Google Forcing Android OEMs To Use Latest Version Of Android [Rumor]

Fragmentation is a big issue on Android. A vast majority of Android powered devices around the globe are running firmware versions that have long been outdated. Android 4.4 KitKat, which was released late last year and happens to be the latest iteration, only powers a minute fraction of all devices globally. In order to curb the issue of fragmentation, Google is rumored to be leaning on OEMs to use latest version of Android in their devices, if they want them to receive access to the Google Play Store and Google Apps.

It is also claimed that Google will not be certifying devices that cross a cut-off date for each Android firmware release, and as per the rumor, cut-off dates from Android 2.3 Froyo through Android 4.1 Jelly Bean have already passed. This would mean that Google will no longer certify any device that’s running firmware version under Android 4.1. Rumored cut-off date for Android 4.3 Jelly Bean is July 31st, 2014, which gives birth to speculation that perhaps another iteration might be announced this summer. So far Google has not commented on these rumors, so its entirely unclear if Mountain View has resorted to taking these actions in order to reduce the fragmentation across its popular mobile platform. Take this with a grain of salt for now.

Adnan Farooqui
Categories: Cellphones, Tablets
Tags: Android, Google