Google Play Store will no longer be free for OEMs in Europe

Google is introducing some strict changes to its Play Store policy after facing a major USD 5 billion fine from the EU in an antitrust violation case.

In a first, Google will charge Android phone makers a licensing fee who want to sell devices in Europe with pre-installed Google Play Store and other apps, Mashable reported.

While Play Store and other apps including Gmail and YouTube come under the new guidelines, Google Search or Chrome will remain available for free to the OEMs.

However, Google Play Store will be allowed in devices running custom versions of Android.