Android 4.0 was created to help unify Android across all devices. Yesterday, Google took that goal of unification one step further. From here on out, any device running Android 4.0 with the Android Market, will require the inclusion of the unmodified Holo theme family. The Holo theme family consists of the themes Theme.Holo, Theme.Holo.Light, and Theme.Holo.Light.DarkActionBar. You can see examples of these three themes in the above image. These requirements will help better control the rampant “fragmentation” of Android and will allow manufactures to continue using their own custom themes, while providing a familiar experience.

Google has gone above and beyond to ensure manufacturers and developers have an easier time using these theme families and their aliases, which in turn, will help manufacturers update to the newest platform versions much quicker (great news for us). These changes address the major complaints about Android and developing for all the different versions. It will be comforting for developers to know that with Android 4.0 and beyond, things will be much easier, better looking, and recognizable.

What do you guys think? More restrictions, a uniformed look, and faster updates — you okay with that? I know I am.

via Droid-Life

• SourceAndroid Developers Blog