Software updates

[nzlowie]

Hi all
When there is an update available why can't we all have access to download / install it. I've heard that there updates available for the One but not in all parts of the world. How does this work?? I thought an update would be an update....

Cheers Dave

 

[Rukbat]

The firmware is different in different parts of the world. When the manufacturer writes an update, that has to be adapted to work in each of the different versions. Then it's sent to the carriers, who make their own modifications. THEN the carriers send the updates out to their users' phones, a few at a time, so they don't overload the network.

 

[nzlowie]

Thanks, I was just wondering how it all happened... I brought my phone as a parallel import which means it's not tied to a carrier. Its from Hong Kong (I think) and I'm using it on the Telstra (Australian) network so who provides the update? Is that the carrier you are currently connected with?? Or can we download it from an independent source?

Cheers

 

[ocnbrze]

i moved this to the android lounge as this does not pertain to any specific apps.

in the US, it is the carriers that distribute the updates.

 

[funkylogik]

On an international phone that isnt carrier branded its the manufacturer that pushes the update (unless its a nexus) and they usually roll it out gradually and country by country

 

[chanchan05]

Check this thread: http://androidforums.com/android-lounge/811592-very-interesting-posts-htc-how-upgrades-happen.html

 

[Rukbat]

I guess Samsung used a different model for the S3 4.3 update. Three steps - get it from Google, mess it up, OTA it. Makes it a lot faster getting updates out - to your alpha testers, who happen to be your entire customer base.

Reminds me of the saying, "We don't have time to do it right (but we do have time to do it over and over and ...)".