It is not that Android is really open source, because Google has gradually closed the system until it leaves only part. This is called AOSP, software that can be used without the express authorization of Google. This AOSP has long wasted the relevance for Google, which concentrated key development on its internal branch: for its devices and those of its partners. NOW All Android development will be carried out in private.
Talking about “pure Android” when we see a Google Pixel is completely false, because the software that includes mobile is specifically developed for the device. The “purity” remains only for the free branch of the system, known as Android AOSP, a firmware without excessive artifies which lost the interest on the part of Google. He will not disappear, but it will be almost like an anecdote.
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We have always had in mind that Android was a free operating system, as Google has been sold since 2008. Registered in the open alliance of the handsets as an open source initiative, the truth is that it gradually lost this capacity: Google was delay each AOSP publication To promote their interests and those of these manufacturers who integrate Android into their devices. The “partners” thus called.
While OSP is a free software branch that any manufacturer and / or developer can take advantage of it to create its own products, this branch It generally does not include the latest news that Google adds to Android. As we said, the publication of each AOSP is more and more later; It is therefore not surprising that Google decides to restrict these versions even more.
With the novelty put forward by Android Authority, and that Google itself confirmed with the developer, the version process of the software changes in the most open branch of Android. This sums up this change:
- Before. Part of the development of Android has become public via the AOSP branch, allowing external developers to follow real progress.
- NOW. All the development will be carried out in private already internally in Google. Once each new version is completed, the source code will also be published under AOSP.
Google wants Android to develop completely in private to take advantage of its advantages to improve its devices and those of its employees. It's a Conservative and restrictive movement However, the Panorama of the ROMs and the manufacturers who use AOSP: they will continue to take advantage of the firmware already published. The main change is that the news can no longer be followed in real time; which will subtract transparency from the process.
As much as OSP is not updated to the same extent as the Android of Google Pixel and the company, this does not mean that the open source branch disappears: it will continue to maintain
Mishaal Rahman advanced the Rudder Google and the company confirmed it: Android will be developed from now. This is bad news that Google ceases to trust free software even if it does not suppose excessive changes for users.
Cover image | Iván Linares
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