“I find this a fascinating phenomenon: the ability we have to manipulate ourselves so that the foundation of our beliefs is never shaken.”
― Muriel Barbery, The Elegance of the Hedgehog
As a devoted Google enthusiast who has been using Android for over a decade, I feel compelled to share my thoughts. My journey through the past ten years has mirrored the evolution of Google and its beloved mobile operating system.
Today, however, Google faces some of the toughest challenges in its history. From the Department of Justice’s antitrust case aimed at dismantling the Search giant to reports of OpenAI allegedly negotiating with Samsung to replace Galaxy AI’s backbone with ChatGPT, the future seems uncertain.
For me, Google is more than just a tech company—it’s the company that transformed my life. It paved the way for my career as an Android app developer and shaped my passion for technology. I love Android and take immense pride in contributing to its vast community as a developer. The fact that I now make money by building apps is something I deeply value and attribute to Google’s ecosystem.
Google has always been the cornerstone of my tech universe. It’s the company that sparked my interest in the tech industry and provided tools that have been indispensable to my personal and professional life: Gmail, Maps, Google Docs, Sheets, Drive, and YouTube. While privacy concerns have led me to gradually reduce my reliance on Google services, my admiration for the company remains steadfast.
That’s why I find it deeply unsettling to witness the Google we know and love standing on such shaky ground. It’s heartbreaking to imagine a future where the company that has been so influential in shaping my journey might falter.
2011: The year everything has started
The first laptop I ever purchased with my own money was the first-generation Chromebook, co-developed with Acer back in 2011. I fondly remember having online conversations with my Norwegian crush—a girl I met through Facebook—on Google Talk. Occasionally, we would create our own chat rooms on the now-defunct Google+, a service that has since joined the infamous Google graveyard.
It was a true delight to connect with a friend from the other side of the world using Google’s innovative operating system, Chrome OS. At the time, it felt revolutionary—a browser transformed into a full-fledged operating system. Google’s concept was brilliantly simple yet forward-thinking: by keeping user data in the cloud, even if the hardware failed, the data would remain safe, eliminating any need for worry.
As she was battling severe depression at the time, I shared many of my own struggles with her during our online conversations. We talked about joys, sorrows, challenges, and life in general, opening up to each other in a way that felt deeply meaningful. Sometimes, we even shared virtual meals together—chatting as though we were dining side by side, despite the miles between us. That was 2011.
2010’s and my journey with Android:
Over the past decade, my digital life has been closely intertwined with Android. From Nexus, Galaxy, LG, Huawei, and Asus to OnePlus and Pixel, I’ve experienced a diverse range of Android devices, cherishing each one of these iconic names. These brands have played a pivotal role in shaping Android’s illustrious history, and I’ve loved every one of them for their unique contributions.
My long-term dream:
As some of you may know, my long-term goal has always been to become an Android app developer. This July, I finally achieved that goal. Despite the daily challenges and the immense pressure to meet deadlines, I can confidently say that I love my job and am proud of myself for pursuing a career that aligns with my passion.
For many, a job is simply a means to make ends meet—something to endure rather than enjoy. For me, however, it’s a source of joy and fulfillment, offering precious opportunities to grow my skills while earning a living.
Although I’m not a Google employee (something I still dream of), I take immense pride in being a contributor to the Android app ecosystem. Now, whenever I introduce myself, I can say with pride, “I’m an Android app developer.”
Google Search and my Android portfolio:
To achieve my dream, I dedicated myself to building an Android app portfolio, something I’ve mentioned several times on this blog. Back in those days, before the advent of tools like ChatGPT, I heavily relied on Google Search for bug fixes and overall app development.
Platforms like Stack Overflow and many other resources played a critical role in shaping my coding journey. My first Android app came to life thanks to the unparalleled utility of Google Search. While there is often criticism about the perceived decline in Google Search’s quality, from a developer’s perspective, its results were remarkably accurate—especially when it came to resolving bugs and tackling various coding challenges.
The very portfolio that caught the attention of my current employer earned me my position as an Android app developer. If not for Google, I wouldn’t be where I am today as an Android developer.
Everything Google:
There was a time when I relied on Google’s products for nearly everything. Gmail served as my go-to platform for both personal and professional email communication. Google Docs handled all my documentation needs, while Google Sheets became my playground for experimenting with complex functions and automation through Google Apps Script. Alongside my passion for Android, Google was a constant companion, intricately woven into every aspect of my digital life.
My de-Googling processes:
However, a couple of years ago, I began the process of “de-Googling” as new and compelling alternatives started to emerge. It all began with Proton, which offered a secure and encrypted solution through its ProtonMail service. While Google provides its services for free, the trade-off is that users effectively become the product.
Proton:
From a security standpoint—especially influenced by John McAfee’s interview responses, which you can explore below—I started to see the value in paying for products. Paid services offer greater transparency, allowing users to understand exactly what they’re investing in, unlike free products that often obscure how personal data is utilized behind the scenes.
Proton not only provides an alternative to email but also offers a suite of services that directly compete with Google’s ecosystem, such as ProtonDrive, a secure and encrypted cloud storage solution, and ProtonCalendar.
