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What's up with Android versions and upgrading?
superboyac:
I'm reading about Android, and one issue keeps coming up that puzzles me:
People are talking a lot about Android versions (2.1, 2.2, etc.) But they make a big deal about the versions. Like, this device is running 2.1, but 2.2 may be available later.
My question is, why can't people just go and install the latest Android version as soon as it comes out? That's how it is with all software. All the software I use I just upgrade to the latest version. It's a non-issue. i don't get all the talk and fuss about it. Is it not simple to upgrade Android? Shouldn't it be? Why should anyone be running 2.1 when 2.2 is out? I'm not understanding something here.
edbro:
There are only 2 ways to upgrade the os. 1) an official, over the air download from the service provider or 2) root the phone and install a home brewed rom.
In the first case, the phone manufacturer and service provider have to integrate the os into the phone and ensure it works with all the hardware and apps.
In the second case, rooting the phone is not for the casual user. There is always a risk of bricking the phone. And, the warranty might be voided unless you can unroot.
I am currently waiting on an official release of 2.2 for my HTC Incredible.
barney:
I'm not understanding something here.
--- End quote ---
Thee & me.
Can't speak to the other hardware, but I've tried to research the smartphone arena.
What I've found is a pretty soft implication that some phones cannot be upgraded to higher levels of Android because the phone hardware won't support the upgrade.
Nowhere have I found a statement to that effect, just implications - and very soft ones, at that.
'Twould seem that the developers don't care to try for any kind of hardware regression capability.
edbro:
What I've found is a pretty soft implication that some phones cannot be upgraded to higher levels of Android because the phone hardware won't support the upgrade.
-barney (August 06, 2010, 10:51 AM)
--- End quote ---
I haven't seen that but I don't doubt it. I have seen some phones that will have some limitations after an upgrade. If I remember correctly, the original Moto Droid will get the upgrade but will not have the wireless hotspot capability that is in 2.2. Hardware limitation is what I read.
barney:
I am currently waiting on an official release of 2.2 for my HTC Incredible.
--- End quote ---
While I'm still waiting for an upgrade to the 1.6 version on a MyTouch :mad:. Think they'd rather you buy a new phone than upgrade the software :o ;D.
I've a curiosity, though, anent upgrading other, non-phone hardware, whether the upgrade capability will follow other OS standard practices or mimic the telecom scenario. Already know of one netbook upgrade failure, but that guy is a bit inept, so don't know if was OS upgrade fail or user fail.
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