is licensed.

            It's not a Google risk. It's an order from the administration…

            • abb on 21/05/2019 - 13:53

              @Reubzy: You don't think Huawei was placed on that list for geopolitical reasons?

              My comment was meant as a joke in any case…

            • vid_ghost on 22/05/2019 - 15:54
              +12

              @Reubzy: There is NO evidence of any wrong doing by Huawei.. Thats why Germany and the UK said NO to Trump when he said to stop using Huawei for their networks.

              This is trump trying to win a trade war he started thats hurting AMERICANS! and making him look bad

              • kasp on 22/05/2019 - 17:39
                +5

                @vid_ghost: Australia was the first country to ban Huawei and we have major ties with China.

                • Munki on 22/05/2019 - 18:29
                  +20

                  @kasp: Cause we're the American lap dog.

                • RedHab on 23/05/2019 - 13:24
                  +5

                  @kasp: Here’s a thought, tin foil hat optional:
                  Affordable 5G would kill the NBN in Australia. So banning Huawei will keep the NBN competitive.
                  Perhaps it’s more than a coincidence that the push to ban Huawei started in Canberra?

                  • kasp on 23/05/2019 - 19:19
                    +3

                    @RedHab: 5g is happening regardless. Wireless can't compete with wired even with our shit NBN.

                    The fact is Huawei have been doing very strange things for a company that is motivated by profits.

                    Just look at their goading of the US gov who has now slapped harsher restrictions. No company in their right mind would do that.

                    Also look at the fallout from that Huawei exec getting detained.

                    It's not like it's some crazy conspiracy that they are heavily influenced by the state.

              • hkmax721 on 22/05/2019 - 20:13
                +7

                @vid_ghost: and because US have no way to monitor the people using Huawei, cause they are not US company, and too many people using product from this non-US company.
                think about iPhone and Samsung user, yeah, looks secure enough, but Apple is US company, and Samsung is US funded company, and US can easily spy on it~~
                if Huawei is really that insecure, then why lots of countries, especially European countries, still trust Huawei?
                that's why US don't like Huawei at all~~ cause they have no way to get in there and get what they want~~

                all in all, just my opinion~~

                peace~~~

              • sushimaster on 24/05/2019 - 20:18

                @vid_ghost: didnt ARM just announced that they wont be making cpus for Huawei aswell?

                • ESEMCE on 27/05/2019 - 08:35

                  @sushimaster: ARM design SoC's and licence the designs to manufacturers.

                  • sushimaster on 27/05/2019 - 10:14

                    @ESEMCE: lol yes thats what i mean lol, so they wont be able to make their own cpu right?

                    • ESEMCE on 27/05/2019 - 11:54

                      @sushimaster: Correct… I guess the workaround is to sell off the Kirin division of HiSilicon to a third party like Mediatek (Chinese) or TSMC (Taiwanese), or buy chips from Samsung or Mediatek..
                      Or Start headhunting for Chip Design specialists to bring the entire design process in-house, essentially "forking" from the most recent ARM design they have a licence for al-la AMD's divergence from Intel from the K5 onwards!
                      The decision by ARM Holdings is unusual given they're a British company, nobody expected this American law to affect them.

                      • sushimaster on 27/05/2019 - 14:30

                        @ESEMCE: I think it has something to do with brixit. UK no longer has European Union to back it so they might aswell make the us a closer allie

              • Reubzy on 31/05/2019 - 09:52

                @vid_ghost: Where do I state in my comment whether or not it's a legitimate ban?

                I'm merely stating that it's not geopolitics for Google, they have been ordered to do so.

    • batsxs on 23/05/2019 - 13:46

      it wont affect existing customers. I think only the future manufactured phone will be forced to remove those contents

      • DannyTT on 24/05/2019 - 14:58
        -1

        existing phone will lose google support and YouTube and other features if you update the os in the future.

  • whooah1979 on 20/05/2019 - 06:44
    +32

    It don't look like the NSA wants share the backdoor with the MSS.

    • [Deactivated] on 21/05/2019 - 23:49
      +1

      It is more like the NSA is mad, they are not getting anything from Apple and also not getting anything from Huawei and Chinese Intelligence Service!

  • spb on 20/05/2019 - 07:13
    +24

    Expect heavily discounted Huawei phones with no updates soon?

    • No Username on 20/05/2019 - 09:31
      +4

      Flash it with CM and its a bargain. Don't know about the vulnerability in its chips though.

      • nchc on 20/05/2019 - 10:47
        +3

        P30 range has a locked bootloader and currently no rom support.
        I suspect this will end up in an international court and rule in Huawei's favour. However, it'll take years and the damage to their sales will be immense…bar in China

        • greatlamp on 20/05/2019 - 20:26
          +4

          International court, with Trump as president…

          This should be fun

        • Wiede on 21/05/2019 - 02:57

          International court? On what ground?

