- Use AE or zero-touch method for rapid bulk device enrollment
- Set up a provisioning template to make corporate devices ready to use straight out of the box
- Leverage Managed Google Play Store to manage and distribute Apps on GMS devices. This allows for the easy installation/uninstallation, updating, and configuration of apps.
- Enforce policies such as password policies, device encryption, and device function usages.
- Turn on FRP to set up the only corporate Google Account email you want your devices to log in to after being factory reset
Everything You Need to Know about Google GMS
1What is Google GMS?
- GMS (Google Mobile Services) is a specialized toolset for advanced Android device usage containing many applications and APIs for Android device manufacturers.
- GMS certified devices need a Google account sign in to access all related apps and efficiently manage data and operations.
1.1Key Application & API Typically Found on Devices with GMS
Mobile manufacturers normally pre-install GMS apps on Android devices for convenience, here is the list of significant and widely used GMS apps and APIs:
- Google Search, Chrome, YouTube, Play Store, Google Drive, Gmail, Google Maps, Google Photos, Play Movies, Duo and many more.
- These apps are used for multiple purposes, streamlining routine tasks and ensuring efficient communication. Other apps include Hangouts, Music, Videos, Google Play Speech, and Google Play Store.
- Some significant APIs include Google +, Google Sign In, Google Analytics, Google Drive, Google Fit, Google Play, Google Cast, and Google Awareness.
1.2GMS vs. Non-GMS Android Devices
| GMS Android Devices | Non-GMS Android Devices | |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-installed Google Services & Apps | Yes (They contain pre-installed apps like Maps, YouTube, and Gmail) | No, they lack Google services. |
| Google Play Store | Available | Not available |
| System & Patch Updates | Google provide regular updates. It also supports auto-update of apps. | It depends on the manufacturer. |
| Region Availability | Globally available | May have availability with specific geographical area. |
| Android Enterprise | Supported | Limited support depending on the device type. |
2Pros & Cons of GMS Devices
Pros of GMS devices
- Easy access - A GMS device can easily access all of Google's apps and services.
- Trusted Sources of App Installs - Google Play Store is a well-known and trusted platform for users to download Android apps.
- Enhanced user experience - Most Android users are habitual users of Google services like Gmail and Google Drive. So, they get a familiar user experience with GMS devices, and it also offers uniformity and support for all GMS devices.
- System updates - GMS ensures timely updates of OS and apps installed.
Cons of GMS devices
- Dependency - GMS devices are highly dependent on Google services. They cannot operate unless a Google account is added. Too much dependency on a single platform can result in minimal customization options and several privacy issues.
- Costs - GMS manufacturers need a Google GMS certificate to incorporate its apps and services, and the fee is around $10,000 per device model. This results in high costs for end-users. Alternatively, non-GMS devices are cheaper and do not require such certifications.
- Storage Consumption - Pre-installed or loaded apps consume storage space on the device and also impose restrictions on device policies like Google Play Protect.
3Which Android Devices Support GMS?
After knowing what is Android GMS, let's discuss the devices that support it. Different manufacturers launch a wide range of Android phones and tablets that support GMS. These include Samsung, Google Pixel, Huawei, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Oppo, Infinix, Vivo, Motorolla, Sony, and LG mobile phones.
You can also find the latest Smart TVs with Android OS that support GMS. These smart TVs are manufactured by companies such as Samsung, Sony, LG, TCL, Haier, Changhong, and Orient.
Most of the Android manufacturing companies like Samsung have launched smart watches which users can utilize for calls and messages. These watches contain GMS apps and are easy to carry anywhere by wearing on wrist.
4Why Did Google Create GMS?
Google has the world's best team to analyze user needs and intent. They are efficient and smart enough to identify growing needs and trends. Google created GMS to fulfill the basic needs of individuals and enterprises of every level from multiple perspectives.
- For individuals
Google Mobile Services enable an easy and comfortable smartphone experience through access to services like Gmail, Maps, YouTube, and Play Store on Android devices.
