Hope for Faster Android Updates? Qualcomm Unveils Initiative to Simplify Update Rollouts for Phone Makers. Qualcomm's announcement offers a ray of hope for faster Android updates. Discover how their efforts aim to ease the update process for phone manufacturers.
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| Qualcomm Paves the Way for Easier Rollouts. Qualcomm's initiative paves the way for a future with smoother Android updates. |
Android users have long faced frustration with slow software updates, often dependent on their phone's manufacturer (OEM). Qualcomm, a major chipmaker for Android phones, is taking steps to address this issue.
The problem lies in the complex process OEMs face when rolling out updates. According to Qualcomm's Chris Patrick, getting security patches and new Android versions to users is a significant challenge. One contributing factor is outdated chipsets in older phones, which manufacturers are less likely to prioritize for updates.
Qualcomm acknowledges that their chips aren't the sole culprit, but they are taking responsibility. Patrick reveals they've been working with Google and OEMs for years to streamline the update process. These efforts involve optimizing the internal code and structure within Qualcomm's SoCs (System on a Chip).
While specifics remain under wraps until later this year, Qualcomm promises more details on "code optimization." It's important to note that these improvements won't magically translate to the lengthy update promises made by Google (five years) or Samsung (seven years).
However, Qualcomm's focus is on simplifying the update process for OEMs, potentially allowing them to offer updates more readily. This aligns with the recent trend of longer update support periods, seen in Google's Pixel devices and Samsung's Galaxy S24 series.
The next Qualcomm Summit in Hawaii this October is a potential platform for further announcements. It's unclear if these optimizations are integrated into their upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 SoC, but Qualcomm's efforts offer a glimmer of hope for faster and more consistent Android updates in the future.