Is Google Finally Addressing its Self Inflicted 'Fragmentation' Problem?

Since the inception of its first Android (News - Alert) device, the G1 in 2008, Google’s Android has maintained itself as the cool platform that offers consumers a choice in customizing their handsets to their liking. Today, Google’s (News - Alert) open source policy has been both a gift and a curse when it comes to consumers. Open source brings the incredible gift of unlimited customization which in turn brings the curse of ‘fragmentation’.

There are reports from Bloomberg's (News - Alert) Businessweek that indicates some sort of shake up when it comes to Android development. According to their reports, Google is actively working to gain control and final say over customizations of its popular mobile OS (Android).

It seems natural at this point in time for Google to seek to stabilize the platform and ensure quality control. Many of you out there shouldn’t be surprised, because Android started – an open source OS (with nothing but great attentions) that was also open to manufacturers and carriers to customize as they wished.

And that’s the problem, because of the current open source rules, manufacturers and carriers are allowed to run amok, customizing the OS as they please without any oversight. Engadget has gotten word that changes in the works include Google demanding that content partnerships and OS tweaks get the blessing of Andy Rubin before proceeding.

If true, this sets up to be a real kick in the you-know-what for all manufacturers and carriers. When it comes to non-fragmentation licenses, Andy Rubin has pointed out those have been there from the start, but it's only now that Google is really seeking to use them to establish control.

This will without a doubt, tick off both the manufacturers and carriers; I’m sure they will argue how Google is turning away from their open source roots – which is somewhat true. What’s also true is the fact that most real Android enthusiasts (or purists) prefer a more “vanilla” Google experience over the user interfaces like HTC (News - Alert) Sense, Moto Blur, or Espresso (all manufacturers and carriers).

Having an all-Google experience is better because it doesn’t add apps to your phone that you can’t remove. Also, updates to the latest OS will come a whole lot faster than a fragmented generated system controlled by the folks who make the phones and the ones who offer the service. You do realize new software updates are delayed because of this?