As far as i understood, the idea is that since 2018, vendors can use open source 'lite' android but in order to obtain a GMS licence (search engine, play store and youtube) devices must pass a 'multimedia' hardware test
https://goodereader.com/blog/electro...ss-google-play
people behind Kingrow K1 indiegogo campaign have said to have asked for a licence but i doubt they will obtain it.