Like any other operating system, Android is constantly being improved: its performance is being optimized, the interface is improving, and working with the OS is becoming more convenient. Developers regularly release official updates and patches, you can find out about their appearance from notifications that periodically appear at the top of the phone's display, in the same place where an alert is displayed that occurs when the system downloads and installs applications for android 2 2 2 and other versions.
New release - new features
Newer versions of the OS feature enhanced performance that improves and speeds up the experience on the same device by optimizing multi-threading and using multiple processors. In addition, each a new version Android has a higher functionality. Updates are completely free. When installing them, the user pays only for the traffic used.
The official opportunity to roll back the upgrade and return to old version Android doesn't exist. The only way to refuse the update is to manually flash the device, which allows you to install any required version. However, this method will void your warranty and should only be used as a last resort.
Types of updates for OS Android
Android updates are divided into two types: large and micro. Large updates can be up to 500 megabytes in size, so you should use Wi-Fi with a good hotspot to install them. Using a GPRS connection is undesirable due to the fact that in the event of a break, you will have to start downloading the necessary files again.
Micro-updates are usually around 50-70 megabytes in size. Such updates usually include small patches of various system bugs, which can often be invisible when using the phone. Installing such updates does not involve replacing android versions to a new one, but the correction of minor flaws and malfunctions of an already used system.
What improvements include Android updates?
Major version updates operating system significantly expand its functionality and make the use of the device more convenient.
For example, one of the largest updates for Android 2.3 significantly expanded the functionality of devices, presenting users with such additional benefits as:
- support for the SIP VoIP telephony protocol,
- new sound effects (equalizer, reverb, bass boost),
- copy and paste support,
- support for various sensors (gyroscopes and barometers),
- download manager for long downloads and a number of others.
Version 3.2.1 made it more convenient to search in Android Market, making it much easier to find applications for android 3 2 in the catalog. Support has also been improved Adobe Flash in the browser, which is necessary for a number of modern games.
Update version 4.2 provided OS support for profiles, which made it possible to use several accounts on one device at once, differing from each other in settings, installed programs and personal information.
How to update Android
In order to check for updates, open the About Device item in the Settings menu, then you should click Software Update. The display will show information about the availability of updates, as well as the settings for device updates. To check for operating system updates, click the Update button.
To install everything necessary updates operating system on your device, you should wait for the corresponding notification that appears at the top of the display. After that, you only need to confirm permission to download the necessary files and give permission to install them. Further, if there is enough space on the memory card to download files, the installation will be performed automatically.
In some cases (for example, in the absence of a good point WiFi access) it will be much more convenient to download the update to your computer, and then transfer it to your phone using a cable. In general, the procedure for downloading and further installing an update is no different from installing, for example, an application for android 2 3 3 or any other version.
Please note that official updates become available to users not on the first day of their release, but somewhat later. The duration of the time delay may be related to the work of the mobile operator and the region in which the user lives.
Disadvantages of Upgrading Android OS
In some cases, an upgrade of the operating system may not lead to an increase in performance and functionality, but, on the contrary, to the appearance of all kinds of brakes in operation and a noticeable decrease in convenience. Most often, the problem appears on older devices, the technical parameters of the processor and random access memory which do not meet the requirements of the new update.
In this case, the user faces such difficulties as the slow opening of important applications such as call lists or SMS messages, lags when opening various programs, a noticeable deterioration in performance, the inability to download applications for android 3 2 and other versions due to lack of memory and a number of other problems.
In some cases, problems that have arisen are resolved by formatting the SD card or by rebooting the phone. Also, lags that often occur are not related to technical parameters device, but with errors present in the update itself. In this case, to fix the problem, you just need to wait for the release of the corresponding patch.
In more difficult situations, the user will either have to put up with the shortcomings that have appeared, or manually reflash the device to the old version of the OS installed earlier.
Some users refer to the disadvantages of installing updates and the appearance in the system of official programs from Google, the removal of which is impossible.
Application compatibility with different Android OS versions
Another problem that may occur after you have updated the operating system Android system, is related to the fact that part installed programs may be deleted as a result of the fact that old programs may not be compatible with the new version of the OS. As a rule, this happens very rarely and is due to the fact that the developers of the application have stopped updating it. The best solution in this case would be to find Play Store analogues of remote programs compatible with the new version of the operating system.
