Android fragmentation remains the biggest problem of this platform. Because of this “features” OS new software features reach users after many months and even years after release. Or not reach at all. A new study shows that the delay of the release of new versions is a key issue for the owners of Android-devices.
Android 6.0 Marshmallow came out in early October, more than three months ago. As of January 4, 2016, this OS has only 0.7% of smartphones. The most popular version of the platform remains Google’s Android 4.4 KitKat, which was released in October 2013.
At the same time, the last major update of the operating system Apple debuted a month earlier than Marshmallow. And for almost an equal period of time iOS 9 is already installed on 75% of compatible devices. Statistics Apple was published on January 11.
When distributing iOS does not have those obstacles that runs Android on the way to users. The process of preparing a “Google-like” releases by manufacturers of smartphones and tablets includes five stages. At zero stage is the evaluation of the new version. Google provides manufacturers of gadgets Toolkit for the new platform, and then officially announces a new version of the OS and released the source code to partners. After that there is testing and certification of Android builds from various manufacturers. At the last step of the update is supplied to the consumer. At each of these stages there may be a delay on the upgrade path.
The reason once again to broach the subject began the research by the University of British Columbia and the University of California. According to CNET, 80% of surveyed Android users would like to manage the permissions for mobile application after installation. So this feature works on iOS: the app asks for access to photos, contacts, and location when the user accesses a function within the application.
In this lies the main problem: Android 6.0 Marshmallow offers this functionality, but 99% of users simply cannot update to a newer version.
Android 6.0 Marshmallow was not destined to become the most popular system until the end of 2017 or beginning of 2018. But at the time it was released Android 8.0 and this version will become obsolete.
