The wild ride that is the U.S. trade ban on Huawei continues today as Google re-adds one of the Chinese manufacturer’s phones to its Android Q beta program. Sure, why not?
[referenced url=”https://gizmodo.com.au/2019/05/huawei-p30-lite-australian-price-specs-release-date/” thumb=”https://gizmodo.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/on-fire-1-410×231.jpeg” title=”Huawei Just Released Another P30 In Australia Because This Is Fine” excerpt=”Bold move.”]
Android Q Beta 3 was launched at Google’s developer conference, I/O 2019, earlier this month.
While previous versions of the beta were only available on Pixel phones, Google added an extra fifteen to the program on May 8. One of these devices was Huawei’s Mate 20 Pro, but according to Android Police it was promptly removed from the program, as well as Android’s Enterprise Solutions Directory on May 25.
It has now reappeared as one of the compatible Beta devices with no explanation as to why.
Gizmodo Australia has reached out to Google for comment and will update this story if the company responds.
Huawei’s issues began on May 21 when U.S. president Donald Trump signed an executive order that prevents foreign companies that are deemed a national security risk from being supplied by American businesses. Huawei had been added to this list by the U.S. Department of Commerce several days prior.
Google was one of the first large companies to public state its compliance with the order, sending shockwaves through the tech industry. Without Google, Huawei devices would not have access to the Play Store, Google-owned apps or Android OS and security updates.
[referenced url=”https://gizmodo.com.au/2019/05/huawei-shuts-down-own-rep-over-june-release-date-for-its-android-os/” thumb=”https://gizmodo.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Huawei-410×231.jpg” title=”Huawei Shuts Down Own Rep Over June Release Date For Its Android OS” excerpt=”Overnight it was reported that Huawei would be releasing its own operating system to replace Android next month. This information came from the managing director and vice president of Huawei Enterprise Business Group Middle East. And as it turns out, it was wrong.”]
It has been confirmed that current Huawei devices will continue to have access to these apps and updates, and the ban itself has been placed on hold for 90 days in order for Huawei to continue providing services to its current customers.
Huawei has also confirmed that it will be rolling out its own Android OS replacement in 2019/2020 and announced its intention to fight the ban in the U.S. courts.
Regardless, this decision by the U.S. government has left a large question mark on the future of the brand.
Adding the Mate 20 Pro back onto the Beta Q program is just another piece of a very confusing puzzle that has left them world wondering if anyone actually knows whats going on.
Case in point: A rep confirming a June release date for its proprietary OS and then getting immediately shut down, and Huawei releasing the P30 Lite in Australia just yesterday.
At this point you can probably expect things to get crazier before we see any kind of clarity around the situation.
[referenced url=”https://gizmodo.com.au/2019/05/telstra-responds-to-huawei-ban/” thumb=”https://gizmodo.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/p30-cover-shot-410×231.jpg” title=”Telstra Responds To Huawei Ban” excerpt=”For the past week the tech world has been rocked by the news of Google ceasing business ties with Huawei, leaving the future of the company in question. Aussie telcos have remained silent on the subject, despite continuing to stock the Huawei P30 Pro, among other Huawei devices. Until today.”]