[Caribou]

Private Codelines

The source management strategy includes a code-line that Google will keep private. The reason for this is to focus attention on the current public version of Android.

OEMs and other device builders naturally want to ship devices with the latest version of Android. Similarly, application developers don't want to deal with more platform versions than strictly necessary. Meanwhile, Google retains responsibility for the strategic direction of Android as a platform and a product. Our approach focuses on a small number of flagship devices to drive features while securing protections of Android-related intellectual property.

As a result, Google frequently has possession of confidential information from third parties. And we must refrain from revealing sensitive features until we've secured the appropriate protections. In addition, there are real risks to the platform arising from having too many platform versions extant at once. For these reasons, we have structured the open-source project -- including third-party contributions -- to focus on the currently-public stable version of Android. "Deep development" on the next version of the platform will happen in private until it's ready to become an official release.

We recognize many contributors will disagree with this approach. We respect others may have a different point of view; however, this is the approach we feel is best, and the one we've chosen to implement.