Tired of hearing about Android fragmentation? So are we. Google’s latest Android distribution numbers show that 83 percent of devices run Android 2.1 or higher — is this the end of Android fragmentation as we know it?
Developing for Android devices has often been considered a challenge. Many developers cite the variations, Android fragmentation, as the limiting factor hindering development. As of December 1, that fragmentation is becoming just an afterthought with 6.3 percent of devices running Android 1.5, 10.6 percent Android 1.6, 39.6 percent Android 2.1 and a whopping 43.4 percent Android 2.2.
As months pass, each distribution reports shows a higher percentage of devices running Android 2.1 or higher. On the verge of Android 2.3’s release, that percentage will only continue to rise. While manufacturer tweaks will surely prevent a single Android worldwide release date, turning that 83 percent into 90 or even 95 percent is now a reality.
Simply put, Android fragmentation is coming to a close. Google knows what needs to be done and month after month their dedication towards reaching that goal is being reflected in the distribution reports. All signs point to the need for a vanilla kernel, a unified version of Android — is Android 3.0 (Gingerbread) that solution?
If you would have asked us a year ago whether we thought there would be such a high volume of devices running Android 2.1 or higher, we probably would have laughed. With that being said, I think it’s now time for a formal apology. Google, you’ve done the hard work. You’ve lined up some serious upgrades for Android and we can’t wait to take Gingerbread for a spin – thank you.
The only question left to be answered is whether you’ll fully accept our beloved Samsung Galaxy Tab. Oh how we’d love to receive Nexus One treatment with first dibs on Android 2.3. Now that we’ve laid down the latest data it’s time to hear from you, the readers. Can we officially silence Android fragmentation, two words that seemed synonymous at times, or should we keep the topic open for discussion?
