What it’s essential to know
- Google could also be eradicating assist for non-A/B updates.
- This could imply seamless updates are the one formally supported OTA replace methodology.
- Some gadget makers should search to make use of typical updates.
Seamless updates (also called A/B updates) have been a characteristic on Android gadgets since 2016, however whereas the comfort of this over-the-air (OTA) replace methodology comes with a number of benefits, not all gadget producers have been eager to undertake it. Now, stories are suggesting that Google is getting ready to take away assist for non-A/B updates, which means it can possible come to extra gadgets.
As famous by Android knowledgeable Mishaal Rahman, a remark in AOSP factors to the elimination of assist for non-A/B updates. If true, this is able to imply seamless updates would change into the one formally supported OTA replace mechanism.
Google is getting ready to completely take away assist for non-A/B updates from Android, leaving A/B updates as the one formally supported OTA replace mechanism shifting ahead.Nevertheless, this would possibly not cease sure gadget makers from persevering with to make use of non-A/B as they will both use their very own… pic.twitter.com/gmSjNzCk50February 21, 2024
Nearly all of gadget producers have already converted to seamless updates. However Samsung, one of many greatest smartphone manufacturers on this planet, has up to now refused to maneuver away from conventional updates. And now, even with the potential for assist for non-A/B updates being eliminated, Samsung could proceed avoiding this methodology of updating its gadgets, as famous by Rahman.
Seamless updates permit Android telephones to obtain system upgrades whereas nonetheless having the ability to use the telephone. An lively partition runs within the background, and the updates are utilized to an inactive partition. When prompted to restart the gadget, the telephone switches to the brand new, absolutely up to date partition.
With the standard methodology, customers are obliged to attend for the replace to finish whereas being unable to make use of their telephone within the meantime. Then again, this methodology is usually quicker to finish and tends to make use of much less space for storing, though Google has not too long ago managed to hurry up seamless updates. In principle, By eradicating assist for the standard methodology, Google may push Samsung (and others) to start out utilizing seamless updates.
Nevertheless, as Rahman explains, gadget makers may proceed to create their very own replace programs to work round this or “simply revert Google’s adjustments.” Google had beforehand thought of mandating the usage of seamless updates way back to Android 11 and once more with Android 13 earlier than deciding towards it. Years later, Samsung continues to carry out towards seamless updates. Whether or not it will probably proceed to take action stays to be seen.
