Rubin: Expect Android updates to eventually happen just once a year

Hoping to put an end to the fragmentation that has resulted in a caste system amongst Android phones, Google VP Andy Rubin says that the company will eventually update its open source OS only once per year. It has been a rocket ship ride during the last 7 months for Android with non-stop product launches going from strength to strength, with each launch bringing something new and powerful to both hardware and software. The fun began in November with the launch of Android 2.0 and the Motorola DROID. Before you could say flagship, the Android 2.1 Nexus One was released and while the DROID finally received its 2.1 upgrade, HTC introduced a number of models including the Droid Incredible and the upcoming EVO 4G. This left an angry mob of pitchfork bearing Android 1.6 owners, ready to march on Mountain View to complain about the growing divide between the Android haves and have-nots.

Rubin said that the speed at which Android updated itself these last few months was necessary for the OS to become a legit consumer choice. Now, he says that the need for such speed is no longer required. The executive said, "Our product cycle is now, basically, twice a year, and it will probably end up being once a year when things start settling down, because a platform that's moving-it's hard for developers to keep up. I want developers o basically leverage the innovation. I don't want developers to have to predict the innovation."

source: MercuryNews