Android
Google introduces longevity GRF for 7-Year Android update support, starting with Snapdragon 8 Elite
Google has introduced a program known as Longevity GRF (Google Requirements Freeze) aimed at extending the lifespan of Android device software support, just like the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Google Pixel 8.
With the Longevity GRF program, Google is allowing chipset manufacturers like Qualcomm, starting with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, to support its platforms for up to 7 years of Android updates. It means that devices equipped with the supported chipsets could potentially receive Android OS updates for up to 7 years from the initial release.
This program makes it easy for manufacturers to give longer software updates without always changing the vendor software for each new Android version. The decision is to make longer support for smartphones more common across the Android ecosystem, not just for Google’s devices.
It is not that simple, there are some challenges and limitations too. For instance, some new exclusive features might not be available unless the manufacturer software itself is updated. Also, Google’s commitment to Linux kernel support might limit practical functionality towards the end of those 7 years.
As per the information, the GRF program currently allows for the reuse of vendor software across 3 Android version updates. Under the existing GRF terms, if an OEM wants to go beyond the 3 updates to a fourth, fifth, or up to 7th update, they have to pay the chipset vendor for extended support to update the necessary software. Or, they have to update Chip’s software on their own to keep up with Google’s new requirements for each future update.
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If the Longevity GRF program becomes widely adopted, it could set a new standard for software support. The software support longevity could lead Android devices towards robust hardware, encouraging easier upgrades and maintenance.
For your information, the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series will receive seven years of software support, which includes Android OS upgrades, security updates, and regular Feature Drops. Similarly, Samsung Galaxy S24 series and Fold6/Flip6 also support up to 7 years of software support.
Android
Android 15 enhances location accuracy with Wi-Fi Ranging
Android 15 brings a big improvement to indoor navigation by adding support for Wi-Fi Ranging. This new feature is based on the IEEE 802.11az protocol, which allows Android devices to track location with incredible accuracy within 1 meter inside buildings like malls, airports, and offices.
Wi-Fi Ranging works much better than older Wi-Fi location methods. Previously, Wi-Fi-based location tracking was only accurate to about 10-15 meters, relying on the strength of Wi-Fi signals.
In 2018, Android brought Wi-Fi RTT (Round Trip Time), which improved accuracy to 1-2 meters. With Android 15, Wi-Fi Ranging now further boosts accuracy to as precise as 0.4 meters. With the adoption of the 802.11az standard, Wi-Fi Ranging uses FTM to measure the time-of-flight (ToF) of signals between the device and nearby access points.
In addition, Wi-Fi Ranging offers several other advantages. It can work on the new 6GHz Wi-Fi band, supports more devices at once, and is more secure. It’s a good choice for indoor navigation because it has a better range than other technologies like UWB (Ultra-Wideband) and Bluetooth Channel Sounding.
While not all Android phones have the hardware to support Wi-Fi Ranging yet, devices using Qualcomm’s new FastConnect 7900 chip will be ready for the feature. However, Wi-Fi routers and access points also need to be updated to support the new 802.11az standard.
With Android 15, Wi-Fi Ranging offers a better, more accurate way to find your way around indoors. As more devices and networks adopt the technology, we can expect even more accurate indoor navigation in the future.
Android 15 upgrades with battery-saver adaptive refresh rate feature
Android
Android 15 upgrades with battery-saver adaptive refresh rate feature
Android 15 introduces an adaptive refresh rate (ARR) feature, which allows your phone’s screen to automatically adjust its refresh rate based on the content you’re viewing. This means the screen can lower its refresh rate when you don’t need high refresh rates, saving battery and reducing lag.
Previously, Android could only switch between fixed refresh rates like 60Hz, 90Hz, or 120Hz. This switch worked for most situations but it wasn’t as efficient as ARR, which can make the display work at the most appropriate rate without needing to switch between different modes.
Android 15 now lets the display change the refresh rate within a single adaptive mode to make it smoother and more efficient. The ARR feature reduces power consumption and eliminates jank caused by mode switching.
This feature is especially useful for phones with high refresh-rate screens, like those with LTPO displays. These displays could save battery by lowering the refresh rate but Android still relied on switching between fixed modes.
However, not every phone will get this feature. To support ARR, devices must have the latest version of Android’s display software (HWC HAL version 3), which some older phones don’t have. Smartphones like the Google Pixel 7 and those with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip already support this feature, but older models likely won’t.
When it works, ARR could help fix issues like phones sticking to 60Hz even when watching films at 30Hz or 24Hz. Despite smoother video and less power consumption, it won’t give Android the same level of variable refresh rate support that PC-like VRR experience.
Samsung Galaxy S25 to stick with Snapdragon 8 Elite despite Exynos 2500 benchmark
Android
Android steals handy battery saving feature from One UI
Android adopting Samsung’s One UI-like battery-saving feature. Pixel smartphone users receiving a new battery feature with the November 2024 update. It aims to extend the total lifespan of their smartphone batteries.
AndroidAuthority spotted that Google’s November 2024 update brings a handy battery-saving feature to Android 15. Similar to Maximum Battery protection in One UI, the new feature only charges your Android phone to 80% each cycle.
Smartphones usually use a lithium-ion battery that prefers to stop charging at 80%. Users commonly charge their device up to a full 100%, but going to 100% every time will eventually erode the battery’s capacity.
It’s interesting to see Pixel users waiting for a feature that stops their phone from charging beyond 80%. However, it’s worth enabling as the overall lifespan of your phone’s battery will increase as the charging will stop at 80% itself.
Notably, Google hasn’t yet opened a broader rollout of the new battery-saving tool. Some Pixel users confirmed the deployment, while some haven’t yet received it. It seems the rollout would take a bit longer than usual to expand globally.
Battery protection features in One UI 6:
Samsung’s latest One UI 6.1 brings three battery protection features. These functions help Galaxy users extend their phone’s battery life. You may have less juice on the battery, but it’s a beneficial deal for the long term.
- Basic:
- Whenever your battery is charged to 100%, charging will automatically stop until the battery level drops down to 95% before it starts charging again.
- Adaptive:
- Your device will switch to ‘Maximum’ mode while you’re asleep and back to ‘Basic’ mode before you wake up. Your Sleep time is estimated based on your phone usage patterns.
- Maximum:
- Your battery will stop charging when it reaches 80%.