Android updates: HTC explains the complexity of device updates - androidnext

+ Frank Ritter
12.27.2013, 10:19 clock

Everyone wants the latest Android update , but not everyone gets it – has already defeated many former ex-flagship Android smartphones and tablets has been updated only with months of delays or has seen no more updates. You can ask the device manufacturer be held responsible for this annoying circumstance, but it’s that easy then not. A new infographic from HTC explains the anatomy of a device updates .

HTC has launched on its U.S. side a new state service. In this provides detailed guidance on how the state of Android updates on the HTC One and other current devices. These HTC has a relatively complex and insightful infographic published (see right, click to enlarge), is described in exactly how an Android update from the perspective of the manufacturer expires and the complexity of the entire process.

Before the actual presentation of a new version of Android Google publishes the so-called Platform Development Kit (PDK), with which the manufacturers have some flow. In release must first be evaluated whether a new Android release would run on a specific device. This is not only dependent on the device manufacturer, so here HTC, but also by the companies that manufacture the chips installed in the device, such as Qualcomm or Nvidia – because the need to program and optimize compatible drivers for a new Android release. Depending on the version of Android that can be more or less complex.

Runs the evaluation are positive and the driver from the device manufacturer in the form of a Board Support Package (BSP) received, the update is programmed. At Google Play Editions many adjustments are no longer necessary in all other equipment manufacturers adjustments still need to be implemented, so for example, HTC Sense, then the update is tested internally intensive. Especially in the U.S., it is then also necessary that devices with wireless carrier branding be adapted to the requirements of the carrier and go through a separate external audit.

Once all adjustments necessary implements and the firmware with the updated Android version ready in itself, the changed software or industrial laboratories such as the Bluetooth SIG, government regulatory agencies such as the FCC and Google must be checked. It need hardly be mentioned that the software department, the manufacturer must make improvements, if the tests revealed deficiencies. Have all of these instances, however, given the green light, the update OTA is delivered.

As you can see, grab the update process many interlocking cogs and it is good planning and coordination necessary to deliver updates quickly and reliably. At least theoretically, an advantage the company, the chips and their software are either develop “in-house” or put on chip companies with reliable update policies that produce devices without carrier connection and reduce their own adjustments to a minimum. And of course an awareness among corporations must exist that customers value updates and more strengthen this brand loyalty than cannibalize the sales of new equipment.

Overall, in 2013, not least on the update front slightly improved due to the omnipresence of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon SoCs well were supporting that position. We hope that this trend will continue in the new year.

Source: U.S. HTC Status Update [via Droid-Life]

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