Google suspends "some" business with Huawei, Reuters reports-- specifically dealings requiring the transfer of hardware, software and technical services aside from what is publicly available via open source licensing.

Such a move is surely a big hit for the 2nd largest smartphone maker in the world (at least according to IDC), especially considering the Trump administration is set on blacklisting Huawei around the world. The Google decision means Huawei "immediately" loses access to Android updates beyond what is available on open source, and upcoming handsets will lack proprietary apps such as the Google Play Store, Gmail and YouTube.

Google has confirmed the story to Reuters, saying it is "complying with the order and reviewing the implications.” It also says existing Huawei smartphone users will continue to benefit from Google Play and security services from Google Play Protect, but fails to give further details since the suspension is still being discussed.

Making things worse for Huawei are hardware-related suspensions-- according to Bloomberg, Intel, Qualcomm, Xilinx and Broadcom will no longer supply Huawei with chips. The trade blacklist also affects companies outside the US, since Germany's Infineon Technologies AG has also stopped shipments to Huawei.

In turn, Huawei says it has made "substantial" contributions to Android, and promises to continue to provide security updates to existing Huawei and Honor device users globally. The Android ban does not affect Huawei business in its home China, where most Google apps are banned in favour of domestic alternatives from the likes of Tencent and Baidu. That said, The Chinese government states it will look into the decision, and will support companies planning to "use legal weapons to defend their legitimate rights.”

Go Google Suspends Some Business With Huawei After Trump Blacklist (Reuters)

Go Top US Tech Companies Begin to Cut Off Vital Huawei Supplies (Bloomberg)