A lot of Android smartphones take forever to receive a software update. Google aims to solve this using Project Treble that comes with Android O.
Right now, there are three major steps before an update is issued to an Android device. First, Google releases a new version of Android. Second, chip makers such as Qualcomm and MediaTek adds code to ensure that the new version of Android works on their processors. Third, device makers such as Samsung add their own code too. Lastly, users receive the update.
Project Treble aims to eliminate the second step by separating the Android Framework from the software written by chip makers. Hence, the update can go directly from Google to Samsung, Sony, ASUS and Cherry Mobile among others.
Android updates with and without Project Treble.
Google has implemented several ways to solve Android’s fragmentation problem before. Hopefully, Treble can finally motivate smartphone brands to issue software updates swiftly.
Android O is scheduled for an official release in the third quarter of 2017. A developer preview is now available for Nexus and Pixel devices.