While I once relied exclusively on Gmail for all my communications, I am now transitioning to ProtonMail for greater privacy and security. I’ve also replaced Google Calendar with ProtonCalendar and significantly reduced my reliance on Google Drive. Instead, I’ve taken matters into my own hands by setting up a home network server using open-source Linux software, allowing me to regain full control over my personal data.
ChatGPT Plus:
I must admit something here: I’ve never been a big fan of Microsoft and still am not. As a direct rival to Google, the idea of relying on ChatGPT—especially given Microsoft’s collaboration with OpenAI—didn’t initially sit well with me.
That said, I have to acknowledge the truth: I rely heavily on ChatGPT. I pay $20 per month for its premium capabilities, and it has been nothing short of transformative, boosting my productivity to levels I never thought possible—perhaps 100 times faster than before.
For example, when working on my Android portfolio, tasks that might take hours or even days using Google Search alone can now be completed in mere minutes with ChatGPT’s assistance.
In the past, I also relied on a paid mentoring service called MENTA, which charges mentees between 1,000 and 5,000 JPY for solutions to specific problems. While MENTA was invaluable, ChatGPT Plus has become a cost-effective alternative, addressing nearly all the challenges I face. Although I still occasionally use MENTA for more complex issues, the frequency of such instances has dropped significantly thanks to ChatGPT.
DoJ and OpenAI’s unprecedented challenges against Google:
Google is undeniably facing a critical moment. The Department of Justice has labeled it a monopoly and is pushing for drastic measures, such as forcing the sale of its highly profitable Chrome business and potentially even Android. Meanwhile, OpenAI is reportedly in discussions with Samsung to replace Gemini with ChatGPT as the AI backbone for Galaxy AI, further challenging Google’s influence.
While Google may have crossed lines by paying companies like Apple and Samsung to make Google Search the default engine—a key point in the DOJ’s case—it’s also true that Google excelled where others faltered. Its dominance in browsers and search engines wasn’t purely a result of questionable deals; it was built on superior execution. Microsoft, for example, struggled for years to gain a foothold in search, only now gaining traction thanks to its partnership with OpenAI.
This unprecedented situation has placed Google in “hot water” from multiple angles: regulatory scrutiny, rising competition from OpenAI, and Microsoft’s resurgence. Reports that Google might abandon ChromeOS and pivot to Android as a unified operating system for both mobile devices and laptops highlight the severity of this moment.
But why is the DOJ so focused on Google? With Microsoft making significant strides through OpenAI, it’s fair to ask why Microsoft isn’t receiving similar scrutiny. Could Microsoft itself be edging toward monopolistic territory?
The timing of all this raises questions. Is this simply the natural culmination of years of scrutiny and competition, or could there be other forces at play? While speculating about hidden powers influencing these events might veer into conspiracy theory territory, the coordinated challenges Google faces feel oddly synchronized.
This turmoil unfolded at the exact moment I achieved my dream of becoming an Android developer. It feels profoundly unfair, as this global shift is having a direct and significant impact on my life. What should have been an exciting and optimistic time has instead been overshadowed by uncertainty and challenges beyond my control
But Why now? Seriously, who now?
Tech job is a global job:
Being a tech engineer inherently means being influenced by global phenomena, as the industry is constantly shaped by geopolitical events and power struggles. The current clash between the U.S. government and Google is no exception, and it’s profoundly affecting my life and career. But this isn’t the first time my digital world has been disrupted by global events.
Back in 2019, the Trump administration imposed heavy sanctions on Huawei, a Chinese tech powerhouse. These restrictions barred Huawei from using Android and Google Mobile Services (GMS). At the time, I was using the Huawei Mate 10 Pro, a fantastic device that had even been crowned “Phone of the Year” by Android Authority. It was a phone I genuinely enjoyed, and the sanctions hit just as I was making the most of its capabilities.
Now, global politics are impacting not just my personal digital life but my career—my dream job. It’s disheartening. After years of working toward becoming an Android developer, the very platform I’ve dedicated myself to is now at the center of unprecedented turmoil.
Why must these power struggles disrupt so much? And more importantly—what comes next? I’m left wondering how to navigate a future that feels increasingly uncertain. Come on, guys—can’t we just focus on building and innovating instead of tearing things apart?
Conclusion:
I’ve finally put into words everything that has been weighing on my mind—Google, OpenAI, Proton, the DOJ, and so much more. Google, as we know it, might be forced to change its form, but I sincerely hope that day never comes. Back in the 1990s, when Microsoft faced similar challenges from the DOJ, it ultimately prevailed and wasn’t forced to sell Internet Explorer. I strongly hope that Google will also overcome this case and maintain its integrity.
Achieving my dream of becoming an Android developer should have been a milestone moment, yet it coincides with a global shift I could never have anticipated. Life often has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way, and all I can do now is keep moving forward. I’ll continue to live my life, hone my skills, and grow as a developer.
Meanwhile, I’ll keep following the news about Google and see how this unfolds. No matter what happens, I’ll adapt, persevere, and stay focused on what I can control.