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Huawei phones won’t get any Google apps until May 2021 as Trump extends ban AGAIN

DONALD Trump has extended the US ban preventing Huawei from using Google apps.

The Chinese smartphone giant is now barred from using Android services until May 2021 under Trump's executive order barring US firms from working with companies deemed a national security risk.

Donald Trump has extended the US ban preventing Huawei from using Google apps
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Donald Trump has extended the US ban preventing Huawei from using Google appsCredit: AFP or licensors

The order, first imposed a year ago, does not explicitly name companies considered "foreign adversaries" but effectively blocks the Chinese tech giant from trading with US companies.

This resulted in Huawei not being able to use all of Google's Android operating system on future devices.

That means no access to the Google Play app store, and no direct availability of popular apps such as YouTube and Google Maps.

The order was set to expire on May 15, 2020.

Huawei is now barred from using Android services until May 2021 under Trump's executive order barring US firms from working with companies deemed a national security risk
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Huawei is now barred from using Android services until May 2021 under Trump's executive order barring US firms from working with companies deemed a national security riskCredit: EPA

Phones launched before the ban was enforced - such as the P30 series - have been able to continue using the full Android experience due to a temporary license agreement.

However, that too is set to expire on May 15 and there has been no word on whether it will be extended once again.

Newer handsets, like the Mate 30 and P40, have relied on a modified operating system using Huawei's own app store, AppGallery.

The White House said that the threat from such companies "continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States".

The order resulted in Huawei phones losing access to the Google Play app store and direct use of popular apps such as YouTube and Google Maps
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The order resulted in Huawei phones losing access to the Google Play app store and direct use of popular apps such as YouTube and Google MapsCredit: Reuters

Huawei responded saying it is "ready and willing" to engage with the US government and come up with effective measures to ensure product security.

"Restricting Huawei from doing business in the US will not make the US more secure or stronger," a spokeswoman said.

"Instead, this will only serve to limit the US to inferior yet more expensive alternatives, leaving the US lagging behind in 5G deployment, and eventually harming the interests of US companies and consumers."

"In addition, unreasonable restrictions will infringe upon Huawei's rights and raise other serious legal issues."

What is 5G?

Here's what you need to know...

  • The term 5G stands for 5th-generation, and is simply the next "version" of mobile phone networks.
  • The world's network operators have settled on a new method of delivering mobile internet to your phone, making it possible to offer far higher download speeds.
  • Early figures suggest you'll be able to download 4K movies in a matter of seconds, and buffering video will be a thing of the past.
  • But 5G also promises low "latency" – the physical delay in transmitting data – which is a major boon for gamers, who desperately need their online actions to be sent and received as quickly as possible.
  • EE is first across the line in the UK, with 5G live in London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Belfast, Birmingham or Manchester.
  • The good news is that EE plans to roll out 5G in a further 10 cities by the end of 2019: Glasgow, Newcastle, Liverpool, Leeds, Hull, Sheffield, Nottingham, Leicester, Coventry and Bristol.
  • Vodafone has also switched on 5G in seven cities: Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Manchester, Liverpool, and London.

Huawei's alleged murky security record has also landed it in hot water with the UK government.

The company was due to help build Britain's 5G network but Downing Street has since U-turned on the plans banning Huawei from the most sensitive parts of the country's network.

Critics continue to argue that the Chinese company is a security risk, even with limited involvement.

Huawei argues that no evidence has been put forward proving that it shares sensitive data with the Chinese government.

Controversial Chinese tech company Huawei install world's highest 5G tower on EVEREST - and use yaks to lug equipment up 21,000ft trail

In other news, Huawei warned the UK last month not to make a U-turn on its controversial 5G plans.

Conspiracy theorists claims 5G is responsible for the current global heath crisis - and claim the proof is on Britain’s £20 note.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

And, we shared the truth about 5G frequency, radiation and microwaves.

What do you think of Trump's decision? Let us know in the comments!


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