Why Google can't "fix" fragmentation, and why you shouldn't want them to. (WARNING - LONG)

[Medion]

Content removed as I am retired from Phandroid/AF.

 

[mikedt]

I see first hand many companies and people that have a heck of a lot to do with Android, they all want to do their own thing of course, and absolutely no part with Google....it's called China. ...Nexus what's that?

Although here, as long as you develop for a basic device with Froyo, Gingerbread or Ice Cream Sandwich, your app or game should work...in other words develop for the lowest common denominator.

 

[funkylogik]

It would be nice if non-fragmentation happened naturally/organicly but, like socialism, it wont work if its forced on people :thumbup:

 

[Rxpert83]

Googles tacking fragmentation itself behind the scenes

Its no coincidence most of the new innovations this year at IO were independent of what android version you are on.

 

[mikedt]

Googles tacking fragmentation itself behind the scenes.

Yes I know, seems to me that Google is trying to increase it's presence here. They will comply with the laws of the PRC...."Do no evil." is history. Largest Android market in the world is too tempting for them.

 

[funkylogik]

I think android as an OS is pretty perfect now so i hope they keep up this trend of adding features through the Play Store and just maintain base android. Hopefully thats what KYP will bring :thumbup:

Also that would be a "good" way for google to "force" manufacturers have GApps on their device... lol im feelin cynical 2nite

 

[Medion]

It would be nice if non-fragmentation happened naturally/organicly but, like socialism, it wont work if its forced on people :thumbup:

By non-fragmentation, I'll assume that you mean the software side, unless you want every phone to be the same.

On the software side, this can only happen if Google takes over the updates for all devices. This would only occur if; A) carriers relent and B) hardware fragmentation goes away. In other words, say goodbye to your choice in hardware.

I think android as an OS is pretty perfect now so i hope they keep up this trend of adding features through the Play Store and just maintain base android. Hopefully thats what KYP will bring :thumbup:

Also that would be a "good" way for google to "force" manufacturers have GApps on their device... lol im feelin cynical 2nite

What Google is doing now is smart. By separating core functions from the OS, Google can push updates through Play Services in a way similar to how Microsoft pushes Windows Updates. However, it's still up to the OEM to update to the latest version of Android, and that level of fragmentation will likely remain as is (because they alter so much of the framework, Google can't update this on each device).

 

[mikedt]

By non-fragmentation, I'll assume that you mean the software side, unless you want every phone to be the same.

On the software side, this can only happen if Google takes over the updates for all devices. This would only occur if; A) carriers relent and B) hardware fragmentation goes away. In other words, say goodbye to your choice in hardware.



What Google is doing now is smart. By separating core functions from the OS, Google can push updates through Play Services in a way similar to how Microsoft pushes Windows Updates. However, it's still up to the OEM to update to the latest version of Android, and that level of fragmentation will likely remain as is (because they alter so much of the framework, Google can't update this on each device).

Yes what Google doing is smart. Moving to and increasing operations in China.

 

[Hadron]

The pedant in me has to correct one bit:

CyanogenMod, which is often cited, is NOT pure Android. It's an OEM skin just as much as Sense and Touchwiz, except that the Cyanogen team chooses to make their changes without altering the appearance of the UI.

It's true that CM is not pure Android - it's AOSP (which is pure android) plus extras. However, it is not an "OEM skin", because the CM team are not equipment manufacturers. In fact the term OEM now has multiple and contradictory uses, but none of them apply to a team that neither makes nor sells hardware.

 

[zuben el genub]

I bought a Nexus simply to avoid carrier nonsense. Now I'm having fun trying to avoid Google nonsense. Easier to avoid Google.

I got one update from Froyo to Gingerbread from TMO, and never again. I rooted and installed CM, used their ICS update. TMO simply added too much crap.

I've turned the phone into a glorified PDA so any information I want is at my fingertips. I'm not social, so social sites, restaurants, entertainment in town don't interest me.