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I have a Palm Phone. >OS You are indeed stuck on 8.1. Android devices all seem to have this problem because Google can't figure out how to let users control t

I have a Palm Phone. >OS You are indeed stuck on 8.1. Android devices all seem to have this problem because Google can't figure out how to let users control the OS, unlike what every other OS developer (even GNU/Linux) has done. You just have to hope you get stuck on a version that is tolerable (or continuously buy new phones?). >Face Unlock It is not the only method. You can lock and unlock it like a regular Android device. I've never used face unlock before. >The size It's fantastic. >GPS It would definitely not last you a 12 hour bikeride.

smt88 6y ago
> You are indeed stuck on 8.1. Android devices all seem to have this problem because Google can't figure out how to let users control the OS, unlike what every other OS developer (even GNU/Linux) has done. This has little to do with Google. One major issue is carriers. Many demanded that they have control over the OS: "certifying" every new major version for every handset, and then installing their own apps. Google needed carriers to push Android, so they allowed these agreements to persist. On the hardware support side, that's an issue with drivers. Google could and should set standards for drivers, which is a lesson Microsoft learned the hard way with Windows. Finally, Microsoft did set those standards for Vista, and they were rewarded with an explosion of hatred over bad drivers that they didn't write and didn't want to spend money supporting anymore. At this point, it's mostly up to manufacturers to keep drivers updated. If they won't, then there are communities like LineageOS who try (and sometimes succeed quite well).
- MiddleEndian 6y ago
  If LineageOS can "try" Google has the resources to do it in the OS. They have the leverage over phone manufacturers now, and it's one place they should actually be using their leverage. But for whatever reason, they do not care.
  - smt88 6y ago
    If Google does it, they'll end up like Microsoft: encouraging device manufacturers to produce crappy drivers. It's mostly a money pit with no upside for Google that can justify the cost.

smt88 6y ago

> You are indeed stuck on 8.1. Android devices all seem to have this problem because Google can't figure out how to let users control the OS, unlike what every other OS developer (even GNU/Linux) has done. This has little to do with Google. One major issue is carriers. Many demanded that they have control over the OS: "certifying" every new major version for every handset, and then installing their own apps. Google needed carriers to push Android, so they allowed these agreements to persist. On the hardware support side, that's an issue with drivers. Google could and should set standards for drivers, which is a lesson Microsoft learned the hard way with Windows. Finally, Microsoft did set those standards for Vista, and they were rewarded with an explosion of hatred over bad drivers that they didn't write and didn't want to spend money supporting anymore. At this point, it's mostly up to manufacturers to keep drivers updated. If they won't, then there are communities like LineageOS who try (and sometimes succeed quite well).

MiddleEndian 6y ago
If LineageOS can "try" Google has the resources to do it in the OS. They have the leverage over phone manufacturers now, and it's one place they should actually be using their leverage. But for whatever reason, they do not care.
- smt88 6y ago
  If Google does it, they'll end up like Microsoft: encouraging device manufacturers to produce crappy drivers. It's mostly a money pit with no upside for Google that can justify the cost.