The latest version of Google's mobile software, Jelly Bean, has reached 10 per cent of all devices, according to the latest numbers just in from Android Developers. That's calculated in the two weeks ending 3 January, and is up from just under 7 per cent at the start of December.
The other big news is that crusty old Gingerbread is on the way down, though version 2.3 is still by far the most popular build of Android, accounting for just under 50 per cent of devices. Will we ever see the back of it?
Out of the two flavours of Jelly Bean -- 4.1 and 4.2 -- it's 4.1 that's increased the most. It's to be found on 9 per cent of Android devices (equal to ancient 2.2 Froyo), while 4.2 is on just 1.2 per cent. Which makes sense, seeing as it landed in October, compared to 4.1 back in July.
Ice Cream Sandwich, meanwhile, is on 29 per cent of Android phones and tablets.
Jelly Bean is still the preserve of flagships such as the Samsung Galaxy S3, HTC One X and Google Nexus 4. It's taken six months to reach 10 per cent market share, which isn't unusual in the world of Android updates. It's not ideal, obviously, but there are millions of low-cost phones running older versions, so the fraction with the most up to date software is always going to be small.
Fragmentation is the main problem plaguing Android. Unless you're buying a new phone every 12 months, you're likely to miss out on the latest update. And even if you are getting a new handset, you're far from guaranteed. It's all well and good Google pushing out a new build of its operating system every 12 months (or even less), but if you've only just got the previous version, being told you're already out of date is rather galling.
Which version of Android are you running? And what can be done about these update woes? Let me know what you reckon in the comments, or on our always up-to-date Facebook page.
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Comments 5
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anonymous 7 January, 2013 10:37
Mobile phone providers should not be in the loop when it comes to software updates.
There should be only be a 3 step process.
E,g
Step 1 Google updates Android.
Step 2 Phone manufacturer Checks if its suitable for a handset.
Step 3 End user get the update.
.
anonymous 7 January, 2013 11:52
I personally think handset makers should be responsible to upgrade their phones within 2 months of a new update for at least 2 years (that being minimum contract length today) and anyone who doesn't should stop being able to use Android, because its giving Google a real bad name now.
CaptainPicard 7 January, 2013 11:56
There are numerous reasons why Android is fragmenting, but there is a solution. Since most 'Droids are running Gingerbread, Google should launch scaled down versions of Google Now and other ICS and JB features as apps on the Play Store that are compatible with Android 2.3. This way people will have access to ICS and JB features without having to upgrade their phones or wait for the networks to update their phone.
And I'm on Android 4.1 on my HTC One X, and to be honest its overrated and I didn't really find any of the new features useful. Though Flash works!!
anonymous 7 January, 2013 17:27
Windows Phone 7.5 on 100% of WP7 handhelds (or there about)
Windows Phone 7.8 soon on the way and soon to be on 100% of WP7 handhelds....
God Android keep up!
anonymous 7 January, 2013 19:33
@anonymong 17:27 Android a million times more popular and a lot more complex than any windows os!
God keep up!