The presence of custom Android user interfaces on a majority of the handsets being sold is certainly a contentious issue. While some users may enjoy and even seek out these UIs, there are also many of us who would simply prefer stock Android. We’ve assumed that these UIs may be viewed as desirable by the OEMs releasing them as they can add a bit of distinction to their lineups, and prevent smartphones from being seen as commodities. Apparently that isn’t necessarily always the case, as spelled-out by Motorola.

Senior VP Rick Osterloh was recently talking to reporters about the software on his company’s Android devices, and explained how, as far as Motorola is concerned, stock Android is the best thing for its users. Ideally, Motorola Androids running as close to stock as possible would mean shorter update turnaround times, something users are very much interested in.

As to why we see UI customizations when the company feels this way, Osterloh said that it feels pressure from its partners (declining to name any carriers specifically) to deliver that kind of Android experience. He claims that Motorola tries to resist such demands, but what we end up with is ultimately a compromise between the two positions.

That’s quite reassuring to hear, as oftentimes it feels like owning a smartphone can be a battle between you and the combined forces of the manufacturer and carrier; from the sound of things, Motorola could be more in our corner than we ever realized.

Source: The Verge
Via: Android and Me