Connect with us

Opinion

Android Updates War: Google’s Game-Changing Move to Outshine Samsung

Published

on

Samsung July 2023 security patch details

When it comes to Android updates, Samsung is leading the Android world. However, this could be the last day of Samsung’s leadership as Google is expected to double up its current Android updates support for Pixel smartphones launching today.

2020 was a remarkable year in Samsung’s history when the company extended Android updates support from two years to three. A few months later, the company extended the security support as well, totaling it to four years for flagship Galaxy devices.

Follow our socials → Google NewsTelegramX/TwitterFacebook | WhatsApp

In 2022, Samsung launched the Galaxy S22 series, which offers four generations of OS upgrades. In its announcement, the company listed all flagships launched in 2021 and later along with select Galaxy A series smartphones for 4 OS and 5 years of security patches.

With this decision, the South Korean tech giant surpassed Google’s support policy, which owns Android. To be noted, Tensor-powered Pixel smartphones come with three years of Android and five years of monthly security updates support.

Today, Google will launch the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones. And as per the leaks, both phones will offer up to 7 years of software support, surpassing the longest support provided by Apple to its iPhones. Pixel 8 and later might be eligible for 7 major OS upgrades, which sounds a bit confusing.

There are speculations that there will be five major OS versions and 7 years of regular security patches and quarterly Pixel Feature Drops for the latest flagship smartphones. If it happens, it will force other Android vendors to further extend their support.

While Pixel phones are limited to support 3 major OS versions, Samsung is offering 4 generations of OS upgrades to cheaper Galaxy devices that costs approx $249. Samsung won’t take too long to beat Google yet again in terms of software support.

Let’s see, what Google has to offer to the Android world!

James is the lead content creator on Sammy Fans and mostly works on Samsung's firmware section. His first phone was the Galaxy S4 and continues to get new S series devices. Most of the time, James tries to learn about new technologies and gadgets but he also sneaks a bit of free time to nearby rivers and nature.

Opinion

Do you really need security patch software updates every month?

Published

on

Samsung September 2024 software update

In today’s world, where we are connected to technology, the security of our devices is essential. But does this mean you need to update your phone with security patches every month? Let’s discuss this in this article.

Before talking about Samsung, we will discuss Apple’s software update policy. Apple is well-known for keeping its devices very secure. Apple designs both the hardware and software of its devices, allowing for seamless integration. If there’s any security flaw found, Apple can push out an update quickly. Apple’s software policy includes not just major upgrades but also minor updates and Rapid Security Responses, which are quick fixes for immediate threats.

While Apple doesn’t strictly stick to a monthly schedule for all updates, they ensure that major security patches are rolled out as soon as they’re ready, which can sometimes feel like you’re updating every month or even more frequently. In addition, Apple devices receive software updates for several years (5-6 years), ensuring even older models aren’t left vulnerable. Unlike many other companies, Apple keeps even its older devices up-to-date with security fixes, while others often leave them behind.

About Samsung, while doing well with its update schedules, the company could adopt a few strategies to enhance user trust and security. Like Apple, Samsung could work towards even more streamlined updates where security patches are smaller, faster, and less annoying. The South Korean company has recently extended the software support policy for its new devices, promising up to 7 years of OS updates, a policy highlighted at SDC 2024. Offering security updates for longer periods would not only improve security but also customer loyalty.

There must be a detailed description or changlog with every software update, which could help users understand the importance of these monthly updates. Apple’s detailed notes on what’s changed or fixed can be a good example. Samsung’s monthly software update changelog usually includes “The security of your device has been improved”.

What about an option to choose? Allow users to opt for different update frequencies. Those who want the Iron Man security could stick with monthly, while others might choose a less frequent schedule, let’s say quarterly. Sometimes, you might get up to 3-4 software updates in a single month, with the same changelog.

The company should people know why software updates matter. Sometimes, users skip updates because they don’t know how crucial they are for keeping their devices safe, not just because it’s a minor annoyance.

Some Pros and Cons of Frequent Security Updates:

Advantages:

  • The most obvious benefit is enhanced security. New patches fix vulnerabilities that could otherwise be exploited by malware or hackers.
  • Often, these updates also bring performance improvements or bug fixes that can make your device run smoother or faster.
  • Sometimes, these updates might include minor new features or enhancements.

Disadvantages:

  • Frequent updates can be annoying. They require downloads, sometimes a restart, and occasionally, they might bring new bugs to your primary phone.
  • There’s a high chance that an update might not play well with a few third-party apps until those apps are updated.
  • For those with limited internet/mobile data, frequent updates can consume a significant amount of internet.

My Opinion:

Do you really need those security updates every month? The answer leans towards YES, if you want to keep your device as secure as possible. However, the ideal scenario would be for companies like Samsung to make these software updates less of a task and more of a seamless part of having a smartphone.

Continue Reading

Opinion

Should Samsung consider revamping its One UI update approach?

