Why do you need software updates? How does Android update work? Android update

Regardless of whether you are a developer or an entrepreneur, the applications that fall under your responsibility should be updated regularly so that users do not get the impression that your business is dead. So it is very necessary to update the application regularly.

In a rapidly developing mobile world Your application will be forced to compete with hundreds and thousands of similar products, many of which are essentially garbage, making it difficult for your customers to find the application on the market.

Let's take a look at why it's important to update your app regularly.

People love new products, the more of them the better, so you need to update the application

One of the main ideas of the application is to notify customers about new products, promotions, etc. This is why, most often, people open the application. What will they think if they log in over and over again and don’t see any changes? That's right, it seems like the application is abandoned.

Updating the application is a great reason to send a pop-up notification and remind you of yourself, showing that you care about your customers and remember them. If someone opens the application for the first time and sees that latest news was published 3 months ago, and over the past six months you have not announced a single promotion or discount, then why does a person need such an application? It's a burden and garbage.

Down with outdated information, events and news!

Life moves forward, something changes, interesting events happen, and you treat the application like an old chest - once you filled it with incomprehensible rubbish and expect that clients will appreciate your efforts. This is silly. Make sure that at least the calendar of upcoming events is updated relatively regularly and is working properly.

This is where you can feel the beauty of systems such as iBuildApp. There is no need to frantically edit the calendar in several places. Create a Google calendar, fill it out and paste it into your application. Now you can edit your calendar in one place, and changes will immediately appear in your application. Comfortable? so you need to update the application!

Include in the application news feed, like the calendar, it will be updated regularly. The only thing that needs to be updated manually is the design. Take the time to correct what seems outdated or was done carelessly. This will have a positive impact on the image of the application, and therefore yours too.

Only an actively developing company can have an interesting application

Users can always see when last time the application was updated on Google Play or Apple Store. The situation is absolutely similar to the state of affairs in web construction: if your site looks like a legacy of the 90s, you should not expect that you will be taken seriously, since the question arises as to whether you are working or whether you can be crossed off from the list of existing companies.

Review of mobile strategy and customer base is welcome

iBuildApp provides the ability to collect statistics to understand how popular your application is, whether it is in demand and successful. Perhaps updating an application is not your favorite job, but the need to do it also gives other results - you can check the statistics and draw conclusions about whether you need to change anything in your mobile strategy.

The statistics will definitely make you think about whether you need to update your product pages or reorganize your application structure. Brainstorm- this is, perhaps, the most correct description of what should happen to update the application.

The market for mobile products is structured in such a way that as new versions of the Android OS are released, smartphone manufacturing companies introduce their support into their own, both recently released and already proven models. How it works? At the time of purchasing a new mobile product, it is available basic version system installed by default. After some period of time, Google releases a new Android release. After six months or a little later, depending on the geographic region, when the new version becomes tested and stable, you can install it on your smart phone. As a result, you get a new, modern interface, support for new applications and more settings and customization. In this material we have compiled a detailed guide for you, how to update Android on your phone.

What is a software update on Android and why is it needed?

You need to be aware that as a result of updating or rolling back the operating system, all data stored on the phone will be irretrievably lost. Be sure to do backups all the data you need ( address book, notes, photos) to a reliable external media before taking any of the steps in this guide. It could be external storage, hard drive on a PC (as a last resort, a memory card, but not advisable).

One more nuance. Since updating the operating system will require certain time(from 5 to 10 minutes, and sometimes more), be sure to charge the phone to 70-80% of the total battery capacity so that the update procedure is not interrupted due to problems with the phone’s battery.

Automatic Android update

The most accessible and the least the hard way updates. Go to the options menu and select the “Phone Information” section. Here we go to the “Software Update” item. On your device, this section may be located somewhere else, so you may have to go through the settings.

Now tap on the “Update” button, having previously set the option to download updates only via Wi-Fi, so that the update does not “eat up” all your money from your account.

Option in settings menu for automatic update OS

When all the data from the manufacturer’s server has been downloaded, in the menu that appears, tap the “Install” button and wait until the device reboots.

Since using the method described above you can only update your mobile device to the minor release build, you should also use special utility from the manufacturer (for Samsung gadgets it’s Kies, for LG it’s PC Suite, etc.) or updated “over the air” (most of the companies that produce smartphones or tablets have such a proprietary feature).

Latest Android update, if it is already available on the server, you can download it to your device at any time using just such a program.

Manually updating Android firmware

Almost all service centers use this method, but we can easily update ourselves, using exclusively available means. Applies to update system application Odin. You can download it on many web resources (for example, on the same w3bsit3-dns.com). Using this technique, you can only install a new version of the official firmware, but not a custom one.

