So, Google's CEO said something about a new version, but it's coming after Android 3.0 ("Honeycomb"), and it ties in with Android 2.3 ("Gingerbread'), which really hasn't moved out yet, and might also update. So, uh, what's going on with Android, exactly? Help me make sense of all these desserts!
Sincerely,
Astonished by Android
Dear Astonished,
Here's our best shot at deciphering the official statements made by Eric Schmidt at today's Mobile World Congress, statements made here and there by Android workers, and less-than-official bits and pieces that help color in some of this rather crowded, abstract picture.
The Majority of Android Phones, Right Now, Are Running Android 2.2, "Froyo"
A bit over half of all Android devices are running Android 2.2, also known as "Froyo." That's based on Google's reporting, itself based on devices that have accessed the Market (even if only for app update checks in the background) within the last two weeks. The second largest share is Android 2.1, "Eclair," with just over 30 percent. Android 2.1 is technically an update to Android 2.0, which also falls under the "Eclair" name, but that's a separate bit of confusion that's in the past now.
Android 2.3 "Gingerbread" Is Technically Released, But Barely Available
Less than one percent of devices are running Android 2.3, because it's only available on the Nexus S (available only on T-Mobile in the U.S.), or to Android users who have installed unofficial, third-party firmware on their device (a.k.a. "rooting").
Read more: Lifehacker
Sincerely,
Astonished by Android
Dear Astonished,
Here's our best shot at deciphering the official statements made by Eric Schmidt at today's Mobile World Congress, statements made here and there by Android workers, and less-than-official bits and pieces that help color in some of this rather crowded, abstract picture.
The Majority of Android Phones, Right Now, Are Running Android 2.2, "Froyo"
A bit over half of all Android devices are running Android 2.2, also known as "Froyo." That's based on Google's reporting, itself based on devices that have accessed the Market (even if only for app update checks in the background) within the last two weeks. The second largest share is Android 2.1, "Eclair," with just over 30 percent. Android 2.1 is technically an update to Android 2.0, which also falls under the "Eclair" name, but that's a separate bit of confusion that's in the past now.
Android 2.3 "Gingerbread" Is Technically Released, But Barely Available
Less than one percent of devices are running Android 2.3, because it's only available on the Nexus S (available only on T-Mobile in the U.S.), or to Android users who have installed unofficial, third-party firmware on their device (a.k.a. "rooting").
Read more: Lifehacker