        • johnno07 on 21/05/2019 - 14:20
          +2

          I suspect this will end up in an international court

          Even if you could somehow make this fit the jurisdiction of the ICC (good luck) the USA is not even a party to the statute that set up the ICC.

      • SDF05 on 20/05/2019 - 16:22
        +1

        Bootloader can't be unlocked anymore in Huawei phones, they stopped it last year.

        • No Username on 20/05/2019 - 19:40
          +1

          Bootloaders can be unlocked you just have to pay around $20 to get the unlock code. Unless you know someone who owns an unlocking machine then they may be able to generate the unlock code.

          You can generate a custom build for your device on Lineage Github page. (Do this at your own risk) Wrong device flags may brick the device.
          TWRP can also be built on their Github page.

          • NoComment on 20/05/2019 - 19:59

            @No Username: The various unlocking services have stopped offering codes. Basically P20 pro owners are screwed.

            • No Username on 20/05/2019 - 20:26
              +1

              @NoComment: RIP. If you plan on continuing to use Huawei products I recommend investing in an Unlocking machine. They can be found for around $100 to $200 depending on what CPU the phone Uses. With this tool it will allow you to install roms and unlock various features.

              • ameel on 23/05/2019 - 10:56

                @No Username: @No Username, can you provide any details about this 'unlocking machine'? As far as I can tell, there is currently no way for anyone to unlock p20s, mate 20, mate 20 pro, etc.

                • No Username on 23/05/2019 - 11:31

                  @ameel: What CPU architecture do you have? To check go to play store and download CPU-Z

              • batsxs on 23/05/2019 - 13:48
                +8

                @No Username: Funny to see NoComment providing Comments to the username No Username

  • askme69 on 20/05/2019 - 08:12
    +20

    TRUMPY. CHINA has been given a free ride for far too long.

    • payless69 on 20/05/2019 - 14:01
      +2

      trust me: you have not seen a theme park yet!

      • [Deactivated] on 21/05/2019 - 23:40
        +1

        I don't despise Trump for being the President of his country and prioritising his national security. But the news of Huawei being the intelligence arm of the Chinese government and spying on our personal/national secrets, including but not limited to our fellow friends of Chinese background that might have slightly different opinions is scary.

  • [Deactivated] on 20/05/2019 - 08:32
    +1

    Daigous take note.

    • [Deactivated] on 21/05/2019 - 23:44

      The note has been sent to help improve your phone! Thanks for paying for it!
      Sincerely
      Huawei

  • CyberMurning on 20/05/2019 - 08:37
    +48

    This is GOOD news. Now only Huawei will spy us instead of Huawei AND Google. We should be happy.

    • yphuongd on 20/05/2019 - 12:45
      +1

      Ah, so now I know you are using Huawei phone.

      • CyberMurning on 21/05/2019 - 10:46
        +2

        Used to. Moved to Xiaomi now haha

        • [Deactivated] on 21/05/2019 - 23:45

          Smart ChiMot

  • skid on 20/05/2019 - 08:49

    So much for open source.

    edit: nvm, have just read the article.

  • Brucelamao on 20/05/2019 - 09:29
    +6

    This makes Huawei phones completely unviable now right? Massive escalation in the trade war.

    • wallet72 on 20/05/2019 - 10:33
      +6

      not necessarily. The huge impact of blocking Huawei to the US market may mean this won't last long.

      If China retaliates - restrict sale of rare metals to US etc for example - then this will be over before we notice anything.

      • chumlee on 20/05/2019 - 14:12

        Rare earths are not rare.

      • Blitzfx on 20/05/2019 - 14:43
        +1

        No not really. Restricting rare earth minerals just made it a bit more expensive to buy.
        And lodging a complaint to the WTO was a logical cheaper route to take than starting up the old mines and sourcing from other countries.

        Here's a paper detailing it all:
        [Effect of Chinese policies on rare earth supply chain resilience]
        https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S092134491…

      • scratchback on 20/05/2019 - 20:53
        +3

        Your comments only shows your stupidity.
        Rare earth is everywhere but the pollution issue to product is the major concern.

      • Albert10 on 20/05/2019 - 23:21
        +1

        Rare earth is not China only. China produces it because they don't count environmental costs.
        If China bans the export of rare earth, there will be a price hack, but won't last very long.

        • lostn on 22/05/2019 - 19:13

          They are the biggest manufacturer of rare earth.

          The minerals themselves are everywhere, but due to high pollution costs, mining it is banned in most countries. China became the importer of the world's pollution when everyone who banned mining it for environmental reasons were more than happy to buy it from someone else, as long as that someone else is the one doing the polluting and having to deal with its effects.

