New Android Smartphones Have To Run KitKat, Says Leaked Google Memo

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While Google's Android operating system comes in a number of different versions, it depends from handset to handset as to which version of Android it is running. For example, while most of the new smartphones (such as Nexus 5 and Moto G) have been shown the green light to run the latest Android KitKat v4.4, others, predominantly, run on Android Jelly Bean while waiting for the next update to arrive.

 

However, if you are planning to buy an entirely new Android handset in the coming days (knowing you might or might not get the latest Android build), you could be in luck. According to reports, a leaked document from Google has claimed that the company will no longer approve new Android devices unless they are running the latest Android build directly out of the box.

 
New Android Smartphones Have To Run KitKat, Says Leaked Google Memo

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As of now, it is to be kept in mind that the memo is a leak and will require further official confirmation before anything serious happens. However, if the leaked memo indeed turns out to be true, it could arrive as a massive boost for all the potential Android users and could mean that everyone who opts for a new handset will be getting the new update irrespective of the device being an entry-level, a mid ranger or a premium one.

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The leaked Google memo, revealed by MobileBloom, says: "Starting February 2014, Google will no longer approve GMS distribution on new Android products that ship older platform releases. Each platform release will have a 'GMS approval window' that typically closes nine months after the next Android platform release is publicly available."

In case you are confused as to what the GMS distribution means, Google here is talking about access to its cloud services and the Google Play Store. Basically, while device makers will still be able to use previous versions of Android on their new handsets, but they will be unable to access Google's official app store or other Google services such as Google Now, Google Docs or the Chrome browser.

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More on this is expected to materialize in the forthcoming months.

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