1. download the Odin program. We need version 1.83 (or later) - it is very popular among technical specialists and is suitable for the vast majority of products

2. find and download an archive on the Internet with the firmware we need. After extracting the contents from the archive (you will need it first), you should have 3 files on hand: PIT, PDA and CSC

3. connect the smartphone to the PC. It is critical that the phone is detected correctly in Windows

4. launch Odin. If the device connection was successful, in the program yellow the port name will light up in the corresponding field

Indication of successful connection of the device to the PC for updating in Odin

5. turn off mobile device and put it into Download Mode by pressing the home, power and volume down keys at the same time

6. Confirm activation of Download Mode by holding down the “Volume Up” key

7. in the central Odin window, select the downloaded files so that they correspond to the PIT, PDA and CSC objects

8. In Odin, click the Start button and wait until all files are updated.

If the Android system update went smoothly, a field with the inscription PASS in green will appear on the application screen.

Successful system update via Odin

Rollback to previous version

Perhaps you updated to one of the latest versions and were not satisfied (the phone is slow, errors appear frequently, you need to reboot, etc.). If necessary, you can roll back to any version you need. How to roll back?

1 way

Suitable for those who want to return the basic official factory firmware installed in the device at the time of its purchase in the store. This is quite easy to do. Go to the device settings and select the item responsible for resetting the settings (this can be “Privacy” or “Backup and reset”). On the test phone, this function was available in the “Backup and reset” menu in the “Personal data” category.

Section in the options menu designed to reset the device to its factory state

1. We go to this section of the menu and stop at the “Reset settings” item.
2. A form pops up warning you that all data from the gadget will be deleted. If the backups are already saved in a safe place, feel free to click “Reset phone settings”.
3. The phone begins to reboot. After 5-10 minutes it will boot again, with a clean basic system on board.

Method 2 - reset to factory settings (hard reset)

1. turn off the phone/tablet
2. simultaneously press and hold down the “Volume Up”, “Home” (bottom center) and “Power” buttons. The Recovery menu opens.
3. Using the volume keys, check the “wipe data/factory reset” item.
4. press the power key to confirm your choice
5. in the next menu you need to confirm your decision. Select “Yes – Delete all user data” using the keys designed to adjust the volume
6. Press the power button again. The main menu appears in front of you again
7. Using the power key, select “reboot system now”

All is ready. Next time the factory version of the OS will boot.

How to rollback if a custom version of Android is installed (Cyanogenmod, MIUI, Paranoid Android)?

If you installed a custom ROM, return official firmware can be done the same way manual update, - using the one already mentioned in the review Odin programs. First, you will have to search the Internet for files with the firmware you need, individually suitable for your smart model. Perhaps, best resource for searching – mobile portal w3bsit3-dns.com, here you can find any firmware for almost every phone model.

1. connect the mobile device to the PC
2. launch Odin
3. turn off the phone and enter it into Download Mode. To do this, press the home key, power key and volume down key.
4. when the phone is booted, press the volume up key to activate Download Mode
5. on the main Odin form, select the downloaded files as a match for PIT, PDA and CSC
6. in Odin, click the Start button and wait until all the files are updated.

The successful completion of the rollback procedure will be indicated by a green field with the inscription PASS at the top.

Information about a successful rollback to previous version via Odin

How to update Play Market on Android

The first time you boot a fresh system, you have to configure everything again: account, language, mail, time zone, network, etc. The same goes for Google store Play Market. An update to this module will become available immediately after setting up a Google account on your mobile device.

Proposal to connect your Google account to the system

Once you enter your account authentication information Google posts, Play Store components will appear in the notification panel, which can be updated exactly like any other applications.

Updates for Play components Market

If you are using custom firmware, you need to go to the store itself at least once to update. After this, an update for the service will appear on the display.

Answers to readers' questions

When will the new Android update be available?

Answer. Because between the immediate release new version Android and the physical ability to install it on a gadget takes a certain amount of time (from 2-3 to 6-8 months), you need to be patient and follow the announcements of the companies. Among the first products with marshmallow support are devices from the Nexus and Android One lines. As for the Samsung brand, this month they promise updates to 6.0 for the following models mobile devices: Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S6 edge+; in January 2016 – Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge; in February – Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note Edge.

Now about others trademarks. Sony announced an update for all current devices in the Xperia line, starting from the Xperia Z Ultra GPE released in 2013 and ending with all models of the Z5 series (both Premium and budget). The range of devices from LG is limited to the G4, G3 and G Flex2. HTC, in turn, limited itself to only two last generations own-produced devices: One M9/E9 and One M8/E8. In addition, companies such as Motorola, Xiaomi, Huawei, Asus, OnePlus and ZUK promise to equip their flagship devices and mid-level devices with Android 6.0. This list is not yet final. Subsequently, we will keep you updated on the latest announcements.

