Android M to usher in 2-year update guarantee for Nexus devices

[Shawn Knight]

Google described Lollipop as the biggest update to Android ever and if the latest rumors surrounding its successor prove accurate, the search giant may have to go back to the well once again.

Sources familiar with the matter recently told Android Police that Google is planning to implement a hard cut-off date for Nexus device update support to go along with Android M. Specifically, Nexus devices will get major system updates for two years and security patches for three years following an operating system’s release.

Alternatively, we’re told that security updates will be guaranteed for at least 18 months from the date of purchase in the Play Store (whichever is longer).

If true, this would put an end to the uncertainty surrounding device updates. Furthermore, it’d also give potential buyers yet another reason to opt for a Nexus device (assuming the lure of a pure Android experience wasn’t enough).

It’s worth mentioning that these rules would apply to both new and older Nexus devices but not all. The Nexus 4, Nexus 10 and Nexus 7 (2012) won’t be getting Android M and thus, won’t be part of the major update guarantee although security patches will still be offered based on device release date for a bit longer.

Google's annual developer conference kicks off later this week. Most expect the company to unveil its next mobile OS - Android M (codenamed Macadamia) - but it’s unclear if the Nexus update guidelines will be announced simultaneously.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/60775-android-m-usher-2-year-update-guarantee-nexus.html

 

[Guest]

Why do android users always have to fight for updates :/

 

[ET3D]

Why do android users always have to fight for updates :/

Because OEM's want to distinguish themselves by tailoring the experience. They also probably prefer devices to become obsolete so users buy new ones. Bottom line, there's just no money for anyone in providing long term support for Android devices.

 

[Guest]

"Two years" and for only one Android phone - that's crap, no where near good enough.

Google, NEEDS to get on top of proper device UPDATING now in Android M. Devices that get no updates or very limited ongoing support is inexcusable. Blaming carriers is no longer good enough. Even Microsoft is managing core system updates. Carrier programs must sit on top of a secure/maintained core system.

 

[SirGCal]

Time to learn how to root those older devices and get newer vanilla OSs installed on them and tell the proprietary bloatware peoples to bugger off.

 

[Kevin82485]

"Two years" and for only one Android phone - that's crap, no where near good enough.

Google, NEEDS to get on top of proper device UPDATING now in Android M. Devices that get no updates or very limited ongoing support is inexcusable. Blaming carriers is no longer good enough. Even Microsoft is managing core system updates. Carrier programs must sit on top of a secure/maintained core system.

It isn't really Google's fault if a device and carrier altered OS is not up to date. It's not Google's responsibility. It's up to the device manufacturer and the carrier to update the phone. Google's vanilla Android phones will get updates because it's not altered by a third party. Google publishes OS updates and security updates to the manufacturers and carriers, it's up to them to implement the update. But because the manufacturer and carrier alter the OS so much it takes more time and energy than they are willing to put into it and they basically force you to just buy a new phone or live with it. If they just used a vanilla version of Android you would likely see more updates.

It would sort of be like moving out of an apartment and into your very own home that you can do whatever you want with, and expecting a landlord to to fix things that are broken. If you live in an apartment your landlord has control of the property and is responsible for fixing things, but one you move into a home that you have control of, you're on your own. Same thing with these phones.

 

[Guest]

I hate apple with a passion but this is one thing where they are leagues better than android, cant believe how hard is to get updates for a phone, my carrier decided to just leave my galaxy S4 forever in 4.4 kitkat, so screw it, I went cyanogenmod