Google has this week released the latest usage statistics for its Android operating system, which shows that the Android OS is still fragmented with Froyo (Android 2.2) at the top of the user stats with an impressive 51.2 percent usage share. Followed by Gingerbread (Android 2.3) with 30.7 percent share.
However, when you compare the results to last month’s, Gingerbread is making the largest gains and has jumped from 24.3 percent last month, with Froyo falling from 55.9 percent.
The following pie chart and table compiled and released by Google is based on the number of Android devices that have accessed the Android Market within a 14-day period ending on September 2, 2011.
Detailed Breakdown of Android Versions
- Android 1.5 – 1.0 percent
- Android 1.6 – 1.8 percent
- Android 2.1 – 13.3 percent
- Android 2.2 – 51.2 percent
- Android 2.3 to 2.3.2 – 0.6 percent
- Android 2.3.3 to 2.3.4 – 30.7 percent
- Android 3.0 – 0.2 percent
- Android 3.1 – 0.7 percent
- Android 3.2 – 0.5 percent
Implications of Fragmentation
The fragmentation of the Android operating system has been a topic of discussion among developers and users alike. Fragmentation refers to the existence of multiple versions of the Android OS being used simultaneously. This can pose several challenges:
1. Development Complexity: Developers need to ensure that their applications are compatible with multiple versions of Android, which can increase development time and costs. For instance, an app that works perfectly on Froyo might encounter issues on Gingerbread or newer versions.
2. Security Concerns: Older versions of Android may not receive the latest security updates, making devices running these versions more vulnerable to security threats. Users on Android 1.5 or 1.6, for example, might be at a higher risk compared to those on newer versions.
3. User Experience: The user experience can vary significantly between different versions of Android. Features available on newer versions might not be present on older ones, leading to a fragmented user experience. For example, Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) introduced a new user interface designed specifically for tablets, which was not available on earlier versions.
Despite these challenges, the Android ecosystem continues to thrive, with a wide range of devices catering to different market segments. The diversity of devices and versions allows Android to reach a broad audience, from budget-conscious consumers to high-end users.
Source: TFTS : Google
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