It looks like Android 5.0 Key Lime will be releasing this fall with more support for older devices in an attempt to curb fragmentation between Android devices.
According to an in-depth Wall Street Journal report on Google's upcoming plans, Google is gearing up for a mysterious "K release" in the fall as the search giant begins "[wrapping] up development on the next version of Android." One can only assume that "K release" refers to Android 5.0, nicknamed "Key Lime Pie." A fall release lines up with previous reports, which have hinted at Google releasing a smaller Android 4.3 refresh sometime in the summer, and giving the world a completely new Android in time for the holidays.
"With the next release of Android this fall, Google is also moving more aggressively to use the software in additional kinds of devices, including laptops and appliances such as refrigerators," reads The Wall Street Journal report.
The report then goes on to state that Google is attempting to make the next Android friendlier towards older devices that might not have the RAM needed to take advantage of new features.
"According to Google, the majority of Android devices currently being used rely on a version of the software released in 2011 that has fewer capabilities than newer releases. Some industry experts say that the most recent versions of Android are better for higher-end devices than lower-end or older ones that had, for instance, 512 megabytes of memory," writes the The Wall Street Journal.
"The coming version of Android is supposed to remedy the issue, said people familiar with the matter, and also help mobile app developers focus on optimizing their apps for fewer versions of the software."
The news comes to us at a time when it is revealed that older versions of Android are incredibly susceptible to malware.
What do you think will be some key new features in Android 5.0? Let us know in the comments below.
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