There is a lot to do: the lawsuit that the Consumers tightens against Samsung for the faulty update policy. Does this step ensure that other Android manufacturers improve their policies?
Interim measures
Despite talks with Samsung is the Consumers still believes that the company informs consumers about bad Android updates. “Consumers are not sufficiently informed on the purchase of a Samsung Android device about how long they will receive software updates. The Consumers’ Association claims that Samsung this matter clear and unambiguous information to customers, “said director Bart Combée
The lawsuit is a remarkable step because Samsung in late December, also under pressure from the Consumers, already decided to customers with better information about the update and security status of devices. On product pages to find additional information, for example regarding Stage Fright and possible security patches. A few months earlier, Samsung also began pushing monthly security updates. Apparently that is not enough for the Consumers.
Uncertainty
Somehow that’s understandable, because only premium handsets from Samsung that have appeared over the past two years, are actually updated. A large number of cheaper and / or older devices running older firmware and is therefore still at risk. Nonetheless, Samsung is not the only one who could be clearer about Android updates, witness the popularity of our Android 5.0 update, and Android 6.0 update files. The rollout of Android updates for several reasons a complicated, long and sometimes problematic process. And that leads to confusion and irritation among users.
LG
The Consumers targets yet his sights on leader Samsung, which other manufacturers the opportunity to improve their update policy, according to A survey of Android Planet. Just like Samsung and Google (Nexus) LG rolls since last year also regularly patches to plug critical Android leaks. “LG is committed to provide users with the most extreme form of device security. To achieve this have now all recent devices were susceptible to Stage Fright, equipped with security, “said a spokesman.
Critical vulnerabilities monthly poem
” also monthly updates to be rolled out will be found when new leaks. Updates of the OS, we try to always carry through as the hardware allows. The LG G4, for example, was one of the first devices to receive Android 6.0 and meanwhile we work through to roll out the update to other devices. “
Huawei / Honor
Huawei and Honor get to the conveyor questions about their update policy. Dimitry Wing: “For this we have our call center and e-mail customer service representatives are ready, but also a forum and social media channels used. However, rolling out an Android update is not an easy process, especially since each device has a number of variants by country or region. Google releases a version, which we optimize our EMUI-skin and hardware and send it back to Google for verification. Only after approval we can start the rollout to consumers, which is often still takes some time because updates are sent in batches. “
It is not always possible to keep updating budget handsets
An important difference with the competition is that Huawei devices have a relatively short life cycle. “Generally we stick to the two years that is maintained in the market. However, this depends on the model: in budget handsets is not always possible to implement long Updates “
Some older devices therefore do not get a full version update, but maintenance updates to ensure security and stability. “We are currently updating as many devices to Android 6.0. The Honor 7, 6+, 6 and 4X this update anyway receive and through beta testing, we ask the community to provide feedback. ‘
HTC
HTC was able to publish this Article give no official reaction, but it may be clear that the manufacturer has put the last time steps with respect to the update policy. For example, the HTC One M7 and M8 quickly got the update to Android Lollipop and the company was relatively early on with the update to Android Marshmallow. The HTC One A9 was even the first non-Nexus device it runs natively on the latest Android version.
In addition, the company guarantees two years of software support for flagship models and there is an official list with information about which appliances may not get Marshmallow. But many budget devices, such as the Desire series, can not be found in the overview. Cheap in this case appears to be much more expensive.
Sony
Sony informs users via their own blog about forthcoming software updates, and did so last year already pretty good. The company also regularly publishes experimental ROMs, so that enthusiasts can already try out new features. The feedback on the so-called Concept for Marshmallow, a more stripped down version of Sony’s skin, is positive. The beta software is not yet available to everyone, all Sony communicates clear which devices will be updated to Marshmallow
This year there will be greater from the manufacturer focus be on rolling out fast security patches. “Important issues in 2015 stressed the importance of the timely and preventive addressing vulnerabilities in order to offer our customers and partners security. Besides that Android OS is fundamental to security, it’s just as important to minimize operating another attack surfaces, so that malware is less likely to strike, “said a spokesman.
Precise release dates give updates however remains difficult. “Because update roadmaps are changeable, we can not always make concrete statements during the announcement of a new product. We try as transparent as possible in sharing information as soon as the necessary agreements and decisions are made, in order to avoid disappointment among users. “
Improving the update process
Samsung itself regrets that the Consumers’ Association has filed a lawsuit. “We have in recent months been working closely with the customer to address the concerns of consumers. First, we publish the software data per mobile device on our website with background information on software and security updates “, Anne so let ter Braak Samsung Netherlands know.
monthly security update only for premium handsets
“Today, two thirds of our mobile devices we’ve released since July 2013 fully updated and protected against vulnerabilities like Stage Fright.” The company is continuously looking for ways to improve the update process, for example by rolling out monthly security updates. But they are as mentioned initially the preserve of high-end devices like the Galaxy S6 (Edge / Edge +) and Note 4/5.
Samsung promises in March 80 percent of having its aircraft patched for Stage Fright, but then there are still smart phones and tablets that are actively used and at risk. Also, many older and cheaper phones from other manufacturers have not yet received the necessary updates. Despite any good thing is there as a user yet no choice but to buy a new device every two years, or to opt for a high-end or Google Nexus device that is guaranteed (longer) receives software support.
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