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Google's solution to Android fragmentation coming in 'Froyo'

One of the largest problems currently facing Google's Android operating system is the great degree of fragmentation due to the many different products that manufacturers and carriers have brought to the market. As it stands now, there are four different versions of Android software on various handsets: 1.5, 1.6, 2.0, and 2.1. The reason for this can be attributed to the inevitable differences in hardware, third party software (such as HTC's Sense UI), and the carrier or manufacturer's capacity to update their products.
Currently released Android phones ordered by their supported Android version so far include the following:
* 1.5: HTC Hero, T-Mobile Pulse, LG GW620, Motorola Cliq, Motorola Backflip, Samsung Behold, Samsung i7500, Samsung Moment
* 1.6: HTC Dream, HTC Magic, HTC Tattoo, Motorola Devour, Sony Ericsson Xperia X10
* 2.0: Motorola XT800
* 2.1: Google Nexus One, HTC Legend, HTC Desire, Motorola Droid, Samsung i5700
This large degree of platform fragmentation finds users and developers unable to take advantage of newer features and bug fixes that the latest release holds. For example, users without Android 2.0 or higher are left without Exchange support and new UI improvements, among other things. Taking note of these critical problems, Google will tackle the issue head on by taking their software into their own hands for their next Android release.
Named "Froyo", Google's next Android version will be detached of the usual set of first party applications and core components that currently populate the OS. Instead of bundling those applications with the operating system, Google will instead make them available through the Android Market for download. This is currently how updates to Google Maps are handled on Android.
This new approach will apply to both Android applications and system components. So for example, if Google brings a new update to the virtual keyboard or email application, all one would have to do is download the update directly from the Market as it instantly becomes available. No longer would users have to wait for their carrier or manufacturer to make it available for download.
Also reported is that Google is finishing up most of the core work required for Android and will soon be shifting development to consumer features and applications. Developers should be getting finalized APIs and frameworks as Froyo arrives, so they can instead focus on making applications faster and easier with greatly matured tools for the OS.
Source - http://www.neowin.net/news/google039s-solution-to-android-fragmentation-coming-in-039froyo039

android 2.2 on the way according to some intell

not my artical just found it orig web page
androidandmeDOTcom/2010/04/news/android-2-2-is-coming-what-features-do-you-want/
replace dot = .
Android 2.2 is coming. What features do you want?
By Taylor Wimberly on Apr 20267
The majority of Android phones are still running an outdated firmware, but that hasn’t slowed Google from advancing their mobile operating system. Everyone knows the next version of Android (codenamed Froyo) is on the way and the rumors (1, 2) are beginning to pick up that the Nexus One will receive it soon.
Based on the data from our analytics reports it appears Google has already begun testing on their next firmware – Android 2.2. Google engineers have routinely given codenames to future builds of Android (Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, etc.), but they don’t receive a point release till they are finalized and nearing distribution.
We have shared this reporting data before and people are always quick to point out that it can be easily faked, but I have spoke with additional sources familiar with the matter who confirmed Android 2.2 is currently being tested.
The feature set for Android 2.2 was frozen long ago, but it remains mostly unknown. Google decided last year that they would no longer publish public roadmaps for future versions of Android. Based on the information we can gather, it appears Android 2.2 will mainly focus on performance enhancements.
Some of the rumored features for Android 2.2 include:
•JIT compiler
•Free additional RAM
•OpenGL ES 2.0 enhancements
•Flash 10.1 support
•Fixed problem with “crazy screen” / Resolution of cross multitouch
•Activation of Color Trackball
•Enable FM radio
Some of these features are plausible and others we have no clue.
The JIT compiler has already been confirmed by Google and we expect to find out new details during Google I/O. Android engineers will be leading a discussion that informs devs how to test and tune their apps to work with the new compiler.
Additional free RAM should come thanks to the new Linux kernel being used in Froyo. Google is moving from 2.6.29 to the newer 2.6.32 which makes it possible to address the extra RAM. This has already been done in custom ROMs like CyanogenMod so expect this feature for sure.
I’m no expert on OpenGL, but it has long been rumored that Froyo (or a future build) will add new APIs to the Android NDK which will let Java devs have full access to the OpenGL ES 2.0 library.
Flash 10.1 is coming in the first half of the year. It is entirely possible it could be tied to a future Android firmware and be included with an OTA update.
We have already addressed the HTC touch sensor issues. It sounds like a future software update could be used to clean this up a little.
Multicolor trackball notifications are definitely coming. Android hackers like ChainsDD have already unlocked this feature for users of custom ROMs. Google advertised the multicolor trackball during its launch of the Nexus One, but the feature was cut from the final Android 2.1 build.
When it comes to the FM radio, I have no idea. Other HTC phones on a similar Snapdragon platform (Desire and Incredible) include the FM radio so it’s not out of the question that the N1 has it too.
I spoke with Google’s Eric Tseng during CES and he told me there were many secrets left in the Nexus One that we would discover later.
When is it Android 2.2 coming out?
Circle May 19th on your calendar. This is the opening day of Google I/O and I’m anticipating the release of Android 2.2 (and maybe the Flash 10.1 beta) will be tied to this event. Google has provided every developer attending the event a free Droid or Nexus One, so it is possible to see a simultaneous release on both devices.
I’m really curious how first generation devices are going to play with this release. We are expecting most phones to receive Android 2.1 this month, so it will be interesting to see how Froyo fits in. Some of the Android engineers have been talking about Froyo on the Google boards and it is unclear if the HTC Dream and Magic will be able to support it since they only have 192 MB of RAM.
p.s. if in wrong spot please move it im a tootal newb

leaked confimation that there will be a phone version of honeycomb

If you have played with the honeycomb emulator in the Android SDK, you might of been disapointed that it looked like honeycomb was only for tablets, but an insider at HTC has leaked some info about the new HTC Revolver, allegedly shipping with honeycomb. this is great news hopefully meaning google are working on a smartphone version of homneycomb aswell
http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/14/htc-revolver-a-flagship-honeycomb-phone-for-atandt/

