The Vergecast · Thursday, July 16, 2026
The European Commission is requiring Google to make its Android operating system more open in Europe. This includes granting competing AI assistants the same level of access as Google's Gemini, allowing them to be activated by voice and control apps. Google must comply by July 2027.
“Next, the EU is forcing Google to make Android open up more in Europe.”
“The European Commission said today that competing AI assistants need to get the same level of access as Gemini.”
“That means letting them be activated by voice commands and giving them the ability to control apps.”
“Google argues that this presents security and privacy risks, but as of now, it's on the hook to make it happen by July 2027.”