I have Huawei phone U9500, and I didn’t know or didn’t understand that I needed to update the version. Now I have Android 4.0.3, how can I update the firmware to the new version, please help!

Answer. Update process Huawei firmware described . In short, there are two ways to update the Huawei U9500 firmware.

1. We take out the battery and hold down the volume buttons on the phone. After this, the Android update process will begin.
2. Go to Settings -> Storage -> Software Update -> SD Card Update, launch the Android OS update.

I have a MFLogin3T tablet and until now I didn’t know that it was possible to update the system. I read it on different sites, tried it, but it doesn’t work. I have Android 4.4.4. How to update the Android version?

Answer. The easiest way to update your phone is through Settings - Options - About device - Software update. IN different versions Android OS partition location may vary. Thus it is fulfilled standard update on Android, download the official software. This is the safest and easiest way.

I have Samsung Duos, version 4.1.2 can’t update operating system to a larger version. Please help me update Android on my phone!

Answer. First you need to find out if it is possible to update Android on your phone to version 5.x. It turns out not. The fact is that specifications your phone is preventing you from installing newer versions of Android.

On the other hand, you can download the update for Android from the 4pda forum, where modified firmware is posted. But we wouldn't recommend setting it to enough old phone such updates if you do not have the necessary skills and are not prepared for a drop in the performance of your mobile device.

Lenovo A1000, Android is not updated. I'm trying to update version 5.0 to the newest one. At first everything goes well, but then he writes “Error” and shows an opened Android with a red triangle hanging above it with exclamation mark. What should I do? How to update the OS to the latest version?

Answer. Why isn't Android updated? The fact is that Android 5.0 is latest version The OS to which you can officially update the firmware on your phone. By at least, so say the users of the 4pda forum. Of course, you can update your phone by installing custom firmware, but no one guarantees stability after such an update.

I purchased NTS one m7. I can't update Android 4.4.2. The device does not find the software update, how to solve this problem? How to update it?

Answer. NTS one m7 can be updated to at least Android 5.1. If you can’t install the official update, try downloading custom firmware on the 4pda forum. Instructions for updating on this device are also collected there (see). In this topic you will find solutions to the problem if the Android OS is not updated.

I have a Moto x play, I don’t want to update the system, the message “Android 6.0.1 software available” constantly appears, which is wildly annoying. Please tell me how to remove this message so that it doesn’t appear again. I even contacted the support service of the smartphone manufacturer itself, All the instructions they gave me did not bring any results.

Answer. To disable firmware updates, go to Android settings, section About phone - Software update and disable updates by unchecking the corresponding item.

A year ago, the memory on my device died (the phone stopped turning on), it was replaced, but the firmware was not the original one (it’s no different, only the yellow Kernel inscription appears in the corner on the startup screen). Naturally, there are no updates for this firmware. Can I use Kies to roll back Android (install the native one) and update it?

Answer. In order to roll back the update, you need to reboot the phone into Recovery mode, select wipe data/factory reset, wipe cache partition and reinstall the firmware from the zip archive previously downloaded to the memory card. You can find the official firmware both on the manufacturer’s official website and on the 4pda forum, in the section with the corresponding name of your mobile device.

Tablet Acer Iconia A1-810. I don't have firmware updates... I click system update and it says "your device requires an update." How can I “force” it (forcefully update the Android system) or update it myself?

Answer. This model The tablet was released about 5 years ago, it does not support new versions of Android, so the manufacturer does not provide firmware updates. You can search for custom (unofficial) firmware on the 4pda forum, but we do not recommend installing them - it’s better to purchase new tablet than experimenting with firmware to the detriment of the stability and speed of the device.

The build number does not open on Android. I called for a long time. What should I do?

Answer. The Android build number is initially available for viewing in the “About smartphone” (“About tablet”) section. If you go turn on hidden settings(section “For Developers”), you can activate them by clicking on the build number, just 4-7 clicks on this line.

Like any other operating system, Android is constantly being improved: its performance is optimized, the interface is improved, and working with the OS becomes 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 the alert that appears when the system downloads and installs applications for android 2 2 2 and other versions is displayed.

New release - new features

Newer versions of the OS feature improved performance that improves and speeds up work on the same device by optimizing multi-threading and using multiple processors. In addition, each new version of Android comes with better functionality. Updates are completely free. When installing them, the user pays only for the traffic used.

