Not too long ago, Google released the Android distribution numbers for the month of September, and there are quite a few improvements to look at when it comes to Google’s operating system.
As per the latest numbers, Google’s Android 7.0 Nougat is running on 15.8 percent of devices, up from 13.5 percent last month. This increase indicates a steady adoption rate as more manufacturers and users upgrade their devices to the newer version. Nougat brought several enhancements, including improved multitasking with split-screen mode, more efficient Doze mode for battery saving, and bundled notifications for a cleaner user experience.
Android Marshmallow and Lollipop
The market share for Android 6.0 Marshmallow remains relatively stable with negligible change, running on 32.2 percent of devices. Marshmallow introduced significant features such as Google Now on Tap, which provides contextual information based on the content currently displayed on the screen, and granular app permissions, giving users more control over what data apps can access.
Android Lollipop, which is running on 28.8 percent of Android devices, continues to be a significant player in the Android ecosystem. Lollipop was a major update that introduced Material Design, a new design language that brought a more cohesive and visually appealing interface across the operating system and apps. It also introduced the ART runtime, which improved app performance and battery life.
Decline of Older Versions
Android KitKat saw a decline of 1 percent compared to last month. KitKat, which was released in 2013, brought several optimizations for lower-end devices, making it possible for more affordable smartphones to run Android smoothly. However, as newer versions of Android offer more features and better performance, the usage of KitKat continues to decrease.
As for Google’s latest Android 8.0 Oreo operating system, which was released last month, it has yet to make a significant appearance on major devices. Oreo introduced several new features, such as picture-in-picture mode, notification dots, and autofill for easier login and form filling. Additionally, Oreo brought Project Treble, a major re-architecture of the Android OS framework designed to make it easier and faster for manufacturers to update devices to newer versions of Android.
Manufacturers have released their list of devices that will receive the new operating system, but they haven’t reached devices except for a few Pixel devices. The slow rollout can be attributed to the time it takes for manufacturers to customize and test the new OS for their specific hardware and software configurations. However, as more devices receive the update, we can expect to see Oreo’s market share increase in the coming months.
The fragmentation of the Android ecosystem has always been a challenge, with multiple versions of the operating system running on a wide range of devices. This fragmentation can make it difficult for developers to ensure their apps work seamlessly across all versions and devices. However, Google’s efforts with initiatives like Project Treble aim to address these challenges and streamline the update process.
The latest Android distribution numbers show a steady adoption of newer versions like Nougat, while older versions like KitKat continue to decline. The introduction of Android Oreo brings exciting new features and improvements, and we can expect its market share to grow as more devices receive the update. Google’s ongoing efforts to address fragmentation and improve the update process will play a crucial role in the future of the Android ecosystem.
Nonetheless, we’ll update you as soon as the latest Android Oreo operating system makes its way onto other devices.
Source: Google
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
