By Two weeks ago, we updated you guys on the “state of Android fragmentation” (I had to make it sound important), and now Google has clocked back in with another update. Last time, we saw 2.0+ devices sitting at the bottom of the barrel, while 1.6 sat in the middle watching as 1.5 dominated. Things are a bit different this time, however, with Android 2.1 making a significant leap.
While it’s sad that users are still subject to using Android 1.5 on a number of different devices (including the Samsung Moment, HTC Hero, Motorola’s MOTOBLUR-enabled devices, etc), we’re equally happy to see that Android 2.1 is making a strong push to take over. They make up for 32.4% of all of the devices that accessed the Android market within the two-week time frame, while 1.6 and 1.5 devices accessed the market 31.6% and 38.0% of the time, respectively.
Again, I stress this data doesn’t account for every device, but it’s a pretty accurate representation considering the frequency at which you would expect the average user to access the Market (updates, looking for new apps, support, and so on). As we expect more manufacturers to update their handset’s firmware versions to 2.1 (whenever that will be), we should begin to see Android 1.5 steadily decline over the next few months as 2.1 takes over as the dominant version. It’ll also be fun to see how Froyo/2.2 does after we begin to see handsets shipped with it later in the year.
“Android 2.1 takes the lead”? That chart shows 1.5 in the lead.
I meant takes the lead above 1.6, perhaps I shall reflect that in the title, too.
With mention of 2.1 and HTC Hero….
Reminds me Sprint has 11 days to keep their promise about delivering it “early second quarter”. I think we can all agree after the 15th would be late second quarter…right? If does happen in time, the next set of stats should show a rather large increase in the 2.1 column
Yep and why 1.5 is at first place ? BECAUSE THERE IS NO HTC UPDATE FOR MAGIC for EUROPE :) so we all are stuck with 1.5 ;D
(not me I am with custom rom but most peoples are )
The number of 1.5 devices is still disgustingly high.
C’mon Motorola, HTC & Samsung! Get moving!
It doesn’t say 2.1 takes the lead anywhere!!! Clearly it says it takes SECOND PLACE.
The Hero getting its 2.1 update should be enough to allow it to take the lead. 2.2 is coming out in June supposedly so we’ll have to see how this affects fragmentation. Its supposed to address fragmentation going forward. Doubt it can do anything about all the 1.5 and 1.6 units out there
why don’t you write reason of this jump of 2.1 devices over last 14 days? i suppose it has something to do with new cyanogen’s 2.1 firmware for t-mobile g1(htc dream) and htc magic :)
I already have 2.1 on my phone via root method so I’m not really concerned with a release.
I can only hope that the popularity (?) of the Incredible will push HTC to work on updating Sense for Android 2.2 in a TIMELY manner.
@Hexto He obviously changed the title.
I didn’t even know there were 1.1 devices…
The numbers are subjective, as an old 1.5 user would access market much less frequently than a 2.1 user looking for apps to fill in his/her new shiny toy.
@Vlad,
This sampling includes devices that automatically check the android market for updates to existing installed apps. Nearly all Android phones would be configured to check every day or so, so this is still pretty good representations.
Yes the real reason was Cyanogens release of 2.1 for dream/magic
Yes 2.1 was available but it was not really usable as a daily rom prev to this release for these phones..
Who are these Moto Droid users who haven’t upgraded form 2.0 and 2.0.1?
cyanogenmod ftw.
I agree with Sergio. I can imagine the scene.
Upgrade dialog box: Android 2.1 offers performance enhancements, bugfixes, and new features.
User: “no, I don’t really want that.”
And even more confusing, who would still be on 2.0? What would make you decide NOT to accept a minor bugfix release? “I’m used to the device’s glitches and error messages and no one will take that away from me”
As a developer I can tell you all that this much fragmentation is starting to take its toll on my patience. I hope Google does something about it because some of us are pulling our hair out.
Maybe we’ll see 2.1 take the lead when Tmo gets the 2.1 update out to their first flagship devices, the G1 (assuming, of course, they can make it fit) and the MyTouch.
well then, Google should be very well aware that many 2.1 capable devices are still stuck in 1.5…
Fragmentation is a serious issue for Android.. I hope they realize this and truly get working on it. (I don’t see how they can address fragmentation in updates Froyo and Gingerbread, if most devices don’t even have Eclair).