Android M, the next version of the mobile operating system from Google, was released just last week during the annual I / O conference for developers Google.
And I give a damn.
As an Android user for quite a long time, supposedly I should have excited and looked forward to this time. After all, I’m addicted to that platform since 2009 when I bought a Droid Eris. I even have a lot of figures and pin Android decorating my desk. But emotion was not at all my first reaction.
Android M is not exactly revolutionary, but does promise a lot of new and interesting features. Google Now personal assistant now better and provide a better context searches (called Now On Tap); permissions for apps will be enhanced as well as the battery life. Especially the issue of better battery life – – all sounds very attractive but nothing excites me, and the reason is simple:
I know that probably never see in my Android M smartphone now.
And how do I know? For six months after he made his debut even have managed to upgrade to the latest version of Android, 5.0 Lollipop
The Apple approach. Instant updates
When Apple releases an update of your phone software, all compatible devices – regardless of location or wireless carrier – can download the update at a time. Given that Apple has sold more than 700 million iPhones to date, and that all new models, from the iPhone 4S 2011, are compatible with the latest version of iOS, that means hundreds of millions of phones in everyone can get the latest version of the operating system on the same day it hits the market
Even Microsoft -. although there are far fewer phones with its Windows operating system – provides updates on the same day date out new software, regardless of the mobile operator. Unfortunately, this is not the case with Android.
Although I (or perhaps because of) being the operating system for the world’s largest phone, updating the Android phone is a long process and complicated.
Google encourages its first Android software to members of the so-called Open Handset Alliance (OHA), a consortium of over 80 companies. Each manufacturer then manipulate the code of the software to suit their respective devices. For example, Samsung TouchWiz must consider – as amended interface – changing the look and feel of its various features with each new version of Android. The same goes for the HTC (with its Sense interface), LG, Sony and Motorola
(For manufacturers using a completely customized Android interface -. Including Xiaomi, Amazon and others – the way towards personalization is even more tortuous and long, but not really beside the point in this discussion)
If you have an unlocked phone (in no particular operator), that’s the end of the process. – You get the update once the manufacturer distributes. But most of us buy a phone through a wireless service provider, adding another layer of bureaucracy to the process of updating software.
Each wireless carrier receives its own customized version of the Android software manufacturer, which is then tested for compatibility with your network. The operators are the final arbiter on when the update will be operational for the device to operate on their networks. That’s why often see an updated Android operating system, for example, an AT & T, while the same device languishes in a previous version if the network of Verizon or Sprint
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So, between manufacturers and suppliers wireless services, the end user can get stuck for months – sometimes up to six months or more. – waiting for an update of the operating system on your phone You can even go so long that the next update may already be available, and then this becomes an eternal game of keep waiting for the next update.
The problem is even worse for those of us who have rare phone models. Many companies do not want to bother making an update of the less popular devices, even if they have less than a year old. For example, my HTC Desire Eye still can not upgrade to Android 5.0 Lollipop 2014, because HTC never bothered to make it available. That makes me think that is very unlikely to see Android M in 2015, but HTC has not confirmed or denied that it is in the process of updating.
Of course, even if HTC does the updates, I have to wait anyway that AT & T will give the green light …
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The price of ‘not equal’
Fans of Google’s mobile operating system try to defend the delays with reference to the problems faced by its competitors, including failures in Apple iOS 8.0.1 update a few months ago, which temporarily left without work some iPhones in some operators. But the history of Android is far from perfect. Despite delays “compatibility test” users flooded sites like Reddit and Google support forums themselves to report problems as soon receive an update to Android. My previous Android phone was practically useless when I installed the update Lollipop few months ago.
The root of the problem, of course, is that Android is the Wild West, especially compared to the monolithic culture of Apple. All iPhones come from one manufacturer and there is no change in appearance. Even Windows phones, despite originating from a handful of different manufacturers share a common user interface.
Google, however, allows its OEM partners offer a fairly wide variety of customizations, whether they add something or nothing to the experience. The motto of Google Android – “we are together, but we are not the same” ( be together, not the same ) celebrates precisely this diverse approach
Yes, Google offers. an alternative in the form of their own Nexus phones. These models agnostics blessed by Google offer “pure Android”, and are therefore eligible to receive an update on the day and the date on which it is available. The problem? You probably have to give up subsidies or payment plans in installments offered by operators, as you must pay the full price of the phone.
Even when a manufacturer avoids excessive customization hoping provide more timely updates, the result can be mixed – just remember Motorola struggle to keep up with Google Calendar
Because this universe of options leaves many of us far behind. the latest and greatest version of Android, I am increasingly in favor of Apple’s approach of “being the same, but completely in sync.” Yes, there are fewer options, sure, but at least have access to the same cutting edge features that everyone else in that operating system.
Perhaps the most troubling aspect of this story is that Google, in fact , announced in 2011 an initiative to improve the fragmentation of Android. In terms of technology, four years is an eternity and Google has made little or no progress on the issue
When contacted CNET Google wondering what had happened to it, a spokeswoman for the company told us. ” We are continuously working with operators to ensure that Android users have a quick and safe experience with their devices. “
However, the same information provided by Speaker (shown in the chart above) shows the size of the problem: Android Lollipop was released in November 2014, but in May 2015 only 10 percent of devices were running the software. (Yes, we know that not all Android devices are capable of running Lollipop, but I’m willing to bet yes are significantly higher than the 10 percent).
Compare that with 80 percent of all iPhones Apple already executed iOS 8 or a more advanced version in January 2015.
What can a fan of Android like me?
My job at CNET asks me often use an iPhone and I’ve spent enough time with the Apple phone to know that I still prefer Android. So what I can do?
I go to buy a new device such as a Galaxy S6 or LG G4, two models are more likely to receive an update. You could also buy a Google Nexus phone, Android M should receive the same day it is available. Or you could try installing a custom “ROM” on my phone – basically a version hacked the latest version of the operating system – even with that I risk damaging my phone or at least violating terms . Your warranty
But the point is that I should not have to do any of these things – nor should it the millions of Android users. It is time that Google takes seriously the issue of software updates and to press its manufacturing partners and wireless carriers. Yes, the inherent openness of the platform makes it an uphill battle much more difficult compared to Apple and Microsoft.
However, Google is a giant with almost unlimited resources and a lot of power negotiation. The company must now set the rules of the game: if you buy an Android device from a company that is a member of the OHA, that device must be supported with the latest software updates for at least two years (if not more), and those changes must be propagated to end users over a period of 30 days after the initial availability, regardless of manufacturer or wireless service provider.
Until then, I can not really excited with the arrival of Android . M
Editor’s note: if you are one of those many who are still waiting to upgrade to Android Lollipop, do not miss our article with release dates Lollipop update Android mobile here.
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