Ever since Google's mobile operating system, Android, was first released way back in late 2008 it has been Linux without quite being Linux. This is largely in part due to disagreements between developers but thanks to some resolutions Android code has been integrated into the Linux 3.3 kernel.

“Various Android subsystems and features have already been merged, and more will follow in the future. This will make things easier for everybody, including the Android mod community, or Linux distros that want to support Android programs.”

This move will allow developers to more easily create multi-platform applications and with this, we will also be able to run Android applications on a stock Linux kernel in the not-so-distant future.

For most people this will mean nothing (outside of the above scenario,) but for Android developers it is a big step forward. Custom ROM and kernel developers will now find code migrations less complex and there will be better support for custom features within the kernel.

It should be said though that most Android devices are currently running a 2.6 Linux kernel and it will likely be some time before current and new smartphones and tablets get Linux 3.3 kernels. Just like Android software updates, kernel updates are subject to the OEMs like HTC and Samsung.

Kitguru says: This should also reduce the amount of “fragmentation” in the Android world.

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