There are plenty of Android users who have not yet been able to update their handsets to Android 4.0, but rumours are rife that Google is already focussing its sights on the next version of the Android OS, Android 5.0 which will carry the codename Jelly Bean.
Whilst it is only logical that tech companies look ahead to keep in front of the competition, the talk of another version of Android, when many have yet to enjoy the fruits of Android 4.0, is going to rile some.
The delay in getting Ice Cream Sandwich to the end user is caused by a number of issues – there are many Android handsets still in use that are simply not up to the job of running the new, more powerful OS. Manufacturers need to test the OS on their devices, and ensure that it runs smoothly with any proprietary user interface software. Then, before it can be rolled out to customers, networks need to add any necessary tweaks so customers don't lose shortcuts to network specific services.
The rumours surrounding Android 5.0 tend to focus more on Tablet devices and notebooks, with Google keen for manufacturers to produce dual boot products that will be able to run both Android and the imminent Windows 8 update.
It is said that Google will seek to integrate Chrome OS functions into Android 5.0, bringing netbooks in line with Tablets and Smartphones, pretty similar to the way Android 4.0 was intended to bring Smartphone and Tablets in line with each other.
Recent figures showed that the prevalence of ICS amongst Android devices is pretty low, accounting for just 1% of the market. By far the dominant version of the OS is Android 2.3 Gingerbread.
The arrival of Android 5.0 could be as early as Q2 2013; for now, most Android users would be happy just to get a look at Android 4.0 on their handsets.