Leaked Google memo indicates Google introducing new policy for Android updates on upcoming devices

Android is the largest Operating System running in smartphones. Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) is the latest version of the open source OS from Google which was released on October 31, 2013. Its been about 4 months since its release and only a handful of devices are running the latest version. A memo has been leaked which shows that Google will alter Android policy for smartphone manufacturers. A new point will be introduced in the policy. According to the new point, Google demands smartphone companies to manufacture devices running the latest version of Android rather than an older version. All the manufacturers are
required to use the latest version of Android. And if a device won't run the latest version of Android, it will not be certified by Google which means it will be deprived of Google Play and other Google services. And also, if the company fails to provide an update or a new device running the latest version of the OS within nine months of the release of the OS, then they'll be having trouble getting approved their next Android device. Google states:

Starting February 2014, Google will no longer approve GMS distribution on new Android products that ship older platform releases. Each platform release will have a “GMS approval window” that typically closes nine months after the next Android platform release is publicly available. (In other words, we all have nine months to get new products on the latest platform after its public release.)

The policy, if implemented, will take affect from February probably after Mobile World Congress 2014.

Source | Via