The Android Compatibility Definition Document getting updated regularly is important. The latest for Android 7.0 Nougat is ready and it’s revealing some interesting things about Google. New rules have been added that are not exactly related to the OS but to the common device hardware.
The idea is that OEMs must strictly follow Google’s guidelines. A new section can be found in the CDD concerning to the USB Type C standard and charging. Fast charging standards aren’t really followed as we’ve discovered that’s why several issues are being encountered. Proprietary rules must be strictly followed to ensure safety of everyone.
A “STRONGLY RECOMMENDED” section is now included saying that “in future Android versions we might REQUIRE all type-C devices to support full interoperability with standard type-C chargers.” Now that’s one strong statement OEMs must follow.
Here’s what is written in the CDD:
Type-C devices are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to not support proprietary charging methods that modify Vbus voltage beyond default levels, or alter sink/source roles as such may result in interoperability issues with the chargers or devices that support the standard USB Power Delivery methods. While this is called out as “STRONGLY RECOMMENDED”, in future Android versions we might REQUIRE all type-C devices to support full interoperability with standard type-C chargers
Google sounds that it really wants to push USB Type-C to be the standard in devices. It’s not just about interoperability but having one standard to follow like detect 1.5A and 3.0A chargers as part of the Type C resistor standard.
VIA: Android Police
