Samsung and Google have a complicated relationship that’s seemed more than a little strained over the past year or so. Back in January things really came to a head, as Samsung debuted the Magazine UX for its latest tablets. Google was concerned with the extent to which Samsung seemed to be reinventing Android, pushing its own look and own services to the forefront, at the expense of Google’s efforts. But the companies quickly came to an understanding, and the signing of a long-term licensing agreement appeared to indicate that peace had been brokered. But would that last? A new report suggests that Google is once again a little peeved at Samsung, this time because of the company’s wearables.
It’s not just one problem, either, as Google’s supposedly taken issue with nearly every recent smartwatch move Samsung’s taken. First, Google was apparently upset that Samsung launched the Galaxy Gear as an Android device in 2013, without waiting for this year’s arrival Android Wear. And while Google’s said that it’s OK with Samsung’s efforts when it comes to Tizen smartphones, the company is reportedly not too happy with the extent to which Samsung has been promoting its Tizen smartwatches, while not giving the same level of attention to the Gear Live. And once again, those old complaints of Samsung delivering apps that try to replace Google apps return.
Right now, at least, both companies are still pretty reliant on each other when it comes to smartphones; Android devices both bring Samsung a lot of money, and for Google help keep global usership as high as it is. But if these firms can’t get on the same page going forward, well… something’s got to give.
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