Qualcomm already optimized Snapdragon software for Android P

Part of the promise of Project Treble is faster Android updates. However, all is for naught if chipsets aren’t ready for those updates.

That’s why it’s great news that Qualcomm has already optimized the software on the Snapdragon 845, 660, and 636, to run Android P, the next iteration of the operating system. The company had early access to Android P and worked directly with Google to make sure OEM’s will be able to update quickly.

Project Treble is the new hardware interface architecture for Android that Google designed to make it easier for smartphone manufacturers to update the operating systems on their smartphones. Google’s motivation for this is to help stop the problem of Android fragmentation – where multiple versions of Android are in use on smartphones in the wild, rather than the majority being on the newest version.

Dave Burke, vice president of engineering at Google, said, “We’re 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.”

With Qualcomm and Google working together to bring Android P to as many devices as possible, it will be up to OEM’s to actually issue the updates. While certain companies like Essential are excellent about pushing updates as quickly as possible, other companies are slow or sometimes even negligent when it comes to supporting their devices.

Project Treble and this Qualcomm partnership give OEM’s no excuse to hold off on updates. However, it is likely we’ll still see OEM’s slow on the uptake when it comes to upgrading to Android P. Only now they won’t be able to blame anyone but themselves.

NEXT: Android P Beta is rolling out now for Pixel family and seven other devices