In the initial days of Android, updates were random and could happen any time without notice. The updates would roll out several times a year but at different times. This meant device owners would not only have to be given constant alerts but the owners themselves had to be vigilant to update their devises so they wouldn’t miss out. The way updates were made are completely changed now. Google has made a concerted effort to streamline the updates where you can expect one major update each year and security-related updates once a month.
However, most of these updates are for stock Android handheld devices that get regularly updated by Google. On the other hand, if you do not have an Android handheld device from Google, you may not see those updates unless the manufacturer decides to offer them. That is one of the reasons many new Android users get disappointed as their brand new handheld device may not get updates or worse, these devices could be running on old software when they buy them.
That is why if you are planning to buy tablets for your organization, it is best to go with customized tablets so that you can get Android updates on a regular basis. But, more on that later.
Understanding The Android Ecosystem
The Android ecosystem is a little chaotic. Any manufacturer can make an Android device and launch it in the market. There are thousands of Android tablets and smartphones from different manufacturers and brands. So you will find that Android devices come with a wide range of
hardware; some are very cheap with inexpensive hardware while others contain more advanced hardware, making them quite expensive.
Stock devices by Google are the first ones to receive updates and later on the rest of the handheld devices get them. However, when you go in for a customized tablet, you can rest assured knowing that the tablet manufacturer will ensure that the OS stays current and you receive updates and security patches on priority. As a result, you never have to worry about working with an old Android version or the security of the devices.
One of the reasons that device manufacturers are unable to provide regular updates for Android is the drivers. To make Android work on a device, it requires unique drivers, and these drivers are a closed-source so the driver manufacturers need to update them. When you purchase a customized tablet, the brand not only ensures that driver manufacturers update the drivers but also updates them when the brand releases a new version of the OS. Hence, it takes away the stress of trying to stay current and allows you to work on a tablet that has no
performance or security issues.
The Bottom Line
For most Android devices, brands have no incentive to release regular updates as they keep releasing newer models several times a year, and providing support for older models becomes a hassle. That is why if you are looking for an Android device, it is advisable to purchase a
customized device that not only meets your needs but will also get updated based on your requirements.