EU says Google must open Android to other AI assistants

In short: The European Commission says Google may have to make Android work better with AI assistants other than Gemini, with a decision due by July 27.

What happened

The European Commission has finished an early investigation into how Google built AI features into Android. It says Android should be more open to AI assistants made by other companies, not just Google’s Gemini.

This work is linked to the EU’s Digital Markets Act, a law that puts extra rules on a small group of very large tech companies the EU calls “gatekeepers” (companies that control important platforms many others depend on). The EU argues that Gemini gets system-level advantages on Android, meaning it can do things other AI apps cannot.

According to the report, you can install other AI chat apps on an Android phone, but they may not be able to do basic actions that Gemini can. The EU listed examples like sending an email in your default mail app or sharing a photo, where Gemini may be the only option.

Regulators are considering changes that could let other AI assistants respond to the same voice trigger or button press, and possibly see what is on your screen when you ask for help. The EU also wants Google to provide tools for developers called APIs (like electrical outlets that let other products plug into the phone) and provide them for free.

Google said the EU’s approach could force access to sensitive device permissions and could raise costs, while weakening privacy and security.

Why it matters

If the EU follows through, people in Europe could get more real choice of AI assistants on Android. Choosing a different assistant would not mean giving up useful phone features that currently work best, or only work, with Gemini.

Source: Arstechnica