There is no official option to roll back the upgrade and return to the old version of Android. The only way refuse to update – this is a manual flashing of the device, allowing you to install any required version. However, this method entails the loss of warranty, so it should only be used in extreme cases.

Types of updates for OS Android

Android updates come in two types: major and micro. Large updates can be up to 500 megabytes in size, so you should use Wi-Fi with a good access point to install them. It is not advisable to use a GPRS connection due to the fact that if it is disconnected you will have to start downloading necessary files again.

Micro updates are typically around 50-70 megabytes in size. Such updates usually include small patches for various system faults, which may often not even be noticeable when using the phone. Installing such updates does not involve replacing the Android version with a new one, but correcting minor shortcomings and malfunctions of the system already in use.

What improvements do Android updates include?

Major updates to operating system versions significantly expand its functionality and make using the device more convenient.

For example, one of the most major updates for Android 2.3 significantly expanded the functionality of devices, introducing users to such additional benefits How:

• support SIP protocol VoIP telephony,
• new sound effects(equalizer, reverb, bass boost),
• copy and paste support,
• support for various sensors (gyros and barometers),
• download manager for long downloads and a number of others.

Version 3.2.1 made more convenient search V Android Market, making it much more convenient 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.

The update to version 4.2 provided the OS with 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

To check for updates, open the About Device item in the Settings menu, then click Software Update. The display will show information about the availability of updates, as well as device update settings. 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 this, you only need to confirm permission to download the necessary files and give permission to install them. Next, if there is enough space on the memory card to download the files, the installation will be performed automatically.

In some cases (for example, when there is no good point Wi-Fi 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 the 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 accessible to users not on the first day of their release, but a little later. The duration of the time delay may be work related mobile operator and the region in which the user lives.

Disadvantages of Android OS Upgrade

In some cases, upgrading the operating system may not lead to an increase in performance and functionality, but, on the contrary, to the appearance of all sorts of slowdowns 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 difficulties such as 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 arise are resolved by formatting the SD card or after rebooting the phone. Also, often the lags that arise are not related 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 corresponding patch to be released.

In more severe situations, the user will either have to accept the shortcomings that have appeared, or manually reflash the device to the old version of the OS installed previously.

Some users consider the disadvantages of installing updates and the appearance of official programs from Google, which cannot be removed.

Application compatibility with different versions of Android OS

Another problem that may arise after you have updated your operating system Android system, is due to the fact that part installed programs may be removed as a result of the fact that old programs may not be compatible with the new OS version. As a rule, this happens very rarely and is due to the fact that the application developers 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 the OS firmware does not cause difficulties associated with loss of application compatibility. Thus, applications for Android 2 2 are for the most part perfectly suitable for both system versions 2.2.2 and 2.3.3. Problems associated with OS incompatibility usually arise if the user tries, for example, to install the Ice Cream Sandwich application for Android 4.0 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 an application and not to download a program onto your phone that is not supported by the operating system installed on the device, you should carefully read the information from the program description presented on Google page Market. Exactly the same information is indicated on unofficial Android application directory sites.

In addition, you can attach the model of the phone or tablet you use to your Google account. In this case, a large inscription will appear next to the program name indicating whether it is compatible with your device.

However, if you download a program that is not compatible with the OS onto your phone using a cable, the standard application installer for Android will still not allow you to install it.

Is it necessary to update Android?

Firmware for the operating system not only increases 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. Besides, Android updates include very useful programs from Google, making working with the device more convenient. Problems associated with decreased performance occur extremely rarely, since any update, on the contrary, is aimed at increasing it.

However, if you are in doubt about whether it is worth installing this or that update, because you are worried about the possible deterioration in the performance of the device, the best solution will search for relevant information on the Internet. As a rule, information that the next Android update did not lead to an improvement in the device’s performance, but, on the contrary, only to the appearance of lags, appears on the Internet very quickly.

Not all manufacturers include the ability to update software in smartphones; most often, devices are forgotten about immediately after their release. But are they really necessary, these updates and most importantly - what will you lose if your phone is not updated? Let's talk.

Android or shell

Android updates and shell updates are two different things. The point is that everyone major manufacturer trying to remake Android for himself. Xiaomi releases MIUI, Meizu - Flyme, Zenfone - ZenUI, etc.

Shell changes appearance Android and may have a number additional functions and applications. The manufacturer may release shell updates without updating Android or send you a new one for your smartphone Android version— It’s difficult to guess what the update will be like.

Data from Wikipedia

New version of Android

The fact is that program developers do not really like to delve into old and inconvenient operating systems, given that the percentage of users of these systems is negligible.

