Google is apparently tired of reading the distribution numbers each
month, and hearing about the "f" word, fragmentation. A leaked memo that
allegedly was sent out to at least one handset manufacturer, states
that "Starting February 2014, Google will no longer approve GMS
distribution on new Android products that ship older platform releases."According to the memo, "each platform release will have a 'GMS approval window' that typically closes nine months after the next Android platform release is publicly available." Considering that GMS stands for Google Mobile Services and covers apps like Google Now, Google Maps and the Google Play Store, a manufacturer is going to be damn sure that it follows the request on the memo.
"Starting
February 2014, Google will no longer approve GMS distribution on new
Android products that ship older platform releases. Each platform
release will have a “GMS approval window” that typically closes nine
months after the next Android platform release is publicly available.
(In other words, we all have nine months to get new products on the
latest platform after its public release.) The policy could only mean
good things, especially for the smartphone user."-Leaked memo from Google to handset manufacturers
Android 4.4 was designed to work with devices using 512MB of RAM or
higher, allowing low to mid-range models to use the OS build. With this
in mind, Google does not see the need for outdated versions of Android
to be powering a new phone. Considering that we are past the halfway
point of February, the policy certainly should be in effect now.
source: KnowYourMobile, MobileBloom via Pocketlint
No comments:
Post a Comment