At this point, there is no doubt that the Android update system needs to improve. Pushing a new version of the operating system to a device is so complicated and takes so long that most users use old versions. However, Google now claims that Android smartphones will get rapid security updates this 2017, or at least that's what it intended.
Operating systems like iOS on iPhones, or Windows and macOS on computers, are updated directly by their creators, so it's easy to fix security issues or add new features. In the case of Android, only Google's own smartphones receive fast updates. The rest are delayed because the manufacturer and, sometimes, the mobile operator that has sold it, must carry out modifications and tests with the new software.
This is annoying for users, who would like to enjoy the news of the latest versions of Android as soon as possible. But the issue becomes more serious when we realize that there are millions of smartphones with serious security problems that take months to receive the correction, or never receive it at all arrives. Google's intention is that by 2017, security updates will reach all Android phones in a short time
If we look closely, there are still many brands working on updating to Android 7.0 Nougat, which has been on the market for more than 6 months, and already has its successor, Android O, in testing. Google will try to ensure that security updates arrive independently of new versions, and that they take as little time as possible.
Google is working with manufacturers, and has managed to lower their wait times from about 6-9 weeks to just a few days. In addition, it has implemented a system that prevents phones from becoming unusable in the event that an update brings bugs, to give brands more confidence. security updates will be lighter now, and users will be able to install it automatically, without having to give permission each time.
In addition, Google plans to share brand information about updates with other members of the industry, in an attempt to build competitiveness. Samsung, for example, has been among the first to act, and some of its Android smartphones will receive fast security updateseach month during 2017
What do you think of this topic? Worried that security updates aren't fast enough on Android, or do you want new versions with additional features to come to your phone?
