Related
Would I be correct in assuming (at least until recently with the Nexus One and ICS), that every Android phone can run the latest version of the software, and the fragmentation of the platform that people generally refer to are the skins that developers layer over stock that aren't getting the updates? Thanks ahead of time for the answer.
Not every single Android device will be able to run it, but many will. Even devices which won't get it officially will still get it ported/developed unofficially.
I guess, what I was meaning to ask is, when ICS is released, what is stopping every phone except for the Nexus One from running it, since that is the only phone that Google specifically said wouldn't be able to run it? Note, I'm not talking about HTC Sense etc., but but just basic Android underneath it. Is Android more unified than competitors would have others believe?
Ratlegion said:
I guess, what I was meaning to ask is, when ICS is released, what is stopping every phone except for the Nexus One from running it, since that is the only phone that Google specifically said wouldn't be able to run it? Note, I'm not talking about HTC Sense etc., but but just basic Android underneath it. Is Android more unified than competitors would have others believe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, the Nexus One can run it. See here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyPeT-ZUbBw . A device may not be found fit to run ICS (based on hardware specs), which will cause them not to get the update officially. The hardware requirements may be the main thing stopping some devices from getting the update, since weak hardware with little power will not allow the system to run as it should. On the other hand, this does not stop developers from porting/making unofficial roms to devices which are claimed unable to run it or just not getting the update officially.
I have wondered on and off occasionally what happens if a security issue happens with the android OS.
Currently as we all know android is incredibly fragmented, mainly due to a system where the phone vendors roll out updates at their own leisure and google upgrading the OS at a very fast pace. Combination of the two equals fragmented userbase. But I have never seen an update for android on any version stated to fix a security issue.
Then I read this article.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-23431281
It mentiones manufacturers have yet to pass on the patch which is no surprise as here in the uk the phones that still do get updates tend to be 12 months behind google's updates (unless a new model on market), which is a deliberate policy so people buy a new phone to get new android.
Does anyone here know which android version's are affected and if custom roms have it patched?
chrcol said:
I have wondered on and off occasionally what happens if a security issue happens with the android OS.
Currently as we all know android is incredibly fragmented, mainly due to a system where the phone vendors roll out updates at their own leisure and google upgrading the OS at a very fast pace. Combination of the two equals fragmented userbase. But I have never seen an update for android on any version stated to fix a security issue.
Then I read this article.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-23431281
It mentiones manufacturers have yet to pass on the patch which is no surprise as here in the uk the phones that still do get updates tend to be 12 months behind google's updates (unless a new model on market), which is a deliberate policy so people buy a new phone to get new android.
Does anyone here know which android version's are affected and if custom roms have it patched?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you're rooted (which i assume seeing your signature) you're safe.
Also read this: http://www.androidcentral.com/making-sense-latest-android-security-scare
well it doesnt say you safe if rooted it just says you have bigger security concerns to worry about so dont worry about this.
So in short if that article is right, its been a problem since android 1.6, all that time google hasnt bothered to patch it, samsung did their own patch but only on the s4, and android 4.3 is expected to be patched.
In the meantime ensure unknown app sources is disabled.
thats what I get from that article.
Very important thread.
Thanks for posting.
I'm glad I'm rooted
another article.
http://searchnetworking.techtarget....s-Report-Mobile-malware-attacks-grew-over-600
Seems android not disclosing the security issues and it wouldnt surprise me all the older phones with no updates are full of security holes.
should google be backporting security fixes to 2.2.x 2.1.x etc?
Install Xposed framework and then load the patch module to fix both security exploits, or simply only install well trusted apps
yeah I patched my AOKP now.
looking at this url it seems I can do the same on TW rom also.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2374453
Android LolliCrap 5.02 has totally screwed over my N7 2012 8GB, LolliCrap OS and accompanying support apps like Google Play are such Bloatware that none of my apps can update (insufficient space BS) when I had 1GB free before with OS 4.4.4!! Beside I HATE the new interface, it's SLOOOOOOOW and is some kind of nightmare! My M7 8GB is essentially BRICKED and useless now!! I hate you Google!
