Google Assistant and Play Store may become mainstream on Samsung devices

According to online sources, Google and Samsung Electronics are in talks, which could result in a major deal that will increase the visibility of Google products on the South Korean company’s smartphones.

The announcement said the talks would include a deal that would make Google the default search engine on Samsung smartphones around the world. The Android software platform is already the main operating system on Samsung mobile devices, but as part of a possible deal, it is planned to promote the Google Assistant voice assistant and Play Store digital content store on Galaxy devices.

If the deal is struck, it could mean that Samsung’s own mobile services, such as the voice assistant Bixby, will be less integrated into the South Korean company’s products. Such a move would mean Samsung’s surrender, but falling demand for mobile devices amid the coronavirus pandemic increases the manufacturer’s need for revenue and weakens its bargaining power.

“ Like all manufacturers of Android devices, Samsung has the right to create its own app store and voice assistant. This is one of the great features of the Android platform. And while we regularly discuss with partners how to improve the user experience, we have no plans to change anything, ”said a Google spokesman, commenting on the possibility of a deal that will make Google Assistant and the Play Store default on Samsung devices.

“ Samsung remains committed to our own ecosystem and services. At the same time, the company is working closely with Google and other partners to offer our users the best mobile applications, ”a Samsung spokesman commented.

It should be noted that even if the deal goes through, Samsung will not give up its own mobile services for free, although it is too early to talk about any specific amounts. However, Google pays billions of dollars to Apple every year to remain the default search engine in the Safari browser as well as Apple mobile devices.