The dismal Scene of Android Updates for Budget Buyers, Motorola backtracks too

Android fragmentation (Large chunk of users spread across different versions) is a major problem, one that seems to have no feasible solution. All the goodies Google wishes to bestow upon Android Fans, including security patches, are often delayed by an year or so. This also means, most consumers who plan on sticking with their current Android phones, won’t get to reap benefits of Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

Also Read: Here is Why We Are Excited About Android 6.0 Marshmallow

But domestic manufacturers do promise updates?

Most domestic manufacturers provide updates only if the phones sell in large numbers, and in our experience, they break more than they fix. It isn’t entirely their fault either. With shorter launch cycle, and updates being arduous task by themselves – which often require follow up updates to fix things – manufacturers don’t have much incentive to put in any effort.

Even from user end point of view. All of you are better off with a KitKat update that works, rather than an update which has you running to the service center for a roll back. We have notices users clamoring on forums to roll back to previous version after an update.

Too bad Android One project didn’t stick

We have always had a soft corner for Android One project, which was one of the most efficient way to deliver speedy updates to budget Android users, without compromises. Manufactures made low cost phones under Google’s guidance, and the Mountain View giant itself would monitor the updates.

First generation Android One phones actually provided a damn good user experience, compared to other budget devices, though unfortunately, the competitors had more glittering spec sheets. There limited availability on online ecommerce stores didn’t help either. Ultimately, Android One project failed to garner much attention.

When we heard Google hadn’t given up just yet and was all set to launch next gen devices, we were definitely excited. Alas, Lava Pixel V1 wasn’t much to be excited about either and repeated the same mistakes.

Update 09-10-2015: Android Marshmallow update has started rolling on first gen Android One phones

Motorola backtracks too……

Motorola has released the tentative list of devices it will be updating to Marshmallow, and even the current gen Moto E (2015) isn’t on the list!

Motorola promised one update with Moto E 2^nd Gen, and the device has already been upgraded to version 5.1 from version 5.0. Unfortunately, unlike last year, Motorola is apathetic towards putting more effort into this budget device, even when it’s less than a year old.  Here are Moto phones which will be updated this year.

• 2015 Moto X Pure Edition (3rd gen)
• 2015 Moto X Style (3rd gen)
• 2015 Moto X Play
• 2015 Moto G (3rd gen)
• 2014 Moto X Pure Edition in the US (2nd gen)
• 2014 Moto X in Latin America, Europe and Asia2 (2nd gen)
• 2014 Moto G and Moto G with 4G LTE2 (2nd gen)
• DROID Turbo
• 2014 Moto MAXX
• 2014 Moto Turbo
• Nexus 6

And the others…..?

Some online exclusive of 2015, from manufacturers like YU, Xiaomi and Lenovo sold in large numbers and are generally good with updates. So will they be updated to Android Marshmallow?

Well, Xiaomi has never been much interested in version updates, as they update features on MIUI ROM regularly. Since the UI is heavily customized, most users won’t notice much of a change either, even with version updates.

Yu is still struggling with Cyanogen OS 12.1 update rollout for Yuphoria, and thus, it won’t be wise of you to expect Marshmallow update any time soon. Besides, there are substantial rumors of partnership between Micromax and Cyanogen gone sour, which would certainly be a setback to the brand if true. Lenovo phones are good candidates for update too, but they have already received at-least one major version update. Will Lenovo invest in another? All said and done,  only Lenovo K3 Note is a good contenders for marshmallow update, but don’t expect anything soon.

Conclusion

So, not many budget phones are going to be updated to Android Marshmallow. Since Google isn’t doing a major design overhaul this time around, the ‘craze’ shouldn’t be as high as it was for Lollipop update either. Moto G 2015 should get updated first when compared to other Android devices.