Published

on

One UI for all

When keeping our Samsung Galaxy devices fresh with the latest software, there’s always an atmosphere of excitement and a hint of frustration. As Samsung officially confirmed the One UI 7.0 beta delays, Samsung’s update policy might need a rethink. Let’s dive into what’s happening and how Samsung could potentially polish its update game.

If you’re polishing your Galaxy S24 and waiting for the One UI 7.0 beta, you’re not alone. As per several reports in the past, the beta has been in internal testing since mid-year but still isn’t ready for public testing. This delay isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s a signal that perhaps the approach to software rollouts needs tweaking.

Samsung’s strategy has often been to prioritize newer Galaxy devices for the latest software updates, which is understandable from a marketing perspective. In the recent rollout, Samsung rolled out the One UI 6.1.1, the latest stable One UI version, to the Galaxy S24 series, which took an additional 15 days to reach the Galaxy S23 series, the device launched back in 2023, the same update took more than a month to appear for the Galaxy S22 series, launched in 2022.

This irregular rollout often leads to a terrible user experience. Imagine buying a high-end tablet only to find out that your friend or colleague’s newer Galaxy phone has the latest features first.

We can understand the above statements but here’s where things get too much. Even after prolonged beta testing periods, major bugs appear in the final stable releases. For example, after the 9 different One UI 6.0 beta builds released for the Galaxy S23 series last year, the stable update brought some serious bugs to the S23 trio.

This scenario begs the question: if beta testing isn’t catching these issues, what is going wrong? Users expect a seamless transition when they update their devices, not a troubleshooting session.

Here are my suggestions for Samsung’s Update Strategy:

1. Transparency: Samsung could benefit from setting clear, realistic timelines for updates and sticking to them. If there’s a delay, communicate it early. Transparency builds trust.

2. Update For All: Instead of staggered updates, why not aim for a more simultaneous release across eligible devices? This would help users with slightly older models feel their devices are still up-to-date.

3. Extended Beta Program: While beta testing is great, expanding this phase to include more real-world scenarios might help in catching serious bugs. More diverse testing environments could lead to more robust software. In the last 6 years, Samsung has kept the beta program limited to 7 countries only.

4. Post-Update Support: After rolling out major updates, there should be an immediate follow-up plan for quick patches. A dedicated update support team could swiftly address unexpected or serious issues.

5. Longevity Promises: Samsung’s recent move towards promising longer support for devices is commendable, with up to 7 years of software support latest Galaxy devices. However, these updates need to be timely and not just an afterthought.

6. Feature availability: When new features are introduced, Samsung could work on exporting some useful features to older but still eligible devices. This not only keeps the older devices relevant but also shows goodwill towards customers who aren’t upgrading every year.

My Opinion:

Samsung’s One UI software has transformed the Android experience for Galaxy users, making smartphones not just tools but companions in daily life. However, with great innovation comes the responsibility of maintenance. As we look towards One UI 7.0 and beyond, perhaps it’s time for Samsung to adopt a more user-centric update policy. By doing this, Samsung keeps the happiness of new updates alive, without the annoyance of waiting too long or dealing with errors after receiving them. In the quick-moving tech world, staying updated means not just getting new stuff, but also having a smooth and fun time using your device, no matter which model you have.

Continue Reading

One UI

One UI 7 may expand One UI 6.1.1 features to non-flagship devices

Published

on

One UI 6.1.1 update non-flagships

In July 2024, Samsung launched One UI 6.1.1 based on Android 14 alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6. This major update includes a range of new AI features and enhancements to improve user experience.

By early September 2024, Samsung began rolling out One UI 6.1.1 for older flagship devices, with the Galaxy S24 series being the first to receive it. This rollout started after a gap of approximately two months following the debut of One UI 6.1.1.

Currently, One UI 6.1.1 update is available for several devices, including the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy S23 series (including the Galaxy S23 FE), Galaxy S22 series, Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Z Flip 3, Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Galaxy Z Fold 3. Samsung is actively working to ensure that this major update reaches all compatible devices across various regions.

However, questions arise regarding non-flagship devices. Unfortunately, non-flagship devices including those in the Galaxy A, M, and F series are not set to receive One UI 6.1.1. Instead, these devices might get some features of the One UI 6.1.1 in the upcoming One UI 7 update.

One UI 6.1.1 update non-flagships

It is expected that recently launched models like the Galaxy A55, Galaxy A25, Galaxy M55, and more will include some One UI 6.1.1 features with the One UI 7 update.

However, there is no official confirmation regarding the availability of One UI 6.1.1 for non-flagship devices. Users of the Samsung Galaxy A, M, and F series are disappointed due to the lack of access to One UI 6.1.1.

While One UI 6.1.1 is limited to flagship devices, One UI 7 should bring some of those features to non-flagship models. If you have a Galaxy A, M, or F series phone, we’d like to hear your thoughts. You can share your opinions in the comments on our social media platforms.

[Changelog] One UI 6.1.1 and Galaxy AI revolutionize your Galaxy S24 experience!

Continue Reading