Google may force OEMs to release phones running the latest version of Android

Earlier this year, as part of the patent sharing agreement it was reported that Google had asked Samsung to scale back customisation and homegrown apps in future devices, and now news has it that the search giant wants more control over its mobile OS platform. According to the rumour mill, Google is pressurising OEMs to launch new devices running the latest Android version. It is also believed that Google may close down the window for older mobile iteration nine months after the new Android version is released. Android tracking blog, Android Police has put out a leaked document which reveals that Google has instituted a new policy for OEMs. It states if an OEM wants to launch its device with Google Mobile Services including Google Apps and Play store, the device should install the latest iteration of Android.[caption id="attachment_218013" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The leaked document[/caption] Any Android update is made up of two parts. One is the AOSP, or the Android Open Source Platform while the other is the GMS (Google Mobile Services). To get GMS, the device has to pass a technical evaluation meeting certain requirements such as performance, screen resolution etc. From the document is seems that the window to certify devices running Android 4.1 or below with Google Mobile Services expired on February 1, this year. If this bit of news turns out to be true then devices running Android 4.1 or below will not meet the requirements for Google Mobile Services. The report also points out that after 24 April 2014, manufacturers will not be allowed to launch devices running Android 4.2 and the same would apply for Android 4.3 from 31 July 2014. Though OEMs may not be happy with the decision as this could affect their production and development cycles. For consumers however this move could mean an end to the fragmentation of the Android OS and they'll be able to get their hands on the latest Android version as manufacturers will be compelled to push out updates quickly quickly.