Leaked Google memo says all new Android phones must run the latest version of Android
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.
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 With this in mind, Google does not see the need for outdated versions of Android to be powering a new phone.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
"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 With this in mind, Google does not see the need for outdated versions of Android to be powering a new phone.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.
If you're interested in reading an intelligent look at the fragmentation issue, check out this report written back in December by our own Michael H.
source: KnowYourMobile, MobileBloom via Pocketlint
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