Key members of the Google Android team were part of a fireside conversation and they got candid about the future and processes of the Android development cycle. At the I/O conference, the team fielded questions about various aspects of Android development from developers around the world. One of the most asked questions was the fragmentation problem that Android was experiencing. The team members accepted that it was indeed an issue with Android. They also said that they were working on the problem, and ensuring that the problem will not affect the users in any way.
What is Fragmentation?
If you have enrolled in or completed any android courses or advanced android training, you will know what fragmentation is in detail. For the rest of you, fragmentation is a phenomenon in which there are more and more versions of Android appearing in the market. This has resulted in a lack of uniformity in the mobile OS. So, app development has become a major issue as apps will not be compatible with all the variants of Android available in the market.
Many Devices Are Still on Froyo and Gingerbread
Due to the fragmentation problem, majority of Android devices are still running on Froyo and Gingerbread version of Android. This was a version that was introduced way back in 2010. Although there have been a number of other versions released after that, a lot of people seem to be comfortable on the older versions. This has become a bit of a problem for Google.
App Market Bears the Brunt of This Problem
Although this problem has not had a very significant impact on developing Android as an operating system, the app market is where the heat is being felt. App developers have to contend with a majority of users running older versions of Android. This has got the app developers in a fix. If they release a toned down version of the app, they will lose the high-end handset market. If the app is too advanced and rich with features, its performance will suffer on the low-end devices.
Android Is a Baby
Android’s engineering director, Dave Burke, said that Android is still a baby and there’s a lot that can be done in terms of innovation for Android. He said that the team has big plans but there are a few challenges that will definitely push the team in the future. But he said that team will push forward no matter what.
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Samantha says
So does fragmentation mean that there are too many imitation android OS?
I am not clear on whether fragmentation means that there are bootleg copies of Android or if there are quality standard issues because the Android platform is an open source code.
I think the latter sounds like it could be more accurate. I do know that recently, there have been Chinese versions of Android phones that hit the market at very cheap prices.
Howard says
I have been using an Android cellphone for quite some time now and I have not heard of this fragmentation problem.
But if it has to do with data loss, then I have definitely read the Android forums where people are distraught over losing precious data.
People should realize that you should always back up important data on a secondary drive.