Android war heats up as Oracle defeats Google and Microsoft pairs with Cyanogen

The Android is seeing a great deal of action recently as Google gives up its Java for Oracle while Microsoft sees an opening. The Android community is expected to see more profound effects in light of the recent decisions including Microsoft's involvement with Cyanogen.

Google has been a closed system when it comes to Android development despite its claims otherwise. Given that knowledge, a sudden change in the direction can surprise the market. Apparently, Google decided to make some considerable changes on its Android code base dating November. According to VentureBeat, the company confirmed that it is dropping its Java standard libraries implementation to use Oracle's OpenJDK libraries instead. This could have been considered as just another news on software fix if not for the copyright lawsuit plaguing both companies, according to ZDNET. Google has been accused of infringing copyright on the same set of libraries.

Mozilla CTO Andreas Gal pointed out that the decision can have a profound effect on the Android ecosystem and Android itself.

"Because Oracle has means to control Java beyond source code, OpenJDK is about as open as a prison. You can vote on how high the walls are, and you can even help build the walls, but if you are ever forced to walk into it, Oracle alone will [decide] when and whether you can leave," argued Gal.

"Oracle can easily force Google to include pretty much any other code or service that pleases Oracle."

In a series of changes that will rock Android, Microsoft has also teamed up with Cyanogen. The latter just released a new version of its alternative Android system featuring the Cortana integrated into the system. What difference does this make? This appears to be the initial collaboration between the two companies, according to Tech Crunch. Microsoft invested in the startup last year, following a new focus to expand the reach of its software and services throughout different platforms.