Huawei, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi Challenge Google Play
The US trade ban against Huawei means it’s unable to use the Google Play Store and other Google services on new devices. The Chinese brand is already spending money to bring third-party apps to its AppGallery, and it now looks like other heavyweight Chinese manufacturers are joining forces with it. Google Play alternatives
Reuters reports that Huawei, Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi have teamed up to let foreign developers upload apps onto all of their app stores at the same time.
The initiative is reportedly dubbed the Global Developer Service Alliance (GDSA) and seems to be an indirect Play Store rival in some ways. The GDSA apparently aims to make it easy for developers to market their apps in foreign markets. In fact, an early website has already gone live showing developers how to sign up for an account and confirming that it covers nine markets.
Nations specifically named on the website include India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Russia, Spain, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam. However, the documentation shows that paid app support varies by OEM and nation (with Spain missing). Google Play alternatives
Industry sources told Reuters that the service was initially scheduled to launch in March this year, but the recent outbreak of the new strain of coronavirus in China could delay the plans.
Analysts suggest that the GDSA could attract app developers because it would be easier for them to market their products there than in Google’s already-crowded store.
It remains to be seen how the firms will maintain a balance of power in their alliance.
Notably, the GDSA prototype website does not appear to contain any mention of Huawei, contradicting Reuters’ report. Xiaomi has also denied that Huawei is involved and that the GSA aims to act as a competitor to Google Play. The other three companies declined to comment.
