BMW to Integrate Huawei Smart-connect System Into its China-made Cars

(FILES) The headquarters of German carmaker BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) are pictured in Munich, southern Germany, on May 20, 2022. (Photo by Christof STACHE / AFP)
(FILES) The headquarters of German carmaker BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) are pictured in Munich, southern Germany, on May 20, 2022. (Photo by Christof STACHE / AFP)
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BMW to Integrate Huawei Smart-connect System Into its China-made Cars

(FILES) The headquarters of German carmaker BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) are pictured in Munich, southern Germany, on May 20, 2022. (Photo by Christof STACHE / AFP)
(FILES) The headquarters of German carmaker BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) are pictured in Munich, southern Germany, on May 20, 2022. (Photo by Christof STACHE / AFP)

BMW Group will integrate Huawei HiCar, the Chinese tech conglomerate's car mobile app connecting devices with vehicles, into its locally produced new models in 2026, the German automaker said on Monday.
BMW is teaming up with Huawei to develop smart applications based on the Harmony operating system for drivers of its vehicles using the tech conglomerate's devices in China, according to a company statement.
The German automaker is working with its suppliers to achieve more "cross-cycle" cooperation and "promote the deep integration of local Chinese (partners) into BMW's global innovation system," the statement added.



Google Contemplated Exclusive Gemini AI Deals with Android Makers

Android Ecosystem president Sameer Samat presents the newest Gemini AI model capabilities during the Made by Google event in Mountain View, California, US, August 13, 2024. (Reuters)
Android Ecosystem president Sameer Samat presents the newest Gemini AI model capabilities during the Made by Google event in Mountain View, California, US, August 13, 2024. (Reuters)
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Google Contemplated Exclusive Gemini AI Deals with Android Makers

Android Ecosystem president Sameer Samat presents the newest Gemini AI model capabilities during the Made by Google event in Mountain View, California, US, August 13, 2024. (Reuters)
Android Ecosystem president Sameer Samat presents the newest Gemini AI model capabilities during the Made by Google event in Mountain View, California, US, August 13, 2024. (Reuters)

Alphabet's Google contemplated deals with Android phone makers such as Samsung last year that would provide exclusivity for not only its search app, but also for its Gemini AI app and Chrome browser, according to a document shown at the second day of an antitrust trial.

The US Department of Justice and a broad coalition of state attorneys general are seeking an order from a judge in Washington that would require Google to sell its Chrome browser and take other measures. They hope to end what the judge found was Google's monopoly in online search and related advertising.

In that ruling, US District Judge Amit Mehta found that Google protected its search monopoly through exclusive agreements with Samsung Electronics and others to have its search engine installed as the default on new devices.

Google entered a new, non-exclusive agreement with Samsung on April 1 that includes no restriction on the smartphone maker loading alternative search products, according to a document shown at trial.

Google had proposed loosening its agreements to address Mehta's ruling but had not announced it was already doing so.

Prosecutors raised concerns in opening statements on Monday that Google's search monopoly could give it advantages in AI, and that its AI products are another way to lead users to its search engine.

OpenAI's ChatGPT head of product Nick Turley is expected to take the stand on Tuesday and testify about how Google's exclusive agreements make it harder to distribute AI products such as ChatGPT.

Google has said the case is not about AI, and that it faces robust competition from companies including Meta Platforms.