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After years of smartphone manufacturers being left to take their time when it comes to rolling out important Android security updates, Google is finally planning on taking charge. This week, Android O was announced and rather than leaving smartphone manufacturers to figure things out on their own, Google is planning on working closely with the likes of Samsung, HTC, Motorola and more to ensure swifter updates.
Speaking with TechCrunch this week, Google mentioned that it has begun working closely with manufacturers and has managed to get wait times for security updates down from nine weeks to just a matter of days. This means that going forward, you won't be left vulnerable for several months while those with Pixel or Nexus smartphones are perfectly safe.
Google added that it will also begin sharing its data on update speed for its own devices with carriers and phone makers as it provides more visibility. This is all information that was previously unavailable, so manufacturers knew update rates for low but thought someone else was to blame. Providing this additional information means smartphone makers aren't caught off guard when Google issues a new update and they can get the ball rolling faster.
KitGuru Says: Unfortunately, these faster updates only apply to security patches but hopefully this closer relationship with Google will also lead to faster Android upgrades too as right now, many flagship device owners are often left waiting months for the next version of Android.
I’d like to see features and security updates 100% separated and security updates dealt with as a feature within Android irrespective of carrier, manufacturer or data plan. I know this will never happen as carriers fear Android pushing an update that breaks something and causes a tech support nightmare but until it happens the general public are wandering around in blissful ignorance unaware how vulnerable they are. When the inevitable day comes you can guarantee it’ll all be Androids fault.
Android updates seem to be about the only reason to upgrade anymore. Phones aren’t improving as much as they were a few years ago and performance is great on most phones. The only reason I’ve thought about upgrading from my Moto X Style is for snappier Android updates. Still waiting for 7.0 makes me frustrated.
no
There are so many moving parts when it comes to OEM updates it’s going to be impossible to achieve what most users want.
I’d say, hands down, every user wants to have the latest OS on their phone. It’s all well and good Google talking about these things, but hardly anyone gets to use it. Any phone that is physically capable of running an OS update should get it. The problem is chipset makers like Qualcomm throw the towel in on chipsets very quickly.
SoC manufacturers want to make sure they can move their latest tech, so they stop supporting updates on older SoCs. I think, and I bet most agree with me, that in this case their should be asked to open source the binaries so that OEM’s can still build the latest OS for older phones. Perhaps an agreement that OEM’s will move on to the newer SoC’s or SoCs will only be available for so long etc etc.
Something needs to be done, though. It’s unlikely the Nexus 6 (shamu)will get Android O. It barely got Android N, but it’s more than capable of it. Either open source the software to allow OEM’s to build, or the community. One way or another.
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