For the longest time since the release of Android, it has been available for users and developers to access thanks to its open-source setup via the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), but Google is shaking things up now. Instead of following its previous method of a “trunk-based development,” the company is taking things more private as it wants to simplify its processes.
Google Makes Android Development Private After All These Years
Android Authority reported that Google officially confirmed to them that the company is now making Android’s development fully private, and the company is now looking to begin its transition soon. Instead of shipping the latest developments on Android to its AOSP, the company will now focus on its internal development branch that will only be accessible to its partners.
The Google Mobile Services (GMS) are the ones authorized to access Android, and joining this would require a licensing agreement with the company, which it currently has with the likes of Samsung, Motorola, and other tech companies.
According to Google, the company wants a simpler process of developing the Android operating system instead of having it available to both the public and private branches. With this, the company could streamline Android’s development as they no longer need to merge both branches in every release.
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Will Google’s Android Still Be Available in the Open Source?
The main worry about this is how many developers will lose access to Android’s developments that are available in the AOSP. However, the latest confirmation from Google also mentioned that it will still continue to share the latest Android developments via the AOSP.
Google will continue to share the source code of its mobile operating system via the AOSP, but will still focus its development internally.
Google’s Open Source Smartphone Operating System
What has set Android apart from its rival operating systems is its open-source availability, and this made it easier for developers to build new apps and experiences which they can deliver quickly to users. Because of this, there was also a fast-paced confirmation of what Google is brewing for the Android OS, with its files, API, and more showing what is coming ahead.
However, this was a double-edged sword for Google as different bad actors have taken advantage of this open-sourced availability by creating malware, viruses, and more that can easily emulate a legitimate Android experience. Massive cases of fake apps and software were created on Android to steal information or assets, as well as disrupting its experiences.
Because of this open-source availability, Android captured the top spot as the most used operating system in the world, particularly as developers had the chance to better integrate their technology because of its wide accessibility.
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