It prioritizes Android devices against competitors by improving their functionality and usability. - For Businesses
GMS has proven to be a critical enabler that has allowed Google to remain competitive in the digital world. It connects users to its product offerings, thereby increasing their engagement and, consequently, revenue. For example, businesses use Gmail services to interact and share data with concerned entities. Similarly, Google Maps services help find the optimized way to save time and travel costs. - Device Management
Google provides robust device management capabilities with its GMS apps. Android Device Policy helps enterprises remotely manage and control large number of devices. It also admins to manage security policies and enforce them on managed devices. - Collaboration
Various tools including Gmail, Google Drive, Sheets, Docs, and Google Workspace helps businesses collaborate with the internal teams and outside world. Google Meet helps to conduct meetings with clients, remote employees, and other community to ensure a smooth working environment with reduced costs for physical meetings. - Updates and support
GMS facilitate Android users by providing regular updates with latest security patches which ensure that the device contains robust security measures against latest known threats. It also provides assistance to business owners and admins in troubleshooting technical issues and optimizing device performance. - App Ecosystem
Google Play Store contains a vast ecosystem of applications suitable for various business operations. Business are able to download apps serving as communication mediums, productivity tools, tracking services, data sharing, and other industry specific apps.
Google Play Protect helps to safeguard against potential threats and harmful apps to ensure security.
5 The Relationship between Android Enterprise and GMS
Android Enterprise and GMS are the two paramount features that interact and play a significant role in management of Android devices within the enterprise.
- Android Enterprise offers effective device management, policy enforcement, and security procedures to ensure that devices are set up, secured, and fully maintained according to the organization's policies.
- GMS offers a package of Google-branded applications and services for Android devices, providing users with an enriched experience and easy access to top productivity tools, communication platforms, and entertainment services.
When combined with Android Enterprise, GMS simplifies device management routines, imposes security policies, and improves user efficiency, eventually allowing for efficient and safe enterprise mobility solutions.
Moreover, it is important to note that Android Enterprise is only supported on GMS devices, while non-GMS devices do not support It.
6Why Enterprise Often Prefer Google Mobile Services (GMS) Devices?
Enterprises always prefer a smooth and straightforward way for device operations and management.
GMS-certified devices support Android Enterprise, an efficient device management solution. They offer more support and straightforward features to support business operations, which is why businesses prefer GMS devices.
Another significant reason is that non-GMS devices can be managed using the Device Admin API, but it is a very complicated and time-consuming process, so admins avoid it.
7Is It Possible to Install GMS on Devices that Originally Don't Have GMS?
Yes, updating a non-GMS Android device to GMS is technically possible, but there are a few things to know before doing this.
All Android OS are AOSP by default, but their specifications change after attaining a GMS certificate. Officially, Google does not allow GMS services on non-GM devices.
This process requires rooting the device and removing the warranty claims for the rooted devices.
Moreover, installing GMS services after rooting the device might raise compatibility issues and instability, resulting in a bad user experience and performance.
It also violates Google's intellectual property rights. It can also raise security concerns because the device will not get the latest updates for the OS and the apps installed, resulting in a high risk of malicious attacks and data breaches.
FAQs about GMS
Q1. How to Get GMS Certification?
Android's official website has a contact form. This form requires information about the device form factor, company details, previous experience with Android, and the number of devices with Android OS Version. After reviewing the form, Google will decide whether to consider your application. If approved, you will receive a Mobile Application Distribution Agreement (MADA), which is your GMS certificate.
Q2. Is Google Play Protect part of Google Play services?
Yes, Google Play Protect is part of Google Play Services. Google Play Services is system software that adds various functionalities to all Google-certified devices. It helps to improve the security of Android devices. Google Play Protect's primary goal is to notify users if an app contains vulnerabilities.
Q3. How Do I Know If My Device is GMS Certified?
You can check it out from the device itself. Open Google Play on your device and tap on the Settings option. Scroll down to find the' About' tab. Open the 'About' tab and choose 'Play Protect certification'. If your device is GMS approved, it will display 'Devices is certified.'
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