Google announces Android Distribution Chart for devices

Google recently released the distribution chart for Android devices ahead of CES 2018.The distribution chart offered some interesting insights about Google's most cherished product- Android and its reach around the devices in the global markets. As per the figures released by Google,

Android Oreo which occupied 0.5% in December 2017 increased to 0.7%. The increase in 0.2% of the figure was quite certain due to the recently introduced Pixel handsets and previous Pixel and Nexus smartphones.However, Android Oreo 8.1 made its way into the chart after meeting up with the lowest benchmark for Google devices.

Let's have a look at the chart announced by Google starting from the older versions

Android Lollipop surged from 26.3% to 25.1%, and KitKat settled at 12.8% with a 0.6% drop from its previous 13.4%. The older Android versions like Jelly Bean and Android Gingerbread recorded usage of 5.6% and 0.4% respectively. Both of the older versions experienced a decline in their relative usage December 2017 values. It is quite surprising that Gingerbread is still on the chart it being seven years old. The emerging new Android version Oreo and Nougat is leading to the gradual decline in the usage of older versions Android.

Android Marshmallow, however still remains the most used Android OS though its popularity is consistently dropping. If Android Nougat continues its trend then Marshmallow wouldn't take long to collapse. Android Marshmallow recorded 28.6% which is lower than the 29.7% of its usage which was registered in December 2017.

Android Nougat is consistently evolving. The reports suggest that OS (Android 7.0 and Android 7.1 combined) was active on 20.6% and 23.3% of Android devices in November and December 2017. The reports also suggest that 26.3% of Android devices run on Android Nougat currently. Android 7.0 increased by 1.8% and Android 7.1 increased by 1.2% according to some statistics. Devices like Moto X4 and OnePlus 5T which were shipped with Android 7.0 Nougat contributed to this increase

As noted, Google has always been criticized for fragmentation of its mobile OS across the devices from several manufacturers. Unlike iOS, Android has always been a victim of untimely updates and support for older Android devices. However, Google is not completely at fault here as the problem persists with the smartphone manufacturers who adds their own custom skins and largely fails to deliver on timely updates.

Apple users on the other hand enjoy the latest software updates, even on devices which are two to three years old.

For all tech related updates stay tuned to www.gizbot.com