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Android Developers Blog had released a new snapshot of the Android version cake for 1st September. Today the latest Android 2.2 Froyo had taken a bigger slice than ever at 28.7% which holds the number 2 spot after Android 2.1 Eclair of 41.7%. Previously Android 2.1 dominated more than half of all Android devices out there.
As expected with new Android 2.2 updates, and new devices with Froyo installed, it is no surprise this latest version is gaining traction quickly. The older Android 1.5 and 1.6 versions are shrinking with 12.0% and 17.5% respectively. However we don’t expect them to die off dramatically anytime soon thanks to the likes of Sony Ericsson and Dell that are still clinging onto legacy versions.

With more new Android devices making their way such as Motorola Droid X and Samsung Galaxy S, Android 2.1 Eclair has increased its numbers in the Android cake. Compared to the previous update, Android 2.1 has risen from 50% to 53.1% Also new in the chart is Android 2.2 Froyo that made its debut with 1.8%.

We’re on a roll with Froyo and Google updates at the moment. It took a while but the Koreans will be the latest lucky geeks to be getting the Google Nexus One. And the deal gets even sweeter as the Nexus Ones heading to Korea will be running the latest Android OS, the 2.2 aka (Froyo).
KT will be the telco of choice if you’re in Korea and is in the market for a Nexus One. Outright it’s going to set you back an equivalent of RM1,900 or a very attractive RM410 for a 24-month contract.
Sadly, we’re nowhere near Korea at the moment. What’s more important is, when will Google and the device manufacturers clear the confusion on which devices that will be getting the Froyo and which will not.
[source]

The Android device segment is an interesting one where the platform is fragmented with different versions. As mentioned earlier, fragmentation is a big problem for Android where there are multiple versions namely Android 1.5, 1.6, 2.1 and the latest 2.2. Most newly developed Android apps only work well with the latest version and this will leave many Android users behind.
Just about months ago, the then latest 2.1 version stood at 27%. Today, Android 2.1 accounts to half of all Android devices out there. Not surprising considering new Android devices aggressively pushed today runs on Android 2.1. Contributing to the rise also are handset manufacturers that started offering firmware upgrades of older Android devices to version 2.1, like the HTC Hero.
