Samsung update process

[Asok]

If you love your smartphone, you are probably familiar with the general trend: after the traditional rumors, Google announces a new Android version each year. Android is Google’s mobile operating system, and is running on most Samsung smartphones. While the rumor mill goes on about the next update, you no doubt wonder what is going to improve, and above all, when the update will be available for your Samsung phone (or tablet.)

Samsung can’t always share information about which of its devices will get the next Android update. The general policy is that a Samsung device will get support for about one to three years after launch, and the company will – when technically possible – continue to update a particular device to newer versions of the Android OS. The aim is to make updates available as quickly as possible, but in the past, updates sometimes got delayed or even got cancelled for some devices, despite Samsung promising to release it for those devices. This was mostly because Samsung’s plans to update devices were based on early information they would receive from Google or from telecom providers, which is the reason why it no longer offers information on Android updates and their availability, mostly to avoid disappointing users later on.

Samsung gets a lot of questions from users as a result, and it is something the company fully understands. So here’s a general explanation of how the Android update process works, and how Samsung works with telecom providers and Google.

Step 1: First, the Android update hits Korea

When a new version of Android is launched, Google’s Nexus devices are the first to get updated. Initially, the software isn’t optimized for our Samsung devices. Therefore, we send a basic version of the new software to Samsung headquarters in South Korea, where the new Android software must be fully ported to work on Samsung devices. Improvements are implemented in many areas – think network settings, or the disabling or addition of various functionality. Only when all functions are tested on all compatible devices and are fully stable does Samsung send out the customized Android software around the world to various countries, including yours.

Step 2. Android update tested in your country

Then the new and customized version of Android is tested in your country. Samsung’s local team will test all functionality for all available devices for the corresponding markets. Furthermore, telecom providers also test the new Android update and, if needed, apply the correct settings.

Step 3: Final update check by Google

Once Samsung and network providers have fully tested the software for various countries, Google must approved the customized Android system. But, if or during that approval process Google finds something that needs to be changed, the entire approval procedure takes place again, even if the adjustments required are extremely minimal. It can therefore cause a few delays, and is also the reason why the expected date of the latest Android update for your phone is difficult to predict.

Step 4: Who gets the Android update first?

When the final software is approved, it can be put to use. Unfortunately, not everyone can download the software at the same time; this is to prevent the update servers from becoming overloaded, and the update is therefore offered in phases.

Now, for example, if the Galaxy Note 3 has more problems with the software it is currently running (meaning the version before the new update), the device gets the next update faster than the Galaxy Note 4, which is a more recent device. Samsung constantly monitors (online) customer feedback, and it can mean that we deviate from the rule that newer devices must get software updates before older devices.

Samsung depends on carriers and network operators from your country as well. The entire process of development, testing and quality control is first completed by Samsung, but it happens – for example – at T-Mobile, Vodafone or any other network provider
Step 5: The update process

There are several options to install the new software on your device. The first update path (and the recommended one) is usually Samsung Kies or Smart Switch – this method of updating is through the use of a PC and a USB cable and is very safe. The chances of errors through Samsung Kies or Smart Switch is the smallest, so we recommend that you update using these programs, if possible.

The second option is FOTA, which stands for “Firmware Over The Air.” Here you download the update from your wireless network and then install them on your phone. A user can update the FOTA themselves, but it is also offered by means of a push message to your phone. These push notifications are sent out in notifications, so some users need to wait before they receive the update on their device.

[swapnil]

thats a very brief information regarding os and other updates features.... and solutions also.... i knw software works is so frustrating thts why samsung says they have groups of software experts.... they starts there works as the new information rollout, for every hardware they optimised there os.... they even use it for a month.... but its annoying if they forget there old generation and they have new os... for new hardware........


i love samsung devices..... i m not against it or favouring to other brand... #iphone users like if he is using iphone 4s or iphone5 they get user experience , and they rollout there os worldwide....

[Samsung_India_]

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