The group saw 3997 unique devices, a number that is inflated due to the usage of custom ROMs. Custom ROMs, which are installed after a user roots his phone or tablet, overwrites the android.build.MODEL variable.
In total, 1363 devices appear only once, meaning those users were running custom ROMs, each of which were tweaked even more than the standard downloads from groups like CyanogenMod.
Samsung was the most popular Android brand, followed by HTC. Gingerbread 2.3 remained the most used version of the OS, with the new 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich taking just 8.5 percent share.
Says the report: "We've collected signal data from 195 countries - the variety of Android devices and manufacturers has been crucial in allowing the OS to reach so many markets. For example the 5 countries where OSM gets most use are: US, Brazil, China, Russia, Mexico. From what we're seeing the developing world is no longer developing but leading Europe."
For more information and some fantastic charts and infographics, please check the source here: Android Fragmentation Visualized
Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 17 May 2012 0:44
