The latest Android version 5.0 Lollipop is expected to release soon. And probably all the Android fans would be gearing up to get the latest software updates. But you may have come across some situations wherein an Android device manufacturer decides to stop receiving system updates. In fact, this often happens before the device is being delivered to the consumers. And during such a situation, most of the consumers react with anger and can’t make out whether the device is actually no longer in use, or if their phone creator isn’t updating the phone out of laziness.
Well, almost every user having an Android powered device has a common perception – that the device should receive updates of the latest Android version – on a regular basis. In essence, we only focus on getting new features, but we overlook the fact that a device might not be in a condition to get another update, irrespective of the complaints we make to our device manufacturer.
No doubt, it is important for our devices receive updates because of several reasons. For instance, we can’t miss out to enjoy the new and exciting features that Google infuses into Android – be it introducing a new user interface or performance improvements. In addition, updates also help in making our phones more secure. For example, with the release of Android 5.0 Lollipop, we will get access to two important security updates such as “two-factor authentication” and “full device encryption”.
Reasons Justifying Why Our Phones Shouldn’t Receive Updates
We can’t deny the fact that there are some valid reasons because of which a manufacturer needs to put an end to the use of a device. Below are some of the biggest reasons that compel a manufacturer to stop a device update:
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Limited Specifications
Let us consider about any one of the oldest Android devices, let’s say, the LG Optimus One P500. It was the first Optimus One version offered for sale. The Optimus One P500 offered MicroSD slot, up to 32 GB with an additional 2GB, latest OS – Android 2.3 Gingerbread (the time the phone was released), and lots more. Moreover, the device was said to be a budget phone in the beginning, but the phone couldn’t handle the new Android versions. In fact, Android 4.4 KitKat failed to work smoothly on devices having just 512MB of RAM, and didn’t prove a worthy option for many people.
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The Parts Are Not Supported
You might have heard about the news last year – according to which Google told owners of Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus – that they won’t receive Android 4.4 KitKat update. It is said that the problem occurred because of the “Texas Instruments chipset” built into Galaxy Nexus. TI (Texas Instruments) after months decided not to support their chipset, which resulted in leaving Galaxy Nexus abandoned, unable to receive another official update.
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Sheer Cost of Device Operations
It doesn’t surprise us, when a manufacturer halts support of a device due to the huge amount of operations. The cost depends upon several factors like hours spent on processing the update, licensing fees, cost of devices used for testing, and so much more.
For instance, manufacturers such as Samsung can likely afford to take care of most of the devices. In fact, it even employs dozens of people to provide support for their devices. Samsung manufacturers won’t possibly find any difficulty searching for talent – for creating a team that spends a little time on an older device. But, since there are a number of active Samsung phones on the market and more are developed constantly, it makes sense for making the device retired and make employees handle new tasks.
Final Thought
You might observe that your device may be lacking some of the latest Android updates, and probably yell at your manufacturer for stopping the updates. But, you need to understand that manufacturers are only responsible, for delivering us quality devices with a functional software and nothing more than that. And you might not be receiving updates, as your device is no longer fit for updates.
You might be wondering by now, what exactly you should do with your old Android devices? Rather than throwing your device running an outdated Android version, you can use them for a lighter purpose. For instance, if possible you can connect your phone music player to a stereo.
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