Google has released its latest Android distribution figures, covering the seven-day period up to the 6th of February 2017. According to these figures, Android Nougat is now on 1.2% of devices. This marks a gradual increase as more users and manufacturers adopt the latest version of the operating system.
Android Marshmallow and Lollipop Dominance
Android Marshmallow is currently on 30.7 percent of Android devices. This version, known for its introduction of features like Doze mode for battery optimization and granular app permissions, remains popular among users. Following closely is Android Lollipop, which is on 33.7 percent of devices. Lollipop brought significant changes to the user interface with the introduction of Material Design, making it a visually appealing update that many users still appreciate.
Older Versions Still in Use
Next up, we have Android KitKat on 21.9 percent of devices. KitKat was a notable release for its optimization to run on devices with as little as 512MB of RAM, making it a versatile choice for lower-end smartphones. Android Jelly Bean, which introduced features like Google Now and Project Butter for smoother performance, is still on 11.3 percent of devices.
The final two versions in the distribution figures are Android Ice Cream Sandwich and Android Gingerbread, both on 1 percent of devices. Ice Cream Sandwich was a significant update that unified the smartphone and tablet user experiences, while Gingerbread, despite being released in 2010, still lingers on a small fraction of devices due to its lightweight nature and compatibility with older hardware.
The adoption rate of new Android versions can be influenced by several factors, including the speed at which manufacturers roll out updates, the willingness of users to upgrade, and the lifecycle of their devices. For instance, flagship devices from major manufacturers like Samsung, Google, and LG tend to receive updates more quickly compared to budget or older models.
Moreover, the fragmentation of the Android ecosystem means that not all devices are capable of running the latest versions due to hardware limitations. This is why older versions like KitKat and Jelly Bean still maintain a presence in the distribution figures.
You can find out more information about the latest Android distribution figures over at the Android Developers at the link below.
Source Android Developers
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