Google决定终止开源Android

Core Viewpoint - Google has decided to stop maintaining the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), which will lead to a gradual closure of its public branch and related support resources, ultimately resulting in a non-transparent development process for Android [1][2][3]. Group 1: AOSP Closure Details - Google will no longer maintain the public branch of AOSP, and all Android development will shift to an internal branch accessible only to Google employees [2][3]. - The decision to close AOSP is believed to be made by Google's senior management, with execution expected to take several years until AOSP loses its significance [4][5]. - The closure of AOSP is seen as a move to reduce costs and increase revenue, as maintaining multiple code branches and collaborations is resource-intensive [5]. Group 2: Impact on the Industry - The immediate impact of AOSP's closure on major smartphone brands and users is minimal, as most manufacturers have existing agreements with Google that allow them to continue using the latest Android source code [6][19]. - Non-certified Android device manufacturers may be compelled to sign agreements with Google to access the latest code, potentially leading to increased costs for consumers [21][22]. - The closure may also affect third-party ROM developers, limiting their ability to innovate and maintain custom Android versions, which could lead to further fragmentation in the Android ecosystem [24][23]. Group 3: Historical Context and Future Implications - Historically, AOSP has not been a true open-source project, as Google has maintained significant control over its development and licensing [10][11]. - The mixed licensing structure of AOSP has allowed manufacturers to customize Android without fully open-sourcing their modifications, which has been a point of contention within the open-source community [12][13]. - The long-term implications of AOSP's closure may include a shift in the Android ecosystem, where Google could regain control over non-certified devices and increase its revenue from advertising and services [28][29].