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Holo or Bust

Holo is the name of the new interface for Android, introduced in version 3 (Honeycomb) and refined in version 4 (Ice Cream Sandwich). Apparently Google wants this made widely available across every Android device running ICS because since debuting in 2008, the interface for Android devices had been a mixed bag.

Every manufacturer pushes its own look, its own style, over the stock Android interface. Motorola has its Motoblur skin, HTC had Sense UI, SonyEricsson has Timescape, Samsung with its TouchWiz and so on.

Naturally every Android partner wants to have its own signature look to differentiate itself from its competitors aside from hardware specifications, designs, and features. What this brings about however is inconsistency across brands, although for the majority of consumers it might not matter too much. After all, how many people go through multiple Android devices in such a short time right?

Developers however, has had to make sure their apps work across multiple devices with multiple interfaces. Most of the time, this isn’t an issue but apparently some apps can experience glitches due to conflicts with the added skin.

Up to this point, only the Google sanctioned Nexus devices offer the pure unadulterated Android experience and interface. Those seeking to have this have been made to seek out Nexus devices which may not necessarily be available in their respective markets.

Now, Google looks to be taking a stand and trying to force partners to make the stock interface available on every device and those who are not willing to comply will have access to Android Market revoked. Quite a stance from Mountain View.

That’s not to say manufacturers all must abandon their own themes. All their standard variants can still be the default but Holo must be made available and usable by consumers should they choose to use it. In other words, stock interface will no longer be the domain of Nexus devices, which is great news.