          I'm curious to see what would happen if China restricts exports of it though. I imagine it would be a game of, this will hurt me, but it will hurt you even more, aka trade war philosophy.

    • jowu15 on 20/05/2019 - 20:21
      +4

      Image China Ban sale of Iphone or even produce of iphone in China, what kind of chaos that will create

      • Thaal Sinestro on 20/05/2019 - 22:44
        -2

        I wish our government would ban all Apple devices. The smug mindset of Apfel users nauseates me.

        • Griffindinho on 21/05/2019 - 00:38
          -3

          Wow, what a shit comment. I would argue Android fanboys are far worse now

          • vid_ghost on 22/05/2019 - 16:03

            @Griffindinho: They are 90% of the global market so yeah :) maybe they are because they are the market.

            • resisting the urge on 24/05/2019 - 09:57

              @vid_ghost: I agree, as far as malware vendors are concerned, they have no doubt about where their market lies.

              Yes a few target iOS devices, but it's hard, is hit and miss, and cannot be widely marketed as the devices get updates as soon as they do

      • Albert10 on 20/05/2019 - 23:16
        +1

        That would be exactly what Trump wants to see, apple production out of China.

        • jowu15 on 21/05/2019 - 00:29
          -2

          China does not need Apple any more, Apple iphone is out of date these day now.

          • Albert10 on 21/05/2019 - 08:02
            +1

            @jowu15: OK even they don't, but they do need Apple's production lines and upstream supply chains stayed in China, don't they?

  • waterbottled on 20/05/2019 - 09:33
    -4

    Trump needs to fking go asap. Worldwide negative consequences to consumer choice just to feed his stupid ego.

    • Wystri Warrick on 20/05/2019 - 10:40
      -3

      Fkn Trump :(

    • dcep on 20/05/2019 - 10:45
      +12

      This is not up to Trump.

      5 eyes have been banning Huawei to cripple China's influence.
      A total ban (infra + consumer device) is always on the table.

      Only Europe is still adopting Huawei's gear.

      • waterbottled on 20/05/2019 - 11:06
        +35

        yeah america's the one who's been pressuring/coercing the other 4 eyes to ban Huawei.

        • kasp on 22/05/2019 - 17:43
          +1

          Australia was the one warning everyone about 5g and Huawei. The US woke up to the threat.

          • OoLLaWa on 23/05/2019 - 17:47
            -3

            @kasp: What threat? https://www.computerweekly.com/news/4500243439/Huawei-not-sp…

            This is purely a leverage for US to get a trade deal that favours US more, there's no evidence anywhere that Huawei has spied or are spying.

            Also, do you know why the US gov knows there are possibly security threats when a foreign company involves in the building of their telecommunication infrastructure? They spy too.

            Stop being so naive and just do a bit of research yourself

            • kasp on 23/05/2019 - 19:33
              +3

              @OoLLaWa: Like you who pulls a 4 year old article which has an oversight board comprising of Huawei execs and the companies who love purchasing cheap gear.

              You are just finding news that fits your narrative. 4 years ago and a board of that makeup I wouldn't expect any other result.

              https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman…

              Most places have backdoors for support but that reaction from them after being requested to remove them is just insane for a business to do.

      • waterbottled on 20/05/2019 - 13:36
        -3

        good troll brah. keep it up shekel schmeckle.

      • payless69 on 20/05/2019 - 14:12
        -1

        Leftiebull is taking his little Alex to him for training…

      • Wystri Warrick on 20/05/2019 - 14:45
        +2

        Can't tell if being sarcastic?

      • WinstonWithAY on 21/05/2019 - 02:10
        -3

        Made America a laughing stock, definitely the best thing to happen. Be quite anti-semite

    • This Guy on 20/05/2019 - 13:51
      +63

      This isn't Trump. Hillary would have done the same.

      Huawei make competitive and innovative network hardware. They have been first to market for a few recent back bone technologies, and unlike NTT, they are willing to sell outside of their home country.

      Huawei is a problem to the US, as when they take sales they also gain control. Almost all modern hardware has remote firmware update capabilities. This is a problem for the US as on paper it allows China the ability to remotely disable foreign networks and not just the US. Huawei is also a threat to US sales and profits.

      Huawei phone's don't spy on you anymore than Apple's. The issue is presented as spying because the real issue can't be reduced to a catchphrase so easily (just look at other posts here) and for many it is conscientious.

      Trump is doing exactly what he promised. Building walls to protect US jobs.

      Of cause there is more to it than this.

