The latest version of Android is designed to work on both low and high-end phones, which will hopefully end OS fragmentation.
October 31, 2013 11:40 AM PDT
(Credit: Google)
Google is trying to bring a little sanity to the world of Android.
One primary benefit of Android 4.4 KitKat, which was unveiled on Thursday, is its ability to run on both low and high-end hardware. The idea is that manufacturers don't have to choose between different versions of Android to suit the specifications of their phone, whether it costs $100 or $600.
The move is an attempt by Google to provide a more consistent experience across the universe of Android smartphones. While flagship smartphones such as the Galaxy S4 or HTC One have been able to employ newer versions of Android, more affordable phones running on one or two-year-old processors must make do with an older iteration of the operating system.
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That's led to fragmentation and phones running on disparate versions of Android running on different phones. As of July, the most popular version of Android in use was still Android 2.3.3, or Gingerbread, according to a report issued by Open Signal. That's followed by Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.
In comparison, Apple said during its iPad event that 64 percent of its iOS users had already upgraded to iOS 7.
It's particularly important because Android is more popular in emerging markets where phones are still running on Gingerbread because it can handle slower and older hardware.
"If you look at emerging markets, Android is growing at three times the rate of developed markets," said Sundar Pichai, head of Chrome and Android, during the Google event. "It's pretty stunning growth and we want to make sure it works great."
Getting a consistent roll out to Android is important if Android wants to reach "the next billion," Pichai said.
Pichai said he challenged the team to build a version of Android that worked on less memory and processing power. He said KitKat uses 16 percent less memory than Jelly Bean.
The Android fragmentation, of course, isn't all Google's fault, with carriers often slow to approve updates for devices. But the move to a common OS that any manufacturer can use is a step in the right direction.
Read the CNET Editors' Take[h=3]Google Nexus 5[/h]Editors' Take: The wait is finally over -- Google officially announced its new flagship Nexus 5, available today starting at $349. Read More
October 31, 2013 11:40 AM PDT
Google is trying to bring a little sanity to the world of Android.
One primary benefit of Android 4.4 KitKat, which was unveiled on Thursday, is its ability to run on both low and high-end hardware. The idea is that manufacturers don't have to choose between different versions of Android to suit the specifications of their phone, whether it costs $100 or $600.
The move is an attempt by Google to provide a more consistent experience across the universe of Android smartphones. While flagship smartphones such as the Galaxy S4 or HTC One have been able to employ newer versions of Android, more affordable phones running on one or two-year-old processors must make do with an older iteration of the operating system.
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That's led to fragmentation and phones running on disparate versions of Android running on different phones. As of July, the most popular version of Android in use was still Android 2.3.3, or Gingerbread, according to a report issued by Open Signal. That's followed by Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.
In comparison, Apple said during its iPad event that 64 percent of its iOS users had already upgraded to iOS 7.
It's particularly important because Android is more popular in emerging markets where phones are still running on Gingerbread because it can handle slower and older hardware.
"If you look at emerging markets, Android is growing at three times the rate of developed markets," said Sundar Pichai, head of Chrome and Android, during the Google event. "It's pretty stunning growth and we want to make sure it works great."
Getting a consistent roll out to Android is important if Android wants to reach "the next billion," Pichai said.
Pichai said he challenged the team to build a version of Android that worked on less memory and processing power. He said KitKat uses 16 percent less memory than Jelly Bean.
The Android fragmentation, of course, isn't all Google's fault, with carriers often slow to approve updates for devices. But the move to a common OS that any manufacturer can use is a step in the right direction.
Read the CNET Editors' Take[h=3]Google Nexus 5[/h]Editors' Take: The wait is finally over -- Google officially announced its new flagship Nexus 5, available today starting at $349. Read More