Android updates don’t matter anymore, and it’s all Google’s fault
The growing importance of the Play Store as a delivery channel for Android features marks a fundamental shift in the way Google approaches mobile operating system updates. This trend reflects a broader industry trend of treating operating systems as mere platforms, rather than standalone products that receive comprehensive updates. By relegating updates to the Play Store, Google can more easily push new features to users without having to worry about the complexities and fragmentation of Android updates. This approach also allows device manufacturers to focus on hardware and software customizations, rather than waiting for OS updates to catch up with the latest features and security patches.
ANALYSIS: As the gap between Android updates and Play Store features widens, device manufacturers may need to rethink their strategy for delivering new features and security patches to users. This could lead to a more fragmented market, where different devices receive different levels of support and feature upgrades. Meanwhile, users may need to be more vigilant about keeping their apps up to date, as the Play Store becomes the primary source of new features and functionality.
Key Takeaways
Android device manufacturers will need to adapt to a more fluid and fragmented ecosystem, where OS updates are no longer the primary means of delivering new features.
Users may need to become more proactive in managing their app updates, as the Play Store becomes the primary source of new features and functionality.
Google's shift towards the Play Store as a delivery channel for Android features may pave the way for a more modular and customizable mobile operating system.
About the Source
This analysis is based on reporting by Android Authority. Here is a short excerpt for context:
Most new features come from the Play Store, not an Android upgrade.Read the original at Android Authority
