<P> Google Play Services is automatically updated through Google Play on devices with that application installed that are running Android 4.0 or newer . This means Google can do fast, silent rollouts of updates, providing new functionality to older devices without manufacturers having to update the Android firmware itself, working around the fragmentation of the platform for which it had become infamous . </P> <P> The Android Open Source Project (AOSP) was announced in 2007, and has functioned as the baseline system for all OEMs and firmware modifications such as CyanogenMod . Various apps from AOSP are abandoned, and instead released on Google Play with a closed - source model . Many apps only function with Google Play Services available (such as many of the Google apps like Gmail, YouTube and Google Maps). </P> <P> Any party interested in distributing Google Play Services as a part of the Google apps package must acquire a license from Google, which often results in a contractual agreement locking the manufacturer into Android . Additionally, enthusiasts who are not able to or are not interested in signing such an agreement, but are interested in modifying the Android system are required to either opt - out of Google Play Services or to obtain the Google apps package either from a device which has them pre-installed or an unofficial source . </P>

What is the function of google play service in android