A
Android System update
Guest
I have a tablet with an older version of android. Is there some way to update to the newer version?
Thanks,
Jon
Thanks,
Jon
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Short answer: go into Settings > About > Software updates and see whether there is an update available.
Longer answer: all mobile OSes have to be built for the specific hardware. Google provide the base OS code, which the manufacturer has to adapt for their specific hardware choices, build with the appropriate drivers, etc. Quite often manufacturers make their own changes to the OS or system apps as well, and if you are unlucky a network provider makes further changes. So the OS on your tablet is the manufacturer's responsibility (or, if unlucky, a network provider's, though it's usually phones that suffer that), and whether they provide updates, or for how long, is up to them. If they do, you will download and install it using the "software updates" menu on the device.
If they don't, you have three options:
1) learn how to build Android for your specific device yourself. Few people are able to take this solution.
2) if somebody else has done that, you can install their work. This is what's known as a "custom ROM", and usually requires gaining administrator access in order to install it (called "rooting" the device). If the tablet was a popular model from a mainstream manufacturer there's a good chance that there are ROMs available for it, and support for installing them. If it was an obscure device from a minor manufacturer, probably not. The reason is in (1) above: not many people have the skills and time needed to do this, and enthusiasts who do don't typically invest in off-brand or budget devices.
3) make do with the OS you have got.
Sorry, but that's the way it is. There is no "generic" version of Android which can be installed on any device, so if the manufacturer hasn't provided an update it's custom ROM or nothing.
If you want advice on whether custom ROMs are an option, we'll need to know what device you have.
Longer answer: all mobile OSes have to be built for the specific hardware. Google provide the base OS code, which the manufacturer has to adapt for their specific hardware choices, build with the appropriate drivers, etc. Quite often manufacturers make their own changes to the OS or system apps as well, and if you are unlucky a network provider makes further changes. So the OS on your tablet is the manufacturer's responsibility (or, if unlucky, a network provider's, though it's usually phones that suffer that), and whether they provide updates, or for how long, is up to them. If they do, you will download and install it using the "software updates" menu on the device.
If they don't, you have three options:
1) learn how to build Android for your specific device yourself. Few people are able to take this solution.
2) if somebody else has done that, you can install their work. This is what's known as a "custom ROM", and usually requires gaining administrator access in order to install it (called "rooting" the device). If the tablet was a popular model from a mainstream manufacturer there's a good chance that there are ROMs available for it, and support for installing them. If it was an obscure device from a minor manufacturer, probably not. The reason is in (1) above: not many people have the skills and time needed to do this, and enthusiasts who do don't typically invest in off-brand or budget devices.
3) make do with the OS you have got.
Sorry, but that's the way it is. There is no "generic" version of Android which can be installed on any device, so if the manufacturer hasn't provided an update it's custom ROM or nothing.
If you want advice on whether custom ROMs are an option, we'll need to know what device you have.