We’ve all had that “When is my Android OS getting updated” feeling. Or buying a new phone that comes with an earlier version of the OS. Well it looks like Google are now going to do something about it.
A report from Google may change all of that as it stipulates that all new Android smartphones will be required to have Kit-Kat installed on them out of the box.
This doesn’t exclude any handsets; if you want to buy an Android phone, whether it’s a low end, mid-ranger, or a high-end mega device, all of them need to have 4.4 pre-installed.
The report states as follows:
This looks like it doesn’t seem to matter until you look a little closer. It means that if manufacturer’s (OEM’s) don’t meet the ‘GMS approval window’ they will miss out on enjoying Google Mobile Services, by that Google means all its apps which would include,, possibly, Google Play access. An Android phone without easy access to applications will probably not be too appealing to consumers.
If Google does indeed force this then, there will be decidedly less entry-level Android phones flooding the market. For handsets to run Kit-Kat well, they need to meet certain tech criteria in the specifications, and OEM’s who produce these phones will certainly shy away from making budget droids if the hardware costs them too much.
The budget smartphone market may just open up, and Windows Phones, Samsung Tizen even Ubuntu handsets could come in and claim the share that Android will vacate…
Source: Mobilebloom
Dave Thornton
Been involved in technology for many years, more than I care to remember. Live in Dundee, Scotland. I like Android, Windows Phone OS, BlackBerry OS and iOS, and love writing about all things techie. Currently have a Honor 6+, Elephone P6000, Nexus 5, Chrombook C720, HTC One M7, Nokia Lumina 625, Microsoft Lumia 435, Blackberry Q10, HTC Hero and iPad mini
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