However, most often, OS firmware does not cause difficulties associated with the loss of application compatibility. So, applications for android 2 2 for the most part are perfect for both system versions 2.2.2 and 2.3.3. OS incompatibility issues usually arise when a user tries, for example, to install the Android 4.0 application "Ice Cream Sandwich" on a device running version 2.0 or 3.0.
How to choose the right compatible application
In order not to make a mistake when downloading the application and not download to your phone a program that is not supported by the operating system installed on the device, you should carefully read the information from the description of the program presented on the page Google Market. Exactly the same information is indicated on unofficial Android application catalog sites.
In addition, you can attach the phone or tablet model you use to your Google account. In this case, a large inscription will appear next to the name of the program indicating whether it is compatible with your device.
However, if you download a program that is not compatible with the OS using a cable, the standard application installer for Android will still not allow you to install it.
Is it necessary to update Android?
The firmware of the operating system not only improves its functionality and performance, but also allows you to use new versions of software, the developers of which often do not monitor its compatibility with older versions of the OS. In addition, Android updates include very useful programs from Google, making the work with the device more convenient. Problems associated with a decrease in performance are extremely rare, since any update, on the contrary, is aimed at improving it.
However, if you are in doubt about whether to install this or that update, because you are worried about the possible deterioration in the performance of the device, best solution will search for relevant information on the Internet. As a rule, information about what is next android update did not lead to an improvement in the operation of the device, but, on the contrary, only to the appearance of lags, it appears on the Web very quickly.
Android 7.0 will appear soon and most users want to know who can upgrade to latest version and on which smartphones and tablets OS will be installed default. Unfortunately, most of the information on this issue is rumors and conjectures, but we managed to unearth reliable data. By the way, Android OS is not someone's trademark, and the source codes are open to developers, so many manufacturers of tablets, smartphones and software, for example, Google and Amazon. Related to this fact is the fact that the kernel version developer preview is already available for download, while updating smartphones is not yet possible.
Features of the new OS based on Android 7.0
New OS Android 7.0 promises to be even faster and more comfortable to use, as well as improve overall security. For the end user, who knows little about the differences between a smart OS and a smart phone, these subtleties mean little, but here are a number of really interesting features:
The first one is multi-window support. Yes, and earlier we could return to the “minimized” application, but by this moment it could lose temporary data, interrupt the connection to the Internet, and the like. In the new version of android, such problems should not be.
Multi-windows could be implemented as an addition to multitasking, which will no longer be imaginary, but really working, will allow you to quickly switch between applications.
Traffic saving- a very relevant function for most subscribers whose tariff does not include unlimited Internet . In addition, it is very difficult to deal with applications using megabytes without your consent for their own needs, whether it is updating or sending data to their server. The function can be enabled permanently or when a certain traffic limit is reached.
Thoughtful alerts in Nougat will allow you to configure application and OS messages, control the appearance of new ones, without going to settings menu which is very convenient and really simple. You can choose the priority of notifications 0 to 4, where 0 is the "no notification" mode, which will not distract you every time something happens in the system.
Finally managed to actually implement good file manager . Now it will be called explorer, by analogy with the windows familiar to most users. The manager is convenient and functional, so you don’t have to download as before right after buying a smartphone third party applications to be able to copy, rename, move, create new files and folders.
Advanced number blocking system will now allow you to completely block the number. That is, you will cease not only to receive sms and calls from numbers from h black list, but you can also transfer data to other programs that will also not allow this number to send you messages.
Settings operating modes have also been revised and modified. For example, by setting the "do not disturb" mode to 7 o'clock and the alarm to 6, after the alarm goes off, the mode will turn off and you can receive important messages on time.
Interface customization will be smarter and more convenient. Now it will be possible to change not only individual parameters, like wallpapers, but also the size of interface elements, depending on the device used and your own preferences.
On the high level in android 7.0 nougat application optimization. The so-called work mode, which will help you stop all running applications on your smartphone with one click.
Which smartphones and tablets will be updated to Android 7.0 Nougat
Nexus
Nexus devices will be the first to be updated. The list included:
- Nexus 6P;
- Nexus 6;
- Nexus 5X;
- Nexus 9;
- Nexus Player;
- Google Pixel C.
Their renewal will take place at the beginning of autumn. Unfortunately, the “clean” fives will not receive an official update, as they have already outlived their usefulness. Users with access to the official Google repository found traces testing Android 7.0 Nougat on Nexus 5, so it is quite possible to count on the possibility of an unofficial update. At Nexus 7 the chances of getting an update are even less than those of the top five.