      • wallet72 on 20/05/2019 - 14:01
        +17

        except the US industries dependent on Huawei and China for sales, will now be at risk because they can't sell their products. One estimate had over 80% of chips manufactured in the Us were destined for Chinese manufacturers. That's a large chunk of your sales to lose overnight.

        That's not even touching on any retaliation that China may invoke.

        • Albert10 on 20/05/2019 - 21:15
          -5

          are you 50 cent army?

        • This Guy on 21/05/2019 - 00:38
          +1

          I don't disagree with you. Currently most of the risk is from Trump's newly announced China import duty of 25%

          Many manufacturers are expanding their south east Asian operations to other countries right now for final assembly to bypass it (as far as I know Foxcon and Pegatron have already started staffing these new factories).

          If China wanted to respond, the strongest message they could send is to set strong sanctions against a certain US teleco company. That would have to get the US's attention as all this trouble seems to be coming from that companies potential loss in market share.

      • askme69 on 20/05/2019 - 14:04
        -3

        TRUE.

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1iSNPeQ4tQ

        Even the Democrats agree with TRUMP on China.

        • This Guy on 21/05/2019 - 00:44
          +1

          The Huawei ban isn't about being 'hard on China'. The increase to the import tax is.

          Huawei is owned by it's Chinese employees, not their government. This ban is purely about control of nation state 'capabilities' and hardware sales.

      • elseye on 23/05/2019 - 11:26

        Yes, I have to admit what you said is correct but one thing should never be ignored. No doubt they need to protect itself, but he gave a cheating excuse to the world and it is the point. If you like to beat down someone, would you feel shame on doing this at other's back?
        Therefore, yes, what Trump has done is to protect US, at least looks so. But will you trust a nation or ppl who will do whatever to achieve its own purpose by giving up all the rules, especially the rules is called fair and built by itself? What a joke though! He might get what he wants but lose his ethics.

    • payless69 on 20/05/2019 - 13:57
      +1

      He is no labor (profanity). He is entitled to show his balls to the bitter end. In the long term anything might happen. Wait till India teams up with the Russians! Perhaps a good idea to start on Sanskrit or Russian lessons!

      • Cave Fire on 22/05/2019 - 17:08

        India and Russia were close. Tried to implement socialist policies in 70's but failed.

    • nomoneynoproblems on 20/05/2019 - 14:41
      +10

      Lol orange man bad right? Trumps policy on China has been the best things he's done. The West's addiction to cheap products out of China has gone out of control and they're rampant disregard for IP and international trade laws has carried on for way too fking long. China deserves everything they're about to get.

      • CharityCase on 20/05/2019 - 15:22
        +29

        If you support Trumps policy on China, then you probably shouldn't be lurking on this website, lol

      • askme69 on 20/05/2019 - 16:50

        No one asks how you can get free shipping from CHINA on a $1 item. Apparently the USA and others as part of the HELP CHINA agreement from 20 years ago, subsidise shipping.

        • mskeggs on 20/05/2019 - 20:29
          +10

          It is part of the Universal Postal Union arrangement, not some secret. Best you study up on it if you are going to make claims about it. http://www.upu.int/en.html

          • Repi on 20/05/2019 - 21:03

            @mskeggs: No secret, you are right. All countries classified as developing countries can do cheap postage if they want to. One of many reasons why China refuses to be re-classified.

            • nix1016 on 21/05/2019 - 09:41
              +12

              @Repi: Why should China be reclassified when their GDP per capita is so low? Should India be re-classified too since they have a higher GDP than Australia?

      • WinstonWithAY on 21/05/2019 - 02:11
        +4

        Can't understand why Aussies are licking Trump's balls like Republicans in the US are. The cognitive dissonance with you people is astounding.

    • hooyn on 20/05/2019 - 16:35

      orange man so bad. impeaches him now!

  • Wystri Warrick on 20/05/2019 - 10:38
    +15

    Ok at first we were all laughing at Trump, but now things aren't quite so funny anymore, I'm guessing there is more to come….

    • sauce2k on 20/05/2019 - 11:17
      -8

      fk Trump

      • [Deactivated] on 20/05/2019 - 17:27
        +9

        lol. Great argument. Orange man, bad.

  • alz on 20/05/2019 - 10:48
    +34

    This mob has CIA in your phone and the other mob has the Chinese Intelligence in your phone.
    CIA killing everyone left right and center. Chinese killing their people left right and center.
    Hmmmmm which to choose…
    FK IT!
    Back to using pigeons.

    • macrocephalic on 20/05/2019 - 16:30
      +9

      When the Chinese start killing people other than Chinese citizens then it's an issue. At the moment, one government spying on me is no worse than another, in fact you could argue that it's better to be spied on by the company which has no jurisdiction over you.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join