The main reason for this change is a new methodology for counting - now Google will only look at active users. The new approach is described on the dashboard for developers where each month new distribution version of Android are displayed. In fact, unlike a while ago when Google these shares were determined based on all the devices that connected to Google's servers, now the share is calculated based on the units who visited Google Play Store. This is how Google concentrate on really active users - who are the most interesting for developers.
Also at the same location you can find other interesting information about the Android community like the odds between density screens, their size and share of the sum of all devices. The fact that among active users most of them still uses Android 2.3.x Gingerbread is both impressive and somewhat troubling, however is Google not worried about that.
In fact, a very similar version of Android 4.0.x Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean 4.x together have 54.3% of users. Also it is expected what with sales of Samsung Galaxy S4, HTC's One's and similar top-model this share will significantly increase.
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