Unbundling updates
AsforAndroid’sfutureinthelongterm,Kerr
thinks that Google will continue to develop and
release a stock version of the software, primarily
because the demand is still there. “Some mobile
users do prefer Android in its purest form; with
less bloatware slowing down the operating
system, it tends to be a faster experience, there
are less apps to clog up the memory and most
important of all, a pure version of Android means
that you will receive quicker updates with the
next operating system,” says Kerr. The fact thateed to get the newest
ndsets from
of the mostve gone
pps from
an update
ogle Maps
id itself, in
ment of the
re straightforward.
ve for manufacturers,”
means they can
own bespoke apps, list
glePlayandrolloutnew
Android quicker, with the apps
ted separately. Most recently,
eenseenbyMotorolaandHTC,
of which] have listed apps in Google
in order to roll out newer versions of
roid at a quicker pace.”
Ultimately the problematic rollout of Lollipop
turn out to be a blip rather than a watershed
oment for Android – and a blip that wouldn’t
have been entirely unexpected by anyone who’s
been keeping tabs on the major mobile operating
system launches of the last few years.a more complete upgrade with Lollipop to Nexus
devices, in the long run it still has to work across
multiple Android devices and apps,” he says. “No
two phone setups are identical and the operating
system needs to be all things to all men in order
to work across a range of Android devices.
“Even Apple, which only has a few devices to get
it right for, can get it wrong – just look at the
much-criticised rollout of iOS 8, which was followed
by four updates in a short space of time,” notes
Kerr.It’scertainlytruethatGoogleisn’talonewhenit
co having trouble with operating system
u unch deadlines, intense competition
in technology make development
Android and iOS releases
with hardware launches
ind of pressure,
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“The OS needs
to be all things
to all men [...]to
workacrossarange of
droid devices”
mobiles expert, uSwitch.com
“Google will do everything in its power to
make sure the latest version of ‘full Android’
is widely supported”
Ben Wood Chief of research,
CCS InsightProblems keeping a Wi-Fi connection have also been
reported on Google forums.LICK YOUR
LOLLIPOP
PROBLEMS
Is Android 5.0 Lollipop giving your
device the blues? Here’s how you
can try to troubleshoot the issues
while you’re waiting for Google to
roll out a fi x...Wi-Fi issues
Dive into the Settings for your device
and choose to forget the Wi-Fi
networks you’re connected to, then reconnect
again from scratch. Uninstall any older apps
that haven’t been updated for Lollipop and
which might be causing problems. Switching
wireless channels or rebooting your router
might also help fi x the issue.Battery drain
Head to the Battery page of Settings
to identify the apps that are causing
the problem and uninstall or disable them if
possible. As with Wi-Fi, older apps that haven’t
yet had a Lollipop-ready update might be
chewing up battery life unnecessarily. A factory
reset might help clear up the issue if nothing
else does.Video playback
problems
No one has yet found a surefi re fi x
for this, but you can try clearing the cache of
the affected apps (through the Apps page in
Settings) as well as disabling the NuPlayer
option from the Developer Options page (tap
the Build Number seven times in About Phone
to reveal this option).Crashing issues
Some detective work may be
required in order to identify the root
cause of a performance issue or regular device
crashes. Is one app or process primarily
affected? If that’s the case, uninstall it and
check with the developer for any Lollipop-
related updates or patches.Adobe Air apps
One of the more bizarre Lollipop-
related bugs has seen some Adobe
Air apps throwing up error messages or
disappearing altogether. Adobe has responded
to acknowledge the problem, but says there’s
nothing you can do except sit tight and wait for
a Lollipop update.!