E.U. Orders Google to Open Android Mic, Camera and Screen to Rival AI Assistants

The European Commission has instructed Google to provide rival AI assistants with equal access to Android features, including the camera, microphone, and screen content. This access will also include the ability to activate with a wake word when the display is off and to control other apps in the background. Google must implement these changes in the next major Android release, version 18. The company has been given a deadline of August 1, 2027, to comply with the order. This move aims to give rival AI assistants the same capabilities as Google's own Gemini assistant on Android devices. The changes will allow rival assistants to interact more seamlessly with Android devices.