After officially releasing the Android 7.0 "Nougat" operating system this year and launching the Android 7.1 version update in conjunction with the new Pixel series phones, Google earlier updated the new version of the AOSP usage specifications. In the 85-page usage specification, it is shown that Google will further control the core content of the Android operating system and limit the scope of customization that OEM manufacturers can make. It is expected that this will give Google more control over Android operating system-related services and core updates, avoid system fragmentation and inconsistent system service experience. At the same time, it is also expected to avoid more usage risks by restricting technologies such as battery fast charging.
In the AOSP specification updated by Google earlier, the 85-page usage specification clearly states that OEM manufacturers will not be able to modify the content of Android Extensions and can only use the code content originally provided by Google. It is expected that this will enable Google to retain more complete control over the various service contents and system core layers of the Android operating system. It can even bypass telecom manufacturers and OEM manufacturers to directly provide OTA updates for key functions of the Android operating system, and no longer be affected by the fragmentation of the Android operating system.
Furthermore, the new AOSP version explicitly discontinues all battery fast-charging technology standards and instead prefers to use the USB-IF Alliance's proposed cable specifications based on existing micro USB and USB Type-C port designs. This will prevent cable or mobile phone fires caused by different battery fast-charging technologies (Google previously proposed adjusting USB port design specifications).
Other specifications include restricting access to the Vulkan API, ensuring that the split-screen display mode complies with the AOSP specification, and adding call identification functionality to the user interface. Also included are automatic adjustment of screen display resolution and headset operation specifications.
Judging from the details of Google's adjustments to AOSP, it is clear that it hopes to maintain a more or less consistent user experience as more and more manufacturers adopt the Android operating system to build mobile phone products, resulting in more and more functional divergence. In particular, with the increasing number of Android operating system versions promoted by Chinese brand manufacturers, Google still hopes to restrict OEM manufacturers from making major adjustments to the Android operating system and maintain system control.
