[Everything Goes]

Buying an Android device with the expectation of getting any sort of support of probably foolish. Whilst if you buy an iOS device then you can probably have a reasonable expectation of some future updates.

The Dutch Consumer Association has target legal action at Samsung over its lackluster device support. A study from last year details that Samsung doesn't update 82% of its devices, leaving only 18% of its devices as update eligible which probably isn't too surprising.

Quote:

Consumers are not sufficiently informed on the purchase of a Samsung Android device about how long they will receive software updates. The Dutch Consumers [are] demanding that Samsung [make] this matter clear and [provide] unambiguous information to customers…Samsung also does not provide sufficient information on critical security holes in its Android phones like Stage Fright.

http://www.sammobile.com/2016/01/19/...evice-support/

[jonmorris]

This is one problem with releasing so many models and variants. It obviously isn't just Samsung either. Sony had a spell of doing the same with some low to mid range models, as if the people buying these weren't important.

The upside is that Samsung will release fewer models this year. Not much consolation to other customers though!

[Mark in Essex]

Deleted.

[jonmorris]

I should add, in case this ends up becoming a debate about Android vs iOS, or iPhone vs Samsung, that you can of course buy a Google Nexus phone and enjoy the same level of support. You're likely to be supported for some considerable time.

My Nexus 7 (released in 2013) is still getting regular updates, for example.

[Everything Goes]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonmorris

This is one problem with releasing so many models and variants. It obviously isn't just Samsung either. Sony had a spell of doing the same with some low to mid range models, as if the people buying these weren't important.

The upside is that Samsung will release fewer models this year. Not much consolation to other customers though!

Samsung cut back on the amount of models they released last year and there are still far too many

Quote:

The Consumentenbond notes that Samsung isn't alone in having a poor record when it comes to updates, pointing out that "other manufacturers are also failing to provide proper updates for their devices". But it says that it has targeted Samsung for legal action because it is "the undisputed market leader in Android phones in the Netherlands".

http://www.neowin.net/news/samsung-s...android-phones

[Mark in Essex]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonmorris

I should add, in case this ends up becoming a debate about Android vs iOS, or iPhone vs Samsung, that you can of course buy a Google Nexus phone and enjoy the same level of support. You're likely to be supported for some considerable time.

My Nexus 7 (released in 2013) is still getting regular updates, for example.

This is what I think.

If your that bothered about getting the latest software updates go for a Nexus, if not (like myself as I change my phone every 2 years and am not too bothered about having the latest update instantly) go for one of the others.

Also with Android for the last few years they don't have to totally update the software as they issue updates for things like Maps, Gmail etc separately without having to reinstall the whole OS (which I think is a good idea).

[jonmorris]

Yes, separating the core apps and Play services etc does indeed mean OS updates aren't such a problem.

It does mean you may gave a phone without certain features and an older looking UI, but can probably still run apps and games a lot newer than your device.

[jchamier]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonmorris

Yes, separating the core apps and Play services etc does indeed mean OS updates aren't such a problem.

Not a problem for functionality, but the big exposures in security have been in the core OS components - shared by all the apps. This core OS needs to be more easily updated, as Microsoft has been trying with WinPho 10 and separating out the cellular radio part so that the network can approve the device and MS can update the OS separately.

[Gigabit]

Google is working on that though with monthly security updates, which I believe is beating Apple.

[jchamier]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gigabit

Google is working on that though with monthly security updates, which I believe is beating Apple.

"beating apple" ?? Strange comment, you only need to update when there is a disclosed vulnerability that needs patching. iOS 9.2.1 fixed a lot of issues, and that goes back to the October 2011 phones (iPhone 4s).

Google's monthly patching is good, but it only applies to Nexus devices. The other OHA manufacturers are under ZERO obligation to take the patches or do anything. Thus the whole Dutch court case. The consumer is losing out, unless they buy Nexus.

Big corporates are starting to worry if they should only allow Nexus and iOS devices to hold corporate data; at a time when the formerly profitable Android vendor (Samsung) is showing they have money worries due to sales drops. The cheaper vendors don't have a better security posture either.

The Android "open" world has been a disaster for security.

[jonmorris]

A manufacturer may feel no need to go the extra mile in terms of support and security patches, but when people stop buying them it can often refocus the mind.

I've bought many Nexus devices but often most weren't daily drivers, as I'd prefer an Xperia or whatever. Since getting the 6P, I'm using it as my main phone and wondering why I'd want a phone with customised software, lack of timely updates, potential lagging etc.

This isn't really Android vs iOS now. It's more Google vs everyone else (making Android devices). I hope we're starting to see better support on some phones, helped by longer lead times between releasing a new OS to developers and manufactures and it going live. Samsung should be capable of keeping up with a Nexus phone, in theory at least.

[jchamier]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonmorris

This isn't really Android vs iOS now. It's more Google vs everyone else (making Android devices). I hope we're starting to see better support on some phones, helped by longer lead times between releasing a new OS to developers and manufactures and it going live. Samsung should be capable of keeping up with a Nexus phone, in theory at least.

Agreed; its all predicated on the lack of consistent income once the hardware is sold. As average prices fall, this gets worse.

Many apps on Android are free with advertising support, the money goes to Google Ads but not to the hardware vendor. Many apps on iOS are 79p or so and a cut of that can go to supporting the hardware vendor.

[planetf1]

IMO this is a huge problem for android. I had a series of samsung phones and each time once the next model is launched they get bored and updates dry up.

Nexus would be the only route currently to get sensible updates.... or you start playing with Cyanogenmod ..

Personally I switched to iOS due to frustration in getting updates. Google and Samsung have made some small steps but IMO it's not enough and the achilles heel of the current model.

MS is under 10% market pentration in the UK, and a fraction of that globally. They do though seem better poised to tackle this issue.

Google need a more radical approach.....

[jonmorris]

I think Google is doing fine. Users have a choice. Get a Nexus for constant support, or don't. I mean, most people aren't that bothered I'm sure.

Not are they falling victim to hacks because they don't update their phone, or even have an update.

What's important is that those who do care know how to ensure they do get support. If they're made aware then they can pick and choose as they like.