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Microsoft taking OS updates out of networks hands


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Old 17-05-2015, 01:40
Everything Goes
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Microsoft going to take more control over how their OS is updated from Windows 10. But most importantly the Networks will have a lot less say in dragging their heels over updates. And we're not just talking about bug fixes and security patches but new features will also be included in the OS updates. The Networks will still have some involvement in testing but Microsoft will have the final say over when an update goes out.

Good work Microsoft! Android is a minefield for updates despite Google half hearted efforts. My Galaxy S4 is still waiting on Lollipop as Three are dragging their heels on this one. Its available on other networks.

Here at Microsoft, we take our responsibility to keep Windows secure seriously. We ... proactively update supported devices with necessary updates to address issues. And today, we're announcing this continuous update process applies to all Windows 10 devices, including phones.
http://www.neowin.net/news/windows-1...m-the-carriers
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Old 17-05-2015, 03:14
Aye Up
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Have to agree, if only Google would have the balls and do the same thing. TBF Windows Phone OS offers a far more polished experience (akin to iOS) than Android. Sooner or later a crunch is going to come where a decision needs to be made by Google regarding Android fragmentation, they only have themselves to blame.

What I don't get, Android is arguably the easiest platform to create apps for, why can't Google just control the core of the OS and allow those updates to be filtered through pretty much as it hits AOSP, yet have the launchers much in the same vein as Nova and Action, they run a top of the OS, this way the underlying security problems can be elimnated swiftly. Microsoft has been doing this for years with Windows and Office, I don't get why the same can't be done here.
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Old 17-05-2015, 07:23
prking
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Have to agree, if only Google would have the balls and do the same thing. TBF Windows Phone OS offers a far more polished experience (akin to iOS) than Android. Sooner or later a crunch is going to come where a decision needs to be made by Google regarding Android fragmentation, they only have themselves to blame.

What I don't get, Android is arguably the easiest platform to create apps for, why can't Google just control the core of the OS and allow those updates to be filtered through pretty much as it hits AOSP, yet have the launchers much in the same vein as Nova and Action, they run a top of the OS, this way the underlying security problems can be elimnated swiftly. Microsoft has been doing this for years with Windows and Office, I don't get why the same can't be done here.
Before we get too carried away, Microsoft said the same thing about Windows Phone 8 and 8.1, but it didn't happen.

Android uses a different model where Google Play Services (or the equivalent) is updated regularly through the appropriate app store. Security fixes can then be rolled out in a matter of days. So the model you propose already exists.
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Old 17-05-2015, 21:00
finbaar
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Google can and does push out security updates to modern builds, was it 4.4 or 4.3 that allowed this? They recently pushed out a web view app that helps negate various recently uncovered vulnerabilities.
What I don't get is why people don't get how Android updates work. It has been around for 7 years now which is plenty of time for even the slowest to have picked it up.
I will believe Microsoft when I see it. I always put the CV firmware on a Lumia if it didn't come installed but they are no better than an Android OEM in rolling out updates.
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Old 17-05-2015, 22:46
jonmorris
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I can see why people don't fully understand how it works with Android, although sometimes I do get surprised (and disappointed) that so many fellow tech journalists don't understand, and therefore get it wrong in what they write - which in turn keeps people confused.

Google could and should work to trying to find a way to fix this. It's quite clear that it wants to move further and further away from AOSP, and people seem to accept Google's tighter control/integration. Therefore, it isn't impossible to imagine networks having to accept things much like Apple tells networks what's going to happen, and doesn't ask for permission or allow changes/customisation (beyond what things are set to be customised by Apple itself).

Maybe this will be part of Google I/O this year, although I suspect not.
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Old 17-05-2015, 23:08
eljmayes
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Good news for those on EE who usually are months behind on Microsoft updates if this happens.
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Old 18-05-2015, 08:19
IvanIV
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Networks are only a part of the problem, there are also OEMs doing their own changes. In Apple's case it's simple, they are ready when they are ready for all still relevant handsets. In MS case it's Lumias and HTC, but they still have to wait till HTC okays the OS. Or maybe HTC does it autonomously. And Google can replace parts of OS via Google Play, but there are parts OEMs are responsible for and Google can't do much there. But sidelining networks in this process is a good thing.
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Old 18-05-2015, 10:19
jonmorris
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Indeed there are certain things like custom drivers for cameras that may have problems with an OS update but it's not impossible to fix.

Any manufacturer wanting to a sell a phone with Google services would be given early access to the new OS in order to update and test drivers. This would mean the delay is effectively hidden, and then every company is given a strict time limit for any unforeseen problems.

Incremental updates could be handled differently.
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