"there were at least 23 different iOS operating systems on which apps had crashed and 33 Android operating systems on which apps had crashed. (See the graphs above.) Note that the graphs that separate out Android and iOS show these number of operating systems and the graph that combines both iOS and Android shows less–22 iOS and 17 Android."
23 versions of iOS in the wild. Don't take my word for it. The "less fragmentation" of iOS doesn't appear to have helped it's stability either as Android is more stable. I hope Forbes is reputable enough.
www.forbes.com/sites/tomiogeron/2012/02/02/does-io...
Now, here's the real question. Now that we know the truth, that iOS is nearly as "fragmented" as Android while being much less stable, do we keep repeating this fragmentation myth? Can we finally just give Google the credit it deserves?
Discussion about
The Myth of Android Fragmentation
I don't think crashes is a measure of fragmentation per-se. In fact fragmentation can be defined in many different ways (including crashes if you so choose)
I choose to define fragmentation as differences between user experiences. I don't really care about sub-versions of mobile operating systems.
So then Apple has iPhone OS and iOS2 through 6 totalling 7 Versions of software. Android has 1.5, 1.6, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.X (realistically the honeycomb differences were minor) , 4.0, 4.1 or 8 major versions.
Now look at what is in stores. Apple only sells iOS 6 devices (including the ancient 3GS) where you can still buy new Android devices sitting at 2.2 unfortunately. Apple is keeping with the "unified" experience, where different Android hardware manufacturers are delivering what they please.
Now of course the argument exists that not all iOS5 and 6 features go backwards to the older devices, yet developers can make use of the iOS6 SDKs to make an app for all current phones. With android on the other hand, I have to worry about what target my app is for when it comes to supporting current devices. (Side note- I am an Android App developer and haven't developed an iOS app ever, so if my iOS assumption is wrong someone please correct me)
I also choose to define fragmentation in terms of different hardware on the phones themselves. It frankly sucks to have to worry about making an app compatible for different screen sizes/shapes and sometimes a unique device (like the galaxy note) will make you have to re-tool an app. Its something I envy of iOS developers. Only having to worry about 4 screen resolutions.
The Android platform is a bunch better about making newer apps available on older platfroms though. We are starting to see a lot of apps in the Apple App Store not available for iOS4 or older users, when Android Apps generally come out targeted at 2.2 (although there are exceptions)
However by your definition of fragmentation, sure. iOS is fragmented.
I'll probably unsubscribe from this thread as soon as it becomes a pissing match like your last one. A lot of people get very defensive about their platforms of choice.
I choose to define fragmentation as differences between user experiences. I don't really care about sub-versions of mobile operating systems.
So then Apple has iPhone OS and iOS2 through 6 totalling 7 Versions of software. Android has 1.5, 1.6, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.X (realistically the honeycomb differences were minor) , 4.0, 4.1 or 8 major versions.
Now look at what is in stores. Apple only sells iOS 6 devices (including the ancient 3GS) where you can still buy new Android devices sitting at 2.2 unfortunately. Apple is keeping with the "unified" experience, where different Android hardware manufacturers are delivering what they please.
Now of course the argument exists that not all iOS5 and 6 features go backwards to the older devices, yet developers can make use of the iOS6 SDKs to make an app for all current phones. With android on the other hand, I have to worry about what target my app is for when it comes to supporting current devices. (Side note- I am an Android App developer and haven't developed an iOS app ever, so if my iOS assumption is wrong someone please correct me)
I also choose to define fragmentation in terms of different hardware on the phones themselves. It frankly sucks to have to worry about making an app compatible for different screen sizes/shapes and sometimes a unique device (like the galaxy note) will make you have to re-tool an app. Its something I envy of iOS developers. Only having to worry about 4 screen resolutions.
The Android platform is a bunch better about making newer apps available on older platfroms though. We are starting to see a lot of apps in the Apple App Store not available for iOS4 or older users, when Android Apps generally come out targeted at 2.2 (although there are exceptions)
However by your definition of fragmentation, sure. iOS is fragmented.
I'll probably unsubscribe from this thread as soon as it becomes a pissing match like your last one. A lot of people get very defensive about their platforms of choice.
I'm really not invested either way. I own a ton of Apple and non-apple devices. It's just the unearned hubris of apple zealots gets on my nerves. I own both. I know what sucks about both. Yet you see a 97 percent score for a horrible tablet that's a ridiculous form factor with no expansion, stability issues, and a dated design made out of cheap aluminum that isn't even properly anodized. It hasn't been the best tablet for a year. You plainly see the shortcomings of the thing yet people ignore them. I own it. It's definitely a mental problem with less technical fans.
The large variety of Android based devices available is both its strength and weakness.
See opensignalmaps.com/reports/fragmentation.php
Crashes are no way to measure fragmentation. Most folks are concerned that they can get that latest app on their device or to a lesser extent, can they get the latest update to their OS. Neither of which works in Android's favor and helps explain some of the relatively low satisfaction rating reported by Android customers.
See www.loopinsight.com/2012/01/09/iphone-satisfaction...
There is no fragmentation myth at this time, although Google is trying to come up with a more unified approach.
See opensignalmaps.com/reports/fragmentation.php
Crashes are no way to measure fragmentation. Most folks are concerned that they can get that latest app on their device or to a lesser extent, can they get the latest update to their OS. Neither of which works in Android's favor and helps explain some of the relatively low satisfaction rating reported by Android customers.
See www.loopinsight.com/2012/01/09/iphone-satisfaction...
There is no fragmentation myth at this time, although Google is trying to come up with a more unified approach.
Where do you get your two to one in the US numbers from? Comscore reported that Apple's share of the US market climbed from 30.2% in February 2012 to 31.9% in May 2012 while Android only grew from 50.1% to 50.9% so that doesn't sound like outselling two to one to me.
www.comscore.com/Press_Events/Press_Releases/2012/...
This news was reported by many sites about 4 days ago.
www.comscore.com/Press_Events/Press_Releases/2012/...
This news was reported by many sites about 4 days ago.
Rough figure. Nearly two to one. Google is back to a million activations a day. I'd imagine the rocket-like trajectory of Android will continue, unless Apple releases a new phone soon, then for a month or so when people that already own iphones buy the new one sales will look good, then Android will continue gobbling up the remaining 75 percent of the market that doesn't own smartphones yet. Apple really needs to refresh their design. iOS6 is major disappointment. The iPhone design really needs *something* new. Hopefully they make it out of more durable materials next time. The number one reason my friends have switched is because of how fragile it is.
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