Google Offers Unbundling of Services to Appease German Regulators

• In response to competition objections in Germany over service bundling in its Android-based car infotainment system (Google Automotive Services – GAS), Google now intends to unbundle its services.
• The main concern was the package-inclusion of Google Maps in the infotainment system, which many viewed as anti-competitive.
• Google’s move to unbundle suggests a shift in its approach and an effort to allay these concerns.
• Google also proposed the removal of some contractual restrictions it enforces on vehicle manufacturers.

The Unbundling Saga

Amidst ongoing debates about big tech domination and their ‘all or nothing’ approach, Google decided to switch lanes and strategize smarter – kind of like making a somewhat legal U-turn on a fast-lane highway of the tech world. Cue a dramatic tire screech sound. They’re unbundling services in their fancy Android-based car infotainment system, mostly because Germany said ‘Nein!’ to their original package deal.

If Google were a person, they’d probably be that one friend who insists on bringing all their plus-ones to your intimate get-together. In this case, Google Maps was the non-negotiable third-wheel that came along when you invited GAS (Google Automotive Services) over. But looks like Google is learning to respect boundaries – at least in the automotive informatics playground!

And just when we thought we’ve seen it all, Google one-upped itself by considering lifting some contractual restrictions on vehicle makers. That’s right folks, Google might just give auto manufacturers a long-awaited “get out of jail free” card.

In conclusion, we tip our digital hats off to our beloved tech giant who is showing us that they are capable of backing down, at least a little, and letting auto manufacturers breathe easier in the confined space of the techie vehicle. We are keenly watching this gear shift and keeping our fingers crossed that it won’t stall halfway through.

Original article: https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/22/google-automotive-services-offer-to-fco/