Google would seem to have created it obligatory for smartphone sellers to assist “seamless updates” on all units functioning Android eleven out-of-the-box. The new transform would aid end users as the updates — which includes security patches and new application variations — will get mounted in the history, seamlessly on enabling the clean assist. Even though the Android maker has not nonetheless declared any details, it is discovered to have tweaked its Seller Examination Suite (VTS) to verify for units functioning Android eleven and afterwards incorporate assist for digital A/B partition constructions. This is required to help seamless updates on units.
The existence of digital A/B partition will be obligatory to pass the VTS and acquire assist for preloaded Google apps, as highlighted by a dedicate to the AOSP Gerrit, which has been noticed by XDA Developers. The dedicate reads, “Require Virtual A/B on R launches.” This demonstrates that the Android team at Google has created it obligatory for Android sellers to have the digital A/B partition composition in area to pass the VTS.
The digital A/B partition composition permits area for storing a backup procedure image even though downloading an update. This allows to get rolled back again to the previous application edition in situation the new update will get unsuccessful to install on the components or if the update course of action goes wrong.
However, the most state-of-the-art and important use of the digital A/B partition is to help seamless updates on units that can be mounted in the history. This is as opposed to the typical updates that call for end users to put their phones idle to install the new application package.
Google brought the principle of seamless updates to Android back again in 2016. “The up coming time a consumer powers up their gadget, new units can immediately and seamlessly change into the new up to date procedure image,” Dave Burke, VP of Engineering, Android, experienced stated in a keynote at I/O 2016 even though describing the seamless update course of action. The function was borrowed from Chrome OS.
Android Nougat also enabled seamless updates on new Nexus units. However, up until eventually now, Google has not created it obligatory for smartphone companies to present the new expertise to all their consumers. The Compatibility Definition Doc (CDD) for Android units endorses A/B partitions, though.
Manufacturers these types of as HTC, LG, OnePlus, and Sony do have the A/B partition composition on their units to help seamless updates. You can also observe its existence on Google Nexus and Pixel units. But nonetheless, companies these types of as Huawei and Samsung haven’t offered the state-of-the-art — and comfort — function even on their flagships.
Google’