I also have a 2012 N7 32GB still running HAPPILY 4.4.4 and I want to keep it that way and NOT Screw it over too with any version of 5.x
HOW can I block the download of LolliCrap 5.x so it's not sitting there taking up Memory space because I will never install it and how can I block all future Android OS updates??? I'd rather NOT Root if at all possible, I'm not sure I'm technically qualified to Root my N7's.
I used to be a huge fan of Google and Android, this POS LolliCrap really has me pissed off .... I just may go and buy the "enemy" iFad Mini now!!
VintageGuitarz said:
Android LolliCrap 5.02 has totally screwed over my N7 2012 8GB, LolliCrap OS and accompanying support apps like Google Play are such Bloatware that none of my apps can update (insufficient space BS) when I had 1GB free before with OS 4.4.4!! Beside I HATE the new interface, it's SLOOOOOOOW and is some kind of nightmare! My M7 8GB is essentially BRICKED and useless now!! I hate you Google!
I also have a 2012 N7 32GB still running HAPPILY 4.4.4 and I want to keep it that way and NOT Screw it over too with any version of 5.x
HOW can I block the download of LolliCrap 5.x so it's not sitting there taking up Memory space because I will never install it and how can I block all future Android OS updates??? I'd rather NOT Root if at all possible, I'm not sure I'm technically qualified to Root my N7's.
I used to be a huge fan of Google and Android, this POS LolliCrap really has me pissed off .... I just may go and buy the "enemy" iFad Mini now!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without root, you can't block the updates. I'm using a custom 5.0 rom on my 2012 N7 and it's actually pretty snappy. I also changed the file system to F2FS and cranked up the GPU speeds though so that might have something to do with it. The Nexus stuff is one of the easiest things to root out there. I believe there are ways to do so without even unlocking the bootloader, which will require wiping the device completely. There are tool kits in the forum for your device that should help you do this with minimal effort.
Rooting is something I have not even attempted, can anyone recommend a tutorial, video and how to accomplish the rooting process on a N7 2012 for a newbie to rooting?? I've been in IT, but the hardware end, so I'm not tech challenged, just no experience on the SW Hacking side. I've got to get my N7 2012 32GB model blocked before it's devastated by 5.02 too!!
I'd also like to "Revert" my already "attacked" N7 8GB 2012 back to KitKat 4.4.4, is that possible? I've looked at Android OS DL's but which model name is the 2012 N7? "nakasi" or which??
Any help and suggestions from the experts on the forum appreciated.
VintageGuitarz said:
Rooting is something I have not even attempted, can anyone recommend a tutorial, video and how to accomplish the rooting process on a N7 2012 for a newbie to rooting?? I've been in IT, but the hardware end, so I'm not tech challenged, just no experience on the SW Hacking side. I've got to get my N7 2012 32GB model blocked before it's devastated by 5.02 too!!
I'd also like to "Revert" my already "attacked" N7 8GB 2012 back to KitKat 4.4.4, is that possible? I've looked at Android OS DL's but which model name is the 2012 N7? "nakasi" or which??
Any help and suggestions from the experts on the forum appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1766475
This tool / thread will have everything you need. You can root and downgrade with it. The "manual" way is not difficult either. You were correct, it is the "nakasi" model. Just need the drivers installed, extract the folder from the download (use 7zip if you don't have an app on your PC already for those kinds of files), reboot to the bootloader screen (power off then power on by holding Vol Down and Power), plug into the PC and make sure the drivers load, then double click the flash-all.bat file in the folder and let it do it's thing.
Thanks.
Gentlemen,
Thanks for all the information and I will review the links you supplied and I will take a shot at Rooting my 2 N7 2012's to keep any nasty 5.0x updates off until Google comes to their senses! Serously, 8 days after Android 5.02 invaded my N7 8GB, it still runs like crap, balks, stalls, crashes, even Services crashes and stalls routinely. .... Google has made a mess of this version of Android OS 5.x, damn them. All just to serve their stupid "wearable" as I have read on several Android sites. Google is turning into CrApple.
