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I'm constantly amazed by how some people think Google has this magical ability to update an OS that was built by another OEM. That's like asking Debian to updat

I'm constantly amazed by how some people think Google has this magical ability to update an OS that was built by another OEM. That's like asking Debian to update Ubuntu.

tyingq 10y ago
They set the terms for licensing Android, and have used leverage for other things they want or don't want. Edit: Yes, really. https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/02/new-android-oem-licensing-terms-leak-open-comes-with-restrictions/ https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/02/new-android-oem-lice...
- bitmapbrother 10y ago
  So let's say they put in a rule that said all OEM's must update their devices every month or lose access to Google Play apps and services. What happens when the carriers start delaying or preventing the patches and updates from flowing to the devices? Does Google uphold the rule and revoke their access? Or do they start extending the time by 1 month? Or how about 2 months? Or what about 6 months? What's the point of adding a rule you can't enforce?
  - MichaelGG 10y ago
    Easy, just apply the block to new devices -- the only thing the OEMs care about. They can easily write the contract to that effect.
    - bitmapbrother 10y ago
      In the case of the carrier preventing the transmission of patches or OS upgrades you would be punishing the OEM for a problem created by the carrier and out of the control of the OEM. Tangentially, If I was a carrier I would use this to my advantage when negotiating. If you thought carriers were bad now, just wait until they have the power to withhold Google Play services and apps to an OEM's future phones.
      - pas 10y ago
        Google could selectively disable play services with a very scary warning. Simply, if you are on a very old version of Android, display an alert that tells the end user to complain at the carrier.
        sangnoir 10y ago
        Carriers would just get more money: "Your phone is too old for Google. Here's a link to our special offers for new phones that play nice with Google"

I'm constantly amazed by how some people think Google has this magical ability to update an OS that was built by another OEM. That's like asking Debian to update Ubuntu.

tyingq 10y ago

They set the terms for licensing Android, and have used leverage for other things they want or don't want. Edit: Yes, really. https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/02/new-android-oem-licensing-terms-leak-open-comes-with-restrictions/ https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/02/new-android-oem-lice...

bitmapbrother 10y ago
So let's say they put in a rule that said all OEM's must update their devices every month or lose access to Google Play apps and services. What happens when the carriers start delaying or preventing the patches and updates from flowing to the devices? Does Google uphold the rule and revoke their access? Or do they start extending the time by 1 month? Or how about 2 months? Or what about 6 months? What's the point of adding a rule you can't enforce?
- MichaelGG 10y ago
  Easy, just apply the block to new devices -- the only thing the OEMs care about. They can easily write the contract to that effect.
  - bitmapbrother 10y ago
    In the case of the carrier preventing the transmission of patches or OS upgrades you would be punishing the OEM for a problem created by the carrier and out of the control of the OEM. Tangentially, If I was a carrier I would use this to my advantage when negotiating. If you thought carriers were bad now, just wait until they have the power to withhold Google Play services and apps to an OEM's future phones.
    - pas 10y ago
      Google could selectively disable play services with a very scary warning. Simply, if you are on a very old version of Android, display an alert that tells the end user to complain at the carrier.
      - sangnoir 10y ago
        Carriers would just get more money: "Your phone is too old for Google. Here's a link to our special offers for new phones that play nice with Google"