Google decouples Gmail from Android

SOFTWARE COBBLER Google is showing the first signs of frustration with its Android operating system, having removed Gmail from the list of Android's core applications.

In issuing an update for Gmail, Google has made it possible to update the email client without having to wait for a new version of Android to be released.

In the past major updates of Gmail were tied to Android releases. However with the number of Android versions growing and handset manufacturers and mobile operators taking their time releasing updates, Google has started offering the Gmail application as a free download on the Android Market.

The new policy, however, only applies to those who are already running Android 2.2 and this has angered those customers who have been left stranded on old version of the OS. In fact, even some users already on Android 2.2 are complaining that they cannot see the Gmail 2.3 application in the Android Market.

We had no problems finding, downloading and installing Gmail 2.3 on a Nexus One, however, but then that is Google's favoured device.

The update is relatively minor with the most visible change being better navigation through email 'threads'. Though the update itself is minor, Google's decision to treat what is undoubtedly one of the core applications in Android as if it is a third party downloadable application says a lot about the state of fragmentation in Android devices.

Although more handsets are shipping with the latest version of Android, many who purchased handsets even just a year ago are still stuck on Android 1.6 with no updates in sight. As we reported back in March, the fragmentation of Android devices is resulting in users being frustrated with varying user experiences between devices.

The situation has not been helped by manufacturers such as Samsung, Sony Ericsson and even HTC being slow to release updates to their devices. When coupled with mobile operators' efforts that largely have been to bungle update roll-outs, apparently Google decided it had to take action.

Google's decoupling of applications is a good thing for Android users, who will no longer be reliant on handset manufacturers and mobile operators, the firms that want to flog handsets, to get updates. The only remaining problem for users will be getting Android 2.2 in the first place.