[kijin]

Ordinary citizens don't really care. This is SK giving Samsung what they want: an Android-fork OS for their smartwatches and other gadgets where the app store can be controlled by Samsung, not Google.

[turtlebits]

I think the issue is Google blocking customizations if they want the Google Play store on the device.

I don't think there is anything stopping Samsung from using AOSP.

[ocdtrekkie]

You are incorrect. Google's AFA is viral in nature. Daring to ship a non-Google Android will cancel your ability to ship any devices with Google Play.