Google's Big Shift: Android Development Goes Private

Google has decided to change how it develops the Android operating system. From now on, all work on Android will happen behind closed doors. This move is meant to make the development process smoother and more efficient. But don't worry, Google will still share the source code with the public after each new release. This way, developers can still access the code they need. Android is the software that runs on most smartphones today. It's like the engine that makes the phone work. Google releases this software under a special license called Apache 2. 0. This license lets anyone use, change, or share the software without paying any fees. That's why you see so many different versions of Android on various phones. In the past, Google shared some of its development work publicly. This was done through a system called AOSP Gerrit. But now, all development will happen internally. This means that only Google's own team will work on the core parts of Android. Other developers can still contribute, but they won't have as much insight into the ongoing work. So, why is Google making this change? The main reason is to simplify the development process. Right now, Google has two main branches of Android code: one public and one private. This can lead to conflicts and delays. By moving everything internal, Google hopes to avoid these issues and speed up the development process. This change won't affect most users or app developers. But for those who like to tinker with the Android code or build custom versions, it might be a bit disappointing. They won't have as much access to the latest changes and might find it harder to keep up with new features. For reporters and tech enthusiasts, this change means fewer chances to spot upcoming features or devices. In the past, code changes in the public branch often hinted at new products. With everything happening internally, those hints will be harder to find. Google will share more details about this change soon. If you're interested in Android development, keep an eye out for the official announcement. It might give you a better idea of what to expect from this shift.