The next version of Android after Honeycomb is reportedly merging Honeycomb and regular android together according to Eric Shmidt at MWC
http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2011-02/16/android-honeycomb-and-gingerbread-to-merge

[Q] 3.0 to 3.1 how same/different

While reading over at Android developers I encountered this statement...Android 3.1 is an incremental platform release that refines many of the features introduced in Android 3.0. It builds on the same tablet-optimized UI and features offered in Android 3.0 and adds several new capabilities for users and developers. This document provides an overview of the new features and technologies introduced in Android 3.1. So I was wondering how much of a stretch would it be to get it on the A7 based on the success of A7comb?

Google may launch Android 5.0 in 2012.

Viewing that the adoption of Android 4.0 has fallen short of original expectations and Microsoft will launch Windows 8 in the third quarter of 2012, Google is likely to launch Android 5.0 (Jelly Bean) in the second quarter and appeal for adopting Android 5.0 and Windows 8 in the same tablet PC, according to Taiwan-based supply chain makers.
Android 5.0 will be further optimized for tablet PCs, while Google will also integrate its Chrome system functions to push dual-operating system designs. Brand vendors can either choose to adopt only Android 5.0 or add Android 5.0 to Windows 8 devices with the ability to switch between the two OSes without the need to shut down the computer.
Through Android 5.0, Google also wishes to earn another chance to enter the notebook and netbook markets.
However, since Android 4.0 did not perform as well as expected, several of Google's downstream partners are turning conservative about Android 5.0.
Source: http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20120215PD209.html
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tkoreaper said:
Viewing that the adoption of Android 4.0 has fallen short of original expectations and Microsoft will launch Windows 8 in the third quarter of 2012, Google is likely to launch Android 5.0 (Jelly Bean) in the second quarter and appeal for adopting Android 5.0 and Windows 8 in the same tablet PC, according to Taiwan-based supply chain makers.
Android 5.0 will be further optimized for tablet PCs, while Google will also integrate its Chrome system functions to push dual-operating system designs. Brand vendors can either choose to adopt only Android 5.0 or add Android 5.0 to Windows 8 devices with the ability to switch between the two OSes without the need to shut down the computer.
Through Android 5.0, Google also wishes to earn another chance to enter the notebook and netbook markets.
However, since Android 4.0 did not perform as well as expected, several of Google's downstream partners are turning conservative about Android 5.0.
Source: http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20120215PD209.html
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Did not perform as well as expected?? How many phones have launched with ics? Maybe a couple? And has anyone even got an ics update yet?
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muyoso said:
Did not perform as well as expected?? How many phones have launched with ics? Maybe a couple? And has anyone even got an ics update yet?
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Sounds like they were only considering the tablet and notebook performance, i could be wrong though.

kennyglass123 said:
Sounds like they were only considering the tablet and notebook performance, i could be wrong though.
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yeah sounds like jelly bean will purely be a tablet based os like honeycomb.. so no jelly bean for us unless of course you have a tab
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Biggoron said:
yeah sounds like jelly bean will purely be a tablet based os like honeycomb.. so no jelly bean for us unless of course you have a tab
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The whole point of ICS was to join the two. I highly doubt 5.0 will be soley for tablets.
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I didn't understand it either... ICS hasn't been out long at all is only officially on 1 device. Jellybean, I believe, is supposed to continue being for both Phones and Tablets.

tkoreaper said:
I didn't understand it either... ICS hasn't been out long at all is only officially on 1 device. Jellybean, I believe, is supposed to continue being for both Phones and Tablets.
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I too thought ICS was supposed to finally merge phone and tablet. One OS for both, working well on both. Perhaps it doesn't perform well on tablets, but it performs well on phones?
I don't think they'll release JB for tabs only, as that would then just increase fragmentation, which they're desperately trying to get away from. Perhaps it will be a fresher version of ICS only working better on tablets? Maybe it won't be 5.0 after all, maybe more like a 4.1 release.

I doubt 5.0 will be out so soon it'll be out a little after we start seeing next Gen phones my guess a little after sgs3

If we do see jellybean in 2012 I bet it won't be until late in the year.
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tkoreaper said:
Google is likely to launch Android 5.0 (Jelly Bean) in the second quarter and appeal for adopting Android 5.0 and Windows 8 in the same tablet PC, according to Taiwan-based supply chain makers.
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Utter garbage. Microsoft has been very clear that ANY tablet device running Windows 8 MUST have a locked BIOS, meaning Windows 8 is the ONLY OS that will be able to run on these devices. This is for security purposes (and they don't want a bunch of dual-booting Windows tablets), and Microsoft has forced all OEM's to agree to this - it's out of their control.

Dante of the Inferno said:
Utter garbage. Microsoft has been very clear that ANY tablet device running Windows 8 MUST have a locked BIOS, meaning Windows 8 is the ONLY OS that will be able to run on these devices. This is for security purposes (and they don't want a bunch of dual-booting Windows tablets), and Microsoft has forced all OEM's to agree to this - it's out of their control.
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I agree with you Dante, I'm seeing this "rumor" everywhere on electronics sights, but no source is ever sited where's the credibility
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The article mentions accessing android without needing to reboot which would imply some type of setup other than "dual-boot." Possibly using emulation or some other trickery. Also consider all the motorola handsets with locked + encrypted bootloaders that dev's got CM running on through some type of secondary boot loader. Google is full of smart people who could pop into XDA, read up on how it was done, and then package that up for these windows 8 tabs...lol!