Google wants smartphone makers to update Android faster

Google wants phone makers and mobile networks to update devices to the latest versions of Android quicker, according to a report by Bloomberg.

With “a mishmash of different smartphones running outdated software lacking the latest security and features”, Google has stepped up security updates and workarounds for reducing phone testing requirements.

Android is also establishing a ranking system that could “shame” phone makers into better update behaviour.

“Keeping Android fresh and unified is crucial because that’s how Google delivers its money-making search engine and new offerings,” stated the report.

According to Bloomberg, only 7.5% of Android devices run Marshmallow – the latest version of the mobile OS.

This is in comparison to Apple’s iPhones, of which 84% run the latest version of iOS.

More on Google

Start a science project with Google’s Science Journal

Google knows what you have done online