> Starting from that, Google hasn't restricted anything.
Google has made all manufacturers who use the official Google version of Android sign a contract that forbids them from shipping devices any other forks of AOSP. They've restricted plenty.
Relevant bit:
> Switching to Skyhook's service meant Google would not be able to collect location data from users. This was bad for Google, so Skyhook was declared "incompatible." OEMs that wanted the Google Apps were not allowed to use them. Skyhook sued, and the lawsuit is still pending.
Google has made all manufacturers who use the official Google version of Android sign a contract that forbids them from shipping devices any other forks of AOSP. They've restricted plenty.