Google has released its latest Android distribution figures, covering the period up until the 7th of March 2016. The data reveals that Android Marshmallow has seen an increase in adoption since last month.
The latest version of Google’s mobile OS, Android Marshmallow, is now on 2.3% of devices, up from 1.2% percent last month. This growth, while modest, indicates a steady uptake of the new OS among users.
Android Lollipop and KitKat Lead the Pack
Android Lollipop remains the most widely used version of Android, now on 36.1 percent of devices. This makes it the largest version of Android on devices at the moment. Lollipop’s popularity can be attributed to its significant improvements over previous versions, including a more refined user interface and better performance.
Following closely is Android KitKat, which is installed on 34.3 percent of smartphones and tablets. KitKat introduced several key features that have kept it relevant, such as improved memory management and the “OK Google” voice search functionality.
Older Versions Still in Use
After Lollipop and KitKat, we have Android Jelly Bean, which is on 22.3 percent of Google’s Android devices. Jelly Bean brought about smoother performance and a more responsive user interface, which has helped it maintain a significant user base even as newer versions have been released.
The rest of the distribution is made up of older versions like Ice Cream Sandwich, Gingerbread, and Froyo. These versions account for a smaller percentage of the market but are still in use on some devices. Ice Cream Sandwich, for instance, introduced a unified user interface for both smartphones and tablets, while Gingerbread and Froyo brought about early improvements in performance and battery life.
Factors Influencing Android Version Adoption
Several factors influence the adoption rates of different Android versions. One major factor is the update policies of device manufacturers and carriers. Unlike Apple’s iOS, where updates are rolled out simultaneously to all compatible devices, Android updates are often delayed by manufacturers and carriers who need to customize the OS for their specific devices. This can result in slower adoption rates for newer versions.
Another factor is the hardware capabilities of older devices. Newer versions of Android often require more advanced hardware to run smoothly, which means that users with older devices may not be able to upgrade to the latest version. This is particularly true for devices running versions like Gingerbread and Froyo, which are several years old and may not have the necessary hardware to support newer versions of the OS.
The Future of Android Distribution
As Google continues to release new versions of Android, it will be interesting to see how the distribution figures evolve. The company has been working on initiatives like Project Treble, which aims to make it easier for manufacturers to update their devices to newer versions of Android. If successful, this could lead to faster adoption rates for future versions of the OS.
In the meantime, users can stay informed about the latest Android distribution figures by visiting the Android Developers website. This resource provides detailed information on the current state of Android adoption and can help developers make informed decisions about which versions of the OS to support in their apps.
You can find out more details about the latest Android distribution figures over at the Android Developers website at the link below.
Source Android Developers
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