Samsung
Fans of the Korean brand, as always, will have to wait OS updates until at least early 2017. There are not many devices in the list of devices planned for updating, but it is quite possible:
- Galaxy S7;
- Galaxy S7 Edge;
- Galaxy S6;
- Galaxy S6 Edge;
- Galaxy Note7;
- Galaxy Note5;
- Galaxy Note 4 (unlikely);
- Galaxy Note Edge (unlikely);
- Galaxy A line (2016);
- Galaxy Tab S2.
Who definitely does not have to worry is the owners Galaxy S7- the flagship will be updated first and without fail.
LG
Unlike their Korean counterpart, skis are more likely to release updates for their phones. on working devices will appear by the winter-end of autumn 2016. These should be:
- LG G5;
- LG G4;
- LG V10;
- LG G Style;
- LG Stylus 2 Plus;
- LG G Pad III 8.0.
Motorola
The American manufacturer is trying to play on the indecision of other manufacturers regarding the OS update of their devices and has already announced that their Moto G4 Plus will be updated to Android Nougat one of the first in the world and Android "O" within the current time frame. Recall that the release of Android "O" will take place only next year.
Release 7.0 is already being prepared for:
- Moto Z;
- Moto Z Force;
- the entire Moto X line (2015);
- Moto G third generation (2015);
- Droid Turbo (2015);
- Droid Maxx (2015);
- Moto G4;
- Moto G4 Plus;
- Moto G4 Play.
Tentatively, the update will start in mid-autumn 2016. Motorola seeks to release its seven before other unofficial developers Android, let's see how they succeed and how honest the manufacturer will be in his statements.
Sony
Sony is actively developing software for all its devices and not just for smartphones and tablets. Therefore, this manufacturer has already shown its version Android 7.0N for Xperia Z3. Officially, the list was limited to models:
- Xperia Z3+;
- Xperia Z4 Tablet;
- Xperia Z5;
- Xperia Z5 Compact;
- Xperia Z5 Premium;
- Xperia X;
- Xperia XA;
- Xperia XA Ultra;
- Xperia X performance.
However, it is worth believing that the list will be somewhat longer. The timing of the update is unclear, but Sony will not slip its customers a raw product, so it’s better not to count before the start of winter and, most likely, you need to expect the beginning of 2017.
HTC
Owners Chinese phones it was nice to know that the lines htc 10, HTC One A9 and One M9 will definitely get official update, but it is obvious that this is not the whole list. Can be prepared for installation by owners:
- HTC 10;
- One A9;
- One M9;
- One E9 / One E9+;
- Butterfly 3;
- Desire 826;
- Desire 820.
The announced start for the first three lines will take place in December, but for the rest it is not known, because. they are not on the official list.
Huawei
Owners P9 already have the opportunity to unofficially use the assembly Nougat for your phones. Unofficially, since the company does not recommend installing an unfinished version of the OS, work on it will last until the beginning of 1017. Software developers and programmers noticed in the beta assembly signs of compliance with the rulers:
- Huawei P9;
- Huawei P9 Plus;
- Huawei P9 Lite;
- Huawei Mate 8;
- Huawei P8;
- Huawei 5X.
It is possible that the entire list will receive an official update opportunity. OS up to version 7.0.
The article was created based on materials from English-language developer forums and blogs as well as unofficial sources. If you are interested in data on other brands and releases for specific countries, write comments to the material in social networks This is where we answer readers' questions.
On smartphones and tablets with the Android system, by default, there is an option to auto-update the system to the latest version when there is a Wi-Fi signal. The developers assume (in 90% this is true) that Wi-Fi is a free and broadband Internet access technology and, most importantly, updates only bring improvements.
It must be clearly understood that the device can only be updated within the version of the operating system for which it was created. That is, a phone running on version 3 of android will work under all sub-versions, but only within version 3. On such an appaprat you can not put android 2 or 4 versions. Only any modification of version 3.
Every samsung device on android has an option. Follow the link for details on how to reset.
Why update the operating system
Let's go through the motives that cause updates:
1. Security. Smartphones and tablets today are used by many to work with payment systems and contain a lot of personal information. There are always vulnerabilities that need to be fixed urgently. This is the main reason for updates.
2. Improving and adding functionality. To be honest, within the framework of one version of the system, the functionality changes very little noticeably for the average user. Another thing is when switching from version to version (from 3.2 to 4.1, for example), but for this you need to change the device physically.
