zlacker

>>patric+(OP)
In the past, I've spent a fair bit of time criticizing Google for calling Android "open source", but not releasing the source. Now that it appears that they are actually doing it, let me be the first to say that this is great.

Well done, Google.

>>pingsw+S1
They've open sourced every version but Honeycomb and had reasons for doing so.

>>driveb+U4
The only stated reason I've heard is "the code is ugly," which was found to be... unconvincing here on HN. Are you aware of another reason, specifically one which would be convincing?

>>rwolf+K9
It had everything to do with fragmentation. Honeycomb (by Googles admission) was a stop-gap to get something out for tablets. They chose not to release the source as they wanted to limit the number of devices shipping with honeycomb in favor of a more compatible (and developer friendly) version in ICS.

>>enjo+Jn
How is that related to fragmentation?

>>driveb+Eq
If you are writing an app for phones you don't have to target honeycomb at all, that is reduced fragmentation.