VintageGuitarz said:
Gentlemen,
Thanks for all the information and I will review the links you supplied and I will take a shot at Rooting my 2 N7 2012's to keep any nasty 5.0x updates off until Google comes to their senses! Serously, 8 days after Android 5.02 invaded my N7 8GB, it still runs like crap, balks, stalls, crashes, even Services crashes and stalls routinely. .... Google has made a mess of this version of Android OS 5.x, damn them. All just to serve their stupid "wearable" as I have read on several Android sites. Google is turning into CrApple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I often find issues like that are caused from not resetting your device after OTAs. This kind of thing happens often enough between jumping OS versions, and is not just for the Nexus, but I've seen and read about it for every manufacturer, and even for Apple devices. There are plenty of people using Lollipop on the N7 without issues. Just every device is a bit different, even before you start adding your own apps and data.
es0tericcha0s said:
I often find issues like that are caused from not resetting your device after OTAs. This kind of thing happens often enough between jumping OS versions, and is not just for the Nexus, but I've seen and read about it for every manufacturer, and even for Apple devices. There are plenty of people using Lollipop on the N7 without issues. Just every device is a bit different, even before you start adding your own apps and data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I beg to greatly differ with your opinion regarding the number of Nexus owners (at least older models) having problems with Lollipop OS, along with owners of other brands of phones and tablets. While looking for reason for all the problems I've experienced and how to fix or revert back to KitKat 4.4.4 (because it worked flawlessly) and how to block further Lollicrap 5.0x updates, I've "Googled" and visited at least 30 of 40 different forums, blogs, postings and news reports that EVERYONE chastises, complains and hates Lollicrap 5.0x. Even Bloomberg News has runs a few news stories about why everyone hates Android 5.0x Lollipop and won;t use it. Several Tech writers have pointed out that the main purpose of Lollicrap 5.0x is to promote Google's android based "Wearable" and obviously from all the complaints by us, we've been sacrificed for their greed.
Sorry, If I got to wipe out all my app installs and start all over again with a "reset", I won't waste my time with Buggy and Kluged LolliCrAp 5.0x anything and these will be the last Google product I'll ever buy ..... they've become CrApple! All for the money of it and screw the previous model owners. My next new Tablet will be a Surface Pro.
VintageGuitarz said:
I beg to greatly differ with your opinion regarding the number of Nexus owners (at least older models) having problems with Lollipop OS, along with owners of other brands of phones and tablets. While looking for reason for all the problems I've experienced and how to fix or revert back to KitKat 4.4.4 (because it worked flawlessly) and how to block further Lollicrap 5.0x updates, I've "Googled" and visited at least 30 of 40 different forums, blogs, postings and news reports that EVERYONE chastises, complains and hates Lollicrap 5.0x. Even Bloomberg News has runs a few news stories about why everyone hates Android 5.0x Lollipop and won;t use it. Several Tech writers have pointed out that the main purpose of Lollicrap 5.0x is to promote Google's android based "Wearable" and obviously from all the complaints by us, we've been sacrificed for their greed.
Sorry, If I got to wipe out all my app installs and start all over again with a "reset", I won't waste my time with Buggy and Kluged LolliCrAp 5.0x anything and these will be the last Google product I'll ever buy ..... they've become CrApple! All for the money of it and screw the previous model owners. My next new Tablet will be a Surface Pro.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Human nature - people are more likely to post complaining about things than complimenting them. Name an update on any device that you can't find people having issues with. Nature of the beast. But as I mentioned, the problems you are experiencing are very typical of issues with OTA updates and not factory resetting the device.
es0tericcha0s said:
Human nature - people are more likely to post complaining about things than complimenting them. Name an update on any device that you can't find people having issues with. Nature of the beast. But as I mentioned, the problems you are experiencing are very typical of issues with OTA updates and not factory resetting the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But you also have to take into account, that the vast majority of any device users, especially Smart Phones and Tablets, are not technologically "equipped" and DON'T B n C on-line and don't do postings looking for help, they just get pissed and move to another device or OS. So I postulate that all these hundreds of posts are an accurate reflection of the total percentage of people having issues with Android 5.0x and that since the tech media is taking note of it, it's the true nature of the problems. Sorry, my N7 2012 was pristine, ran perfectly under KitKat 4.4.4. If I'm having problems after and OTA update, so are the majority. It's just common sense and the odds.