3. Error correction.
4. Performance improvement. Yeah, saving battery power and increasing work without recharging by 1-2% and similar "revolutions".
I have no statistics, but from my own experience I can say that the updates are not noticeable to me. And I never noticed any change.
Is it worth updating android devices
I'll tell you my opinion. The system update always happened to me in automatic mode and smooth. But I update the system not because it is necessary, but because it is interesting.
1. Use programs that work with money.
2. Store important personal data (passport, credit card numbers) on your phone or tablet.
In all other cases, I suggest using the golden rule of programmers: "if it works, don't touch it!". Turn off auto-update. The same should be done with synchronization. It is better to copy all the data to the computer periodically. And what was synchronized "somewhere in Google", to be honest, it will be problematic for most to get it. Just because few people know which email they registered the device with and the password for this box ...
Where is the auto-update of the Android system configured?
1. We go to the parameters. This is a six-pointer icon. Or when you call the curtain, it is (version 4+) or, for sure, in the application menu.
2. At the very bottom, scroll to the "About phone" item. Let's go into it.
3. In the menu we find "software update". Usually the very first item. We go.
4. Put or remove the corresponding checkboxes.
The choice has been made!
Pleasant and safe work to your fndroid!
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Always grateful for comments and additions. Ask questions!
I am often asked whether it is possible or worth updating the android version to 6.0, 5.0, 5.1, 4.4 and so on on a smartphone / tablet.
Someone wants to update android from 5.1 to 6.0, someone from 4.4 to 6.0, someone from 6.0 to 7.0, someone from 4.2 to 4.4, someone from 4.1 to 4.4, someone from 2.3 to 4.0 , and someone immediately up to 7.1 1.
My answer is always unequivocal: it is worth updating, but not always possible. Right now, without hesitation, I would update the version on my Samsung, on which 6.0.1 is installed to android 7, but it’s impossible to do such an operation.
Having the latest version of android in your phone or tablet will not only allow you to enjoy fresh appearance user interface, the latest versions of applications, or use new system features.
Undoubtedly, the main reason you should ensure that your devices are always up to date is their security.
Interestingly, studies show that only 20 percent of users using tablets and smartphones running Android have a current version.
Undoubtedly, there are two reasons for this. The first one is that most manufacturers are slowly moving forward with latest systems, and often refuses to support older phones.
The second reason is more trivial - the users themselves are to blame. Often they do not even realize that their phone or tablet equipped with Android software can work much more efficiently.
Is it always possible to update the android system to the latest version
Is it possible to update, for example, android software 2 to 4. It turns out not. The presence of a new version does not mean that it is available for your Sony, Samsung, Meizu and so on device.
Why? Because the new version that Google has developed will not work for you. You need the manufacturer of the smartphone or tablet to make adjustments to the firmware.
Only the manufacturer usually does not want to do this. He released a batch of devices for sale and forgot about them - you can't do it on your own.
These are the ugly things. It’s worth updating the android system, but it’s not always possible - you need firmware specifically for your phone, be it android 4.1, 5.0, 6.0, 4.2, 4.4, 2.3, 4.0, 4.1 1 and so on.
If an update is available for your device, you will be notified. When you receive it, open it and click on the update option and then follow the instructions on the screen.
Please note - if you receive a shortage notification free space, release it before updating.
During the update, connect the device to a power source and make sure that the Internet connection is stable.
During the update, you can't use your smartphone or tablet, but luckily it won't take long.
How to update android software
The fastest and easiest way to update an android is to use the update that comes with your phone or tablet's operating system.
But before you take on the installation of a new version of the operating system, it is worth remembering a few important things.
- Connect to WiFi networks, since the size is not small and you can easily exhaust the data limit;
- charge the battery at least 50 percent, although full is better;
- take care of free space in the phone (at least 1 GB);
- do not remove the batteries during the update;
- do not use a device that is being updated.
Update process.
- Step 1: Open "Settings".
- Step 2: Scroll down to the bottom of the list and select About Phone/Tablet.
- Step 3. Click on the update or system update item (depending on the version and translation, the names may differ slightly).
- Step 4. Wait patiently while the new software version is installed.
During this time, your smartphone or tablet will connect to the server to check for the latest version of the Android operating system.
If it is found, the device will download and install it if you give your consent. If you do not have access to wireless network, you can always update the system using a computer with Internet access and appropriate software.
Most manufacturers have prepared special applications that can not only update the device, but also make backup data. Good luck.