Google has teamed up with the Chinese manufacturer of mobile processors MediaTek to solve one of the key problems of the Android operating system - fragmentation. As part of the GMS Express program, the search giant and chip maker will provide pre-tested, certified and fully-adapted Android assemblies to OEMs. MediaTek claims that its partners will be able to reduce the compatibility certification process from three months to four weeks.

MediaTek will send out a version of Android, which is more consumer-oriented and includes Google's mobile services, to Android manufacturers, and is fully ready for third-party labs to certify the Google Compatibility Test Suite (CTS).

In accordance with the new program, manufacturers will be able to release mobile devices to the market faster, cheaper and with a verified version of Android "on board". Prior to this, MediaTek provided its partners with minimal support in the form of hardware drivers and an Android version based on AOSP. Then the OEM needed to create the firmware on its own and check it in a Google-certified lab. The last stage is sometimes time consuming and expensive.

For users, this means that they will receive gadgets only with pre-tested and certified Android assemblies. MediaTek will send its partners new versions of the "green robot" with the latest security fixes. As a result, manufacturers can easily update their devices in a short time.

MediaTek has already announced plans to cooperate with several key partners within the GMS Express program. The company intends to use Android Oreo as a basis and go to Android P when Google releases this assembly. Also representatives of MediaTek confirmed that the MT6739 processor will be supported by Android Oreo and P.