VintageGuitarz said:
But you also have to take into account, that the vast majority of any device users, especially Smart Phones and Tablets, are not technologically "equipped" and DON'T B n C on-line and don't do postings looking for help, they just get pissed and move to another device or OS. So I postulate that all these hundreds of posts are an accurate reflection of the total percentage of pe If I'm having problems after and OTA update, so are the majority. It's just common sense and the odds.ople having issues with Android 5.0x and that since the tech media is taking note of it, it's the true nature of the problems. Sorry, my N7 2012 was pristine, ran perfectly under KitKat 4.4.4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So many leaps of logic, assumptions, and lack of understanding of how software updates work here, it's not even worth getting into. If you need help downgrading, I'd be more than happy to help though. You can hit me up on Hangouts @ my screen name if you'd like.
Apparently the 5.02 Lollicrap Update is down loaded to your N7 (maybe other devices as well) without your permission when connected online.
Where is it stored as a file, in what folder and can it be deleted, prior to Rooting the N7?
I'd like help with Rooting both of my N7's (2012's), returning one back to KitKat 4.4.4 and keeping the other 32GB 2012 N7 from ever being updated without my permission.
Thanks
VintageGuitarz said:
Apparently the 5.02 Lollicrap Update is down loaded to your N7 (maybe other devices as well) without your permission when connected online.
Where is it stored as a file, in what folder and can it be deleted, prior to Rooting the N7?
I'd like help with Rooting both of my N7's (2012's), returning one back to KitKat 4.4.4 and keeping the other 32GB 2012 N7 from ever being updated without my permission.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should be in the /cache folder, which you won't have access to without root.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1766475
Everything you need will be in that thread. As long as the drivers are loaded correctly and you have a good USB cable, the toolkit should be able to do everything else as far as rooting and downgrading. Once you are rooted, then I think you should be able to stop notifications/downloads of the updates by following this 1st post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2429820
and / or might need to do this too:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=53169162&postcount=21
Or install a custom rom.
I'm not so cool with "Leaps" of logic in your instructions that seem to contain a lot of "I think", "should be ale to", or "and / or might need to do this too", or "Or install a custom rom". I've never Rooted anything, this seems more like guess work than a proven method and I'm not about to sacrifice my working 32GB N7 with KitKat 4.4.4 "experimenting".
By this loose method you're advising, my logic in saying the majority of Android users are pissed (referenced dozens and dozens of forum sites) but most silent about LolliCrap screwing up their devices, is like the proven theory of relativity.
I'll keep looking for a forum thread by someone that has, with no "might have to", or "should's" in the process.
Thanks anyway.
VintageGuitarz said:
I'm not so cool with "Leaps" of logic in your instructions that seem to contain a lot of "I think", "should be ale to", or "and / or might need to do this too", or "Or install a custom rom". I've never Rooted anything, this seems more like guess work than a proven method and I'm not about to sacrifice my working 32GB N7 with KitKat 4.4.4 "experimenting".
By this loose method you're advising, my logic in saying the majority of Android users are pissed (referenced dozens and dozens of forum sites) but most silent about LolliCrap screwing up their devices, is like the proven theory of relativity.
I'll keep looking for a forum thread by someone that has, with no "might have to", or "should's" in the process.
Thanks anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for not being more clear.
The update zip IS in the /cache folder, which you won't have access to without root.
The toolkit on from the link I provided has nothing to do with guess work as it is the easiest way to downgrade and root and has everything you need from the drivers to the root files to being able to download the 4.4.4 firmware and flash for you with very minimal interaction. As far as the notifications go, some people get away with one method, some have to do both. If you would feel more comfortable with someone helping via TeamViewer, I'd be willing to. I literally do this kind of stuff as a job and have experience with every kind of flashing, modding, upgrades, downgrades, etc for 100s of devices, as well as owning the same tablet you have.
