Android
After OnePlus, Oppo’s 4 OS update promise going to benefit Samsung customers?
Android updates game is now becoming more and more adventurous, and this immense competition will benefit Samsung consumers. OnePlus recently promised to bring up to 4 Android + 5 years of regular security updates to select flagship devices launched in 2023, and Oppo now makes a similar announcement.
As reported by AndroidAuthority, Oppo announced a revised updates policy, promising 4 major ColorOS versions along with five years of security patches. Notably, the Chinese phone maker didn’t specifically mention Android updates, while, it promised three Android updates to flagships last year.
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Since Oppo’s new updates guarantee is going to only benefit devices launching next year, the current topmost flagships such as Find X5 Pro and Find N is compatible with a total of three Android updates. Oppo noted that this applied to “selected flagship models” starting in 2023.
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At present, the only confirmed information is that Oppo promised four major ColorOS updates, rather than Android. Similar to Samsung, the Chinese vendor also introduces x.1 versions of ColorOS, which can be referred to a major ColorOS update, but it can’t be an Android upgrade.
Benefit for Samsung fans
Earlier this year, Samsung announced its new Android updates policy, which promises up to 4 major Android/One UI updates and five years of regular security patches. Ahead of rivals, the Korean tech giant clearly mentioned which devices are eligible for the revised software policy.
As the OS updates competition is getting tough day by day, Google is now helpless to confirm at least 4 OS updates for Pixel devices. On the flip side, this software updates race is going to benefit Samsung customers, which could be up to 5 Android upgrades for flagships.
Not only premium, but select mid-range Galaxy devices are also eligible for four OS updates along with five years of regular patches. Seeing this, flagship Galaxy customers wish there should be at least five major upgrades along with better security patch support than mid-range devices.
Update – December 27// According to Android Authority, Oppo confirmed that select smartphones launched in 2023 will have 4 major Android OS updates. Earlier, the company noted ColorOS instead of Android OS, which left confusion among consumers.
Google has introduced Android 15, the rollout has already started for eligible smartphones. I am going to update you with the latest information about the Android 15 update rollout, be it beta or stable. Read below.
Stable Updates:
Google has released the stable version of Android 15 for its Pixel devices starting from Pixel 6 and up to the latest Pixel 9 series.
Beta Updates:
- Vivo became the first major brand to roll out the Android 15 update for its flagships, like the Vivo X Fold3 Pro with Funtouch OS 15, which is based on Android 15. This is a limited version of Android 15; it was either a beta or a selective rollout, not a widespread stable update.
- Motorola has released an Android 15 Beta update for the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion users in India.
- ROG Phone 8 has also received the Android 15 beta update. An Android 15 Preview Program was announced for the ROG Phone 8, allowing selected users to test out the new mobile OS.
- Nothing had officially announced the Open Beta for Nothing OS 3.0, which is based on Android 15, specifically for the Nothing Phone (2a) starting on October 8, 2024. It aims to release the stable version in December 2024.
Other Manufacturers:
There’s no confirmed stable or beta release information for other manufacturers like Samsung, OnePlus, or Nothing. About Samsung, the company has confirmed that it delayed the One UI 7.0 beta program by the end of 2024 without any specific timeline.
Just to confirm, the Android 15 rollout can be staggered, regional, and often starts with the manufacturer’s latest or flagship devices before moving to older or mid-range models.
As promised, Google delivered Stable Android 15 with brand-new features. The company included the latest security improvements for your smartphone. The new OS will pave the way for several custom skins for millions of Androids worldwide.
Google specifically notes Stable Android 15 introduces features and improvements for large-screen devices. These updates will help users of foldables and tablets to get more done, while functions like camera, messaging, and passkeys are also included.
Highlighting additions at a glance:
- Talk to Gemini hands-free on your Pixel Buds
- Use Gemini with Pixel Screenshots
- Isolate sounds with Audio Magic Eraser to elevate your videos
- Get amazing underwater images
- Capture beautiful images with improvements to Astrophotography in Night Sight mode
- Measure temperatures in a more detailed way
- Beat seasonal allergies with Pixel Weather App
- Discover more helpful widgets for Pixel
- Improvements for Call Screen in the UK and Japan
- Enjoy more protection for your phone
- Keep your information private
Here’s a look at what’s new:
Pixel Camera app’s Low Light Boost and in-app controls now work better in low-light conditions. In apps that use Passkeys for authentication, you can log in with a single tap. Satellite communication support is also added to work without mobile and WiFi.
Android’s Theft Detection Lock utilizes AI to help keep your data safe. If your phone senses someone has snatched it and is trying to run, bike, or drive away, the smart feature will automatically lock your device.
- Available for most Android 10+ devices.
For additional security, Android 15 brings authentication requirements for settings targeted by thieves, like removing your SIM or turning off Find My Device, and will lock down your device if we sense multiple failed attempts for apps and settings.
Inspired by Samsung’s Secure Folder, Android 15 added Private Space. The feature acts like a digital safe on Google’s Pixel phones. You can create a separate private space to organize sensitive apps, like your social, dating, or banking apps.
- To access private space, there’s an additional layer of authentication to keep apps secure and away from prying eyes.
Features for foldables and tablets.
Android 15 adds new productivity features for foldables and tablets. Now, users can easily pin and unpin the taskbar on the screen, allowing customization of layout and keeping favorite apps, like Google Photos or Gmail, within reach for quicker access.
You can open Google Drive and Gmail at the same time to easily drag and drop files. Besides, the App pairing provides a quick shortcut to make multitasking easier. With just a tap, you can quickly retrieve app pairs in split-screen for faster access.
There was a time when Samsung used to release monthly security patches even before Google, those were the good old days. Fast forward to today, Motorola has outpaced Samsung by launching the beta version of Android 15 first.
As per the latest information, Motorola started rolling out the Android 15 beta for its Motorola Edge 50 Fusion model before Samsung officially released its version of the Android 15 beta for its devices.
The Android 15 update for Motorola Edge 50 is not yet a stable release for all users. Instead, it’s being rolled out as a beta update. Any user who has opted for Motorola’s beta testing programs is receiving this update. This beta program allows Motorola to test new features, stability, and performance on a smaller scale before a wider rollout.
After the beta testing phase, Motorola will likely start rolling out the stable version of Android 15 to more devices, including the Moto Edge series, the Moto Razr foldable, and other eligible devices. The Android 15 beta program can last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the issues discovered and the complexity of the update.
Meanwhile, Samsung, typically known for its timely updates, has not yet made the Android 15 beta available for its range of devices as of now, although expectations are that Samsung will soon follow with its One UI 7.0 beta program, given its history of participating in Android beta releases.
In the recent update, we could also see a stable Android 15 rollout for the Google Pixel smartphones. Stay tuned for the Android 15 rollout.