Google has updated thePlatform Versions statistics charton its Android Developers portal and its analysis shows that Android 2.1 (Eclair), Android 2.2 (Froyo) and Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) now run on 89.8% of the total Android handsets currently available in the market.
The figure, up 7% from theprevious report, demonstrates Google’s efforts to reduce fragmentation of its operating system, often plagued by mobile operators that would delay updates as they sought to include branding, additional software and bug fixes.
From the data collected two weeks previous to February 2 2011, Android 2.2 was operational on 57.6% of Android devices, with Android 2.1 accounting for 31.4%. Android 1.6 can be found on 6.3% of devices and Android 1.5 run on 3.9%, thanks largely to users not knowing they can update their devices or their phones have become obsolete and are no longer supported.
Gingerbread is still only on a small percentage of devices as manufacturers look to put the finishing touches to new smartphones that will be unveiled at this years Mobile World Congress. Today’s figures show a dramatic shift in how many devices now run Android 2.2, rising 14.2% in just over two months, signalling the fact manufacturers are slowly updating their customers to a newer version of the operating system.
The 💜 of EU tech
The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It’s free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!
We imagine Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) will gain in popularity in the coming months, only the Nexus S officially supports the software at this time but a wave of new devices will begin to hit the market after their MWC unveilings.
Story byMatt Brian
Matt is the former News Editor for The Next Web. You can follow him on Twitter, subscribe to his updates on Facebook and catch up with him(show all)Matt is the former News Editor for The Next Web. You can follow him onTwitter, subscribe to his updates onFacebookand catch up with him onGoogle+.
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.