Thanks for the clarifications, I'll download the Toolkit and run it to familiarize myself with it. If it looks confusing to me, I'll take you up on the offer to help using TeamViewer. I've used TV a few times with my IT clients.
Do you know which cashe folder Android stores the updates in? And once rooted and updates blocked, can I just delete that 5.02 file (I'm think my other 2012 N7 32GB which has not been updated)??
It's just in the /cache folder in the root of the OS. Yes, you can delete it without issue, though it's not going to give you any more usable apace as it's a different partition of the device that the normal data you save doesn't have access to. Still, might as well delete it.
Sent from my A0001 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
es0tericcha0s said:
It's just in the /cache folder in the root of the OS. Yes, you can delete it without issue, though it's not going to give you any more usable apace as it's a different partition of the device that the normal data you save doesn't have access to. Still, might as well delete it.
Sent from my A0001 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's been a while and I still haven't Rooted my Nexus 7, been researching the mechanics of how to do it and what methods are available that a complete "rooting newbee" can use without getting over my head in quicksand and a bricked N7 (2012) instead of one taken back to Kitkat 4.4.4 from a screwed up buggy 5.02 OTA update.
I was looking at a tutorial for using " Wugfresh" tool and a comment was made that "Unlocking will wipe the device.". Is this true? Is this always the case when rooting and unlocking?
I don't want to "wipe" my N7, just root it and return it to 4.4.4.
I also read that the boot loader in the factory 4.4.4 is faulty and a lot of girations are needed to reinstall 4.4.4. Has anyone experienced this?
Appreciate the thoughts and ideas.
VintageGuitarz said:
It's been a while and I still haven't Rooted my Nexus 7, been researching the mechanics of how to do it and what methods are available that a complete "rooting newbee" can use without getting over my head in quicksand and a bricked N7 (2012) instead of one taken back to Kitkat 4.4.4 from a screwed up buggy 5.02 OTA update.
I was looking at a tutorial for using " Wugfresh" tool and a comment was made that "Unlocking will wipe the device.". Is this true? Is this always the case when rooting and unlocking?
I don't want to "wipe" my N7, just root it and return it to 4.4.4.
I also read that the boot loader in the factory 4.4.4 is faulty and a lot of girations are needed to reinstall 4.4.4. Has anyone experienced this?
Appreciate the thoughts and ideas.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Literally just finished helping someone with downgrading back from LP because it wasn't working well for them either. You absolutely have to unlock the bootloader, which will wipe the device, no matter what you want to do - root / recovery / downgrade / etc. This is not an option as it is a security feature. There are so many ways to back up most of your stuff that it's really not THAT big of a deal. There are apps, Google, cloud storage, etc.
Yeah in doing my "research" on rooting to turn back the calendar to Kitkat 4.4.4 I've read more and more pretty pissed off N7 owners, seems to have hit the 2012 and 2013 model owners the most grievously.
Question then if I backup - since I'm on LP 5.02 on my 8GB N7 (2012) already, when I do a back up won't it also take with some of the LP oriented settings?
Is there a highly preferred BU method that will take everything from data, settings and apps so after I root and reinstall (flash?) 4.4.4 on a wiped N7 it puts everything back? Is there a BU method I can use to BU's to my PC, rather than a cloud? (I don't have a 8GB "cloud account with anyone)
Thanks very much.
Hello,
I've seen some threads on rollbacks but want to be sure I'm doing it right since I'm on an old version.
I have a Apollo 8.9. I can't even remember all the steps I took to get Google apps, but I know I'm on 3.2.5 and have the HDXposed module installed to block updates etc. I'm on Safestrap v 3.75. All I want to do is get back to factory stock latest version so I can sell this. I don't care about getting root again or custom ROMs.
Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
Tim
Imo, it would be easier to sell as is. Many people want the flexibility that your device has. The ability to have a wonderful screen and be able to put one of many roms on it.
lekofraggle said:
Imo, it would be easier to sell as is. Many people want the flexibility that your device has. The ability to have a wonderful screen and be able to put one of many roms on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. Clearly state the firmware version and indicate the bootloader can be unlocked. Knowledgeable buyers will recognize what this means and may be willing to pay for this capability. Where to sell it and a fair asking price are unknowns (at least to me).
Ironically, market value may be reduced somewhat by a flurry of recent tool/rom releases that work on rooted HDX devices regardless of firmware level as it opens the door for many users who were previously shut out - unless they had a device like yours.
Attempting to restore you device to 'factory defaults' introduces risks that could yield a brick. Best not mess with it unless you are willing to assume those risks.
Hi everyone,
I can't find a satisfactory answer on my favorite search engines, so I thought I'd come here and ask. Sorry if this question has already been put on the table, carved, sliced and gobbled, I couldn't find trace of it in the forum's search engine either.
My phone's a Leagoo T5c that will forever be stuck on Android 7.0, it seems, because the OEM has already lost interest, and because its SoC makes it difficult, if not downright impossible, to find a suitable custom ROM.
The latest ROM I could find and install on this phone goes back to August of 2018 (no-no, no typos), and its Security Update is even one month older (July 2018).
My question is in the title: Is it possible to install Security Updates without reinstalling/updating/upgrading the firmware itself, like you would in, say, Windows or any other OS, I presume?
UglyStuff said:
Hi everyone,
I can't find a satisfactory answer on my favorite search engines, so I thought I'd come here and ask. Sorry if this question has already been put on the table, carved, sliced and gobbled, I couldn't find trace of it in the forum's search engine either.
My phone's a Leagoo T5c that will forever be stuck on Android 7.0, it seems, because the OEM has already lost interest, and because its SoC makes it difficult, if not downright impossible, to find a suitable custom ROM.
The latest ROM I could find and install on this phone goes back to August of 2018 (no-no, no typos), and its Security Update is even one month older (July 2018).
My question is in the title: Is it possible to install Security Updates without reinstalling/updating/upgrading the firmware itself, like you would in, say, Windows or any other OS, I presume?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With android 10 were introduced Google play security updates that lets you received security updates (not all of them unfortunately, some requires to upgrade) without updating the full OS. You can't do it because you're stuck with the wrong Android version
Hopefully you won't have any issues with hacking but consider buying a new phone when you'll get a chance
Security updates get rolled out as OTA by OEM/Carrier if they consider it's necessary. You can't force it. Theoretically, all Android smartphones should get around two years of security updates. However, the reality is often very different.
The Leagoo T5c is a small-budget phone what was sold for 99 USD - so more or less a disposable item. You cannot expect OEM/Carrier to have any interest in providing updates for such a phone.
Thank you both for your explanations. I understand that Android works differently when it comes to updating itself, mostly because Google isn't the only party to have a voice in the chapter; still, it's unnerving to see that the end-user is more or less captive anyway.
It kinda defeats the very purpose of an open-source OS, to have to wait for an OEM to release (or not) an update, when you could install the patches yourself.
As for buying another phone, well, as soon as I've got the dough, I will, believe me. Not because I'm dissatisfied with this one, but because I don't like the idea of totting around with a phone that hasn't seen a security update in over two years.
I'm also seriously considering moving to Ubuntu Touch, though there again, my phone's exotic platform could be problematic. Custom ROMs seems to be as complicated an avenue as others, too.
All in all, Android isn't what they sold me: It's not secure, it's not "free", it's just another way to make you shell out bucks for new hardware every couple years.
Android is just iOS without the eye-candy, you ask me...
UglyStuff said:
Thank you both for your explanations. I understand that Android works differently when it comes to updating itself, mostly because Google isn't the only party to have a voice in the chapter; still, it's unnerving to see that the end-user is more or less captive anyway.
It kinda defeats the very purpose of an open-source OS, to have to wait for an OEM to release (or not) an update, when you could install the patches yourself.
