The strenuous 10 steps to a manufacturer update your Android ... - Tecmundo

Google announces a new version of Android and consumers who have devices with the portable operating system are starting to think, “Will my device will receive this update?”. Unfortunately, not always the answer to that comes quickly because there are a number of steps that must be met before a manufacturer can release the new system to its customers.

More than that, in many cases even the confirmation of support may take, as the manufacturers of mobile phones and tablets need to do a series of checks. Is it practical to deploy the update to consumers? Do the devices will have hardware to turn it? Check out a little more about this long process between the laboratories of Google and its handset.

Just to clarify and make the simplest understanding, we will use the term “manufacturer” to set hardware companies, such as processors and chipsets (Qualcomm, for example), the term “assembler” is used for those who produce smartphones (like HTC or Sony).

all starts with Google

This information can be quite obvious, but it’s Google that starts the whole process of release of Android to consumers. After making the improvements over the current version, the Mountain View company provides the development kit of the new version so that automakers can assess what is to come. Only then is she makes the official announcement for a new Android.

(Image Source: Reproduction / Wikimedia Commons )

This is how Google will ensure that companies will not be caught by surprise with the announcement of a new function – which could cause many problems for them, especially for those already with roadmaps consolidated and testing the products. As you can imagine, this type of partnership is also profitable for Google, because without automakers she could not hit the market as you do today.

Getting

endorsement of hardware manufacturers

No use HTC want to update their devices with new operating systems if the hardware does not support them for that. For this reason, Google also provides the source code for Android chipset manufacturers -. Define for them if the processors used in each unit are strong enough to perform the functions of the system

(Image Source: Reproduction / Qualcomm )

If the manufacturer of chipsets (like Qualcomm) confirm that they are able to run the new Android, a new source is sent to the makers of smartphones (Sony, for example) with the lines of code necessary to support so that the device can use the processor in the best possible way. Only after that, the automaker will develop control software -. Like HTC Sense or Samsung’s TouchWiz

In contact with operators

If the device in question is distributed by several carriers, the automaker will have to contact them so that each can create their own modifications – which includes applications for balance check and online music services, eg . After hearing and negotiate the demands of operator, the new lines of code are added in Android.

worth remembering that if you are presented with an unlocked factory version or else a Google Edition device, this step is skipped altogether. On the other hand, if the smartphone is unlocked after leaving the factory, still need to wait for approval of the operators before the process followed for the next steps.

It’s time to test

the operating system already set by the chipset manufacturers and operators, comes the time of testing that will try to find any bug that may have escaped the watchful eyes of developers. This happens in a joint manner between virtually all parties involved -. Including Google, in more specific cases tops the line appliances

(Image Source: Reproduction / Android)

If the maker of chips, the maker of cellphones and beta-testers operators give positive signal, the operating system is finally considered ready. Thus, manufacturers of smartphones only need to start the propagation of the update packages, which in the majority of cases occur by OTA system -. “Over-the-Air”

This means that consumers receive the update directly on their devices, requiring only an active internet connection to perform the download packages. After downloading the new system, you only need to authorize the installation and wait a few minutes while the update is done on your smartphone. With that, smartphones are ready to be used with the new Android.

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As you can see, it’s not just Google that needs to authorize the update of a smartphone for the latest versions of Android. Beyond the Mountain View company, chipset manufacturers, automakers and even operators interfere in this process. Are you still waiting for the update of your device?