Google to break Android into pieces

 

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By Stuart Turton

Posted on 30 Mar 2010 at 08:46

Google is looking to bring the various versions of Android in line by decoupling the core operating system from the applications running on top of it.

Google's constant iteration of the mobile OS means there are currently four major versions of Android on the market - 1.5, 1.6, 2.0, and 2.1, all of which are used by handset manufacturers.

This fragmentation means customers on older versions of Android are left waiting for their operator to roll out the update before being granted access to new features.

The Android 2.0 update, for example, brought multitouch and Exchange sync support to the OS, but HTC Hero customers had to wait over a month for the update to be tested and implemented by HTC.

Under the new scheme - reported by Engadget - applications and features will be updated independently of the core operating system and pushed out to users for download through the Android Market.

The system is already used to provide updates for Maps, and will be extended to core components - meaning that should Google improve the Android browser, or roll out a more responsive touchscreen keyboard, users can get hold of them without waiting for their handset manufacturer or mobile carrier.

The blog is also reporting that the company believes the underlying OS is now reaching maturity, and is expecting development to slow down, meaning fewer updates over the coming year.

The changes are expected to take place over the next two iterations of Android, dubbed Froyo and Gingerbread.

Google has not revealed when this new system will arrive.