As for buying another phone, well, as soon as I've got the dough, I will, believe me. Not because I'm dissatisfied with this one, but because I don't like the idea of totting around with a phone that hasn't seen a security update in over two years.
I'm also seriously considering moving to Ubuntu Touch, though there again, my phone's exotic platform could be problematic. Custom ROMs seems to be as complicated an avenue as others, too.
All in all, Android isn't what they sold me: It's not secure, it's not "free", it's just another way to make you shell out bucks for new hardware every couple years.
Android is just iOS without the eye-candy, you ask me...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android isn't iOS precisely because you can break free from your OEM by flashing a custom ROM. You can develop one for almost any device as long as the OEM releases the kernel source code. And most OEM do (expect for some very unknown phones).
Custom ROMs like GrapheneOS are made to free you from google Services and are truly privacy oriented. And all of that is possible because Android is open source.
Trust me, the Android community has always worked actively to counter aging of their devices (including me).
Just buy a phone with a solid community behind and you'll be able to keep it up to date a looong time
Raiz said:
Android isn't iOS precisely because you can break free from your OEM by flashing a custom ROM. You can develop one for almost any device as long as the OEM releases the kernel source code. And most OEM do (expect for some very unknown phones).
Custom ROMs like GrapheneOS are made to free you from google Services and are truly privacy oriented. And all of that is possible because Android is open source.
Trust me, the Android community has always worked actively to counter aging of their devices (including me).
Just buy a phone with a solid community behind and you'll be able to keep it up to date a looong time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you in principle, but if I must take an example: I have this Early 2006 MacBook Pro with a Core Duo CPU that precludes me from even installing Mac OS X 10.7 "Lion" on it, because the CPU is 32-bit-only, and Lion requires a 64-bit CPU.
The machine itself works very well, albeit a bit slowly, but then it's got only 2 GB of RAM and a 120-GB SSD. When I got fed-up with OS X applications not updating/upgrading and Firefox addons not installing because my copy of Firefox was too old, I partitioned the SSD, installed rEFInd as boot manager, and installed Zorin 15.2 (now 15.3) Lite 32-bit.
I now spend more time on the Linux side of this Mac than on the OS X side, and updating/upgrading it is a breeze, either via the dedicated application or in Terminal. I know there'll be an end-of-the-line there too, someday, but at least I'll keep using this Mac until it truly dies on me, not when Apple tells me it's dead.
This, for me, is the very essence of open-source: Not just the fact that it's free, but that you can revive an old machine and keep it running long after Apple et al have decided that it had gone the way of the dinosaurs.
The same doesn't apply to Android, alas. Here, you must have a compatible SoC/chipset/what-have-you, a Treble-compatible device, you must have this, you must have that...
In the end, only a fraction of Android users really get to enjoy everything their device has to offer for as long as they choose; the others just pop into the nearest phone store, be it brick-and-mortar or cyber, and must produce their credit card.
My question was as much a challenge to myself as anything else. I would really like to learn how Android works, but the tutorials and articles I've found here and there are all a bit cryptic.
That's why I'm regularly prowling this forum, I guess.
"Hunting high and low", as the song goes... :laugh:
yep, good question but google & manufactures are in it for the moola not the users 2 yr old phone.
hiitsrudd said:
yep, good question but google & manufactures are in it for the moola not the users 2 yr old phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't I know it! It's true that even budget phones have decent specs nowadays, still, why dump a perfectly functioning phone simply because you can't update/upgrade the software?
I understand Google's rationale, of course: They invest tons of money year after year after year to keep the whole boat afloat, and they need a steady income. OK. Still, to not be able to keep your phone ***safe*** is a no-go for me.
I'm seriously beginning to think about installing Ubuntu Touch on the device. I think I'm going to try that next weekend.
I'll probably come back here with my eyes red, asking for help in unbricking my phone, though.
Stay tuned! :good:
A followup, if you are mindful of your own security it's conceivable to get more usage of that android. I don't use a banking app, but if need be use a good browser( thats updated of course) And update all often used apps via playstore. I'm still running Oreo on my phone. FYI you iOS ppl need to do critical updates asap