I’ve been an Android guy for as long as I can remember and I’ve never contemplated leaving the platform for once. Android OS gives me the freedom I want and that is one of the main reasons I’m still holding on. This is the most widely used mobile operating system in the world and if you’ve been following the evolution of the platform since Android Cupcake, you should know it has gone through so many changes to become the sophisticated OS we have today.
Lately, I’ve been having issues with Android and it’s all about how firmware updates are distributed.
The problem of open-source software
Android OS is an open-source software and this means anyone can pick it up, modify it and use. This is why most people love it and honestly, it’s Android’s biggest problem. Lets face it, our beloved Android platform sucks when it comes to distributing updates to devices.
As much as I dislike iOS, I’ve always envied the way Apple devices like the iPhone 4S released almost five years ago still rock iOS 9.3, the latest iOS firmware version. This is one thing Google has no control over and the main issue I have with Android OS lately.
OEMs totally control when, and if, your device will get an update. Even if you use a high-end phone or a decent mid-range device, there is stil no guarantee you’re getting the next major Android release. Even if you’re getting it, this is likely to come a year after the update has been released and a newer one is around the corner.
Why I care so much about updates
Permit me if I sound petty, but I do have reasons. It’s not just about using the latest operating system because it’s the latest thing, I always want my device to be up to date because:
- Google releases security patches every month to make our devices more secure. Most OEMs don’t care about this.
- As a tech enthusiast, I want to test out the latest features on the platform and know about it before most people do.
Perhaps a Nexus device eventually
Like I said, I’m not leaving Android OS but I need to be very careful when picking my next device. Google has control over Nexus devices and I may eventually get one. These are the only devices that can be trusted when it comes to regular updates and since this is one major thing that matters to me, I’m already considering Huawei Nexus 6P, or at least, LG Nexus 5x.