Coinciding with Google I/O, Qualcomm has announced a partnership with Google to implement next-generation Android P operating system for devices running on Snapdragon series of processors. The San Diego based chip maker said that it has optimised software for some mobile platforms to help OEMs to speedily deliver Android updates on their Snapdragon-based devices. The list of Snapdragon SoCs optimised for Android P includes Snapdragon 845, Snapdragon 660 and Snapdragon 636 SoC. “We are excited to work with Google to pre-integrate our software with Android P, making it production-ready,” said Mike Genewich, director of product management for Qualcomm Technologies. “Through our strengthened relationship, Google and Qualcomm Technologies are set to expand the market for Android,” he added.
For end-users, Google-Qualcomm collaboration over Android P will result in the faster arrival of software updates than before. The fruits of this development can already be seen with Android P Beta arriving for a number of non-Pixel phones including Essential PH-1, Nokia 7 Plus, OnePlus 6, Oppo R15 Pro, Sony Xperia XZ2, Vivo X21 UD, and Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S. Notably, all these are powered by Snapdragon mobile platforms.
Qualcomm, further, highlighted that its partnership with Google would accelerate the availability of core Android P features, such as multi-camera support, display cutout support, indoor navigation, and HDR, among others to Snapdragon-powered devices.
This all is possible with Google’s Project Treble, the hardware interface architecture that part of Android Oreo release in 2017. Treble aims to offer faster Android updates by separating the hardware code from core OS code.
“We are excited to work closely with Qualcomm Technologies on a streamlined implementation of Android P for Snapdragon silicon, so device manufacturers can bring the latest Android innovations to developers and consumers more quickly,” Dave Burke, Vice President of Engineering, Google said.
Hopefully, this initiative will ensure faster and more consistent delivery of Android updates in the future. Still, only time will tell if manufacturers will get onboard with this, but seven OEMs have already added their devices to the beta program.
Android P became available to beta users on Tuesday, but the next version of Android is still without a name. The final version and consumer-ready version of the Android P is expected to be available in fall this year.