If your smartphone has outdated version Android, then soon you will not be able to install or update applications. For example, Android version 4.0.3, also known as Ice Cream Sandwich, was released in 2011, but you won’t install Pokemon Go or Vainglory on it anymore. Advanced Applications Those who use the maximum functions of the phone will always require a new version of the operating system.

New features

Updating your phone can bring new features or improve old ones. For example, Xiaomi has MIUI shell 8 there was a mode for duplicating applications, in MIUI 9 there was a multi-window mode. Android 6 makes contactless payments possible Android Pay, and Android 7 brought users full hardware support for virtual reality mode.

The manufacturer usually publishes a complete list of changes on their website. You can also read reviews online, they write more details there.

Multi-window mode in Android 7.0

Correcting errors and shortcomings

Android updates improve phone security. We somehow wrote about viruses, so, get a virus on old version Software has more chances.

A new software version may free up more internal memory or RAM. The manufacturer may decide to remove or compress some data or optimize disk space and work with RAM.

But with performance, not everything is so simple. For example Google Nexus 6P shows that Android 6 outperforms Android 7 in the Antutu test. This data was current at the time the update was released, now the situation may be different.

Antutu comparison: Android 6 left and right - Android 7

Conclusion

Software updates are an important part of your phone that should not be ignored. The user receives the largest additions when moving from one version to another. That is, from version Android 6 to version Android 7 or 8. Interim updates like 7.0.1, 7.1.1 do not make significant changes. Updating the shell can introduce new features and improve the interface.

Also, before upgrading, you should study what the new version will bring you. This way you can understand whether you really need it, or you can wait for a more significant addition.

- what many are waiting for Android users, but they don’t receive it. Not all Android manufacturers are in a hurry to update their devices, especially if we're talking about not about flagships. Of course, many of us are upset to learn that latest version operating system will not be available on our devices. But is it really that bad? Is it worth waiting for these same updates, and if so, then for what?

Are OS updates good or bad? It is difficult to give a clear answer to this question from the end user's point of view. In order to understand, we will consider both options.

Android updates are bad

So let's say we don't need OS updates because there's nothing good about them. Agree, this is a rather interesting point of view. Let's start from there.

When we buy a smartphone Android control, we rarely think about the capabilities and qualities that it can get with an update. As a rule, we choose from what is available right now. If we have chosen a smartphone, then it suits us in many respects. Among other things, we were satisfied with its software version and the capabilities included in it. It was hard to even imagine what could be better. What if it gets worse?

An update for our smartphones may come out a year later. It is logical to assume that the OS version, released a year after the smartphone was released, is designed to run smoothly on more modern hardware. After two years, the hardware of our smartphone begins to noticeably lag behind modern flagships, and with each new version of the OS, the smartphone begins to work slower and slower. And why do we need this?

Imagine that we will receive an OS update not once a year, but every couple of months. iOS users regularly receive updates with various minor changes. This also has its problems. Each new version necessarily contains bugs. Each new version will fix the bugs of the previous one, but new ones will most likely appear.

Maybe it’s better to have a smartphone in the same form in which we originally chose it? If we are happy with everything from the very beginning, why do we need any updates?

Android updates are good

Imagine what the creators of your smartphone came up with new feature, which makes your work much easier. You can get it with the update. Updates are interesting. You don't need to change your smartphone to get something new. You can get the feeling of a new smartphone without any cost. Agree, the updates are intriguing, and your smartphone will be relevant longer, and you will not soon have problems with application support.

Also, you probably know that Android is not the most secure OS. There are always security holes. There are so many of them on Android that Google closes more than a dozen every month. Users receive patches with updates. Would you like to use your smartphone knowing that it is protected from all known threats? Surely this would not be amiss. For what reason does the manufacturer that released your smartphone with an unfinished OS refuse to provide you with updates with patches for security holes? Even if you bought a budget Android smartphone that definitely won't get a new version, shouldn't the manufacturer fix security problems in its OS?

Conclusion

New features can be sacrificed if they come with a performance penalty. You can also avoid the excitement of installing updates. So we don't need updates? No, that's not entirely true. OS security patches are really important. If you bought a mid-range smartphone a couple of years ago price segment, you can be sure that it remains at the same level of security as two years ago. Security holes are flaws, and flaws must be fixed. If they can be fixed with updates, then manufacturers should release updates.

So we need updates? On this moment Yes. We will need them until Google comes up with a way to monitor security without the participation of smartphone manufacturers. There is a possibility that in the new Google versions preparing something similar. This is hinted at by one of the points published recently. But for now we need updates. It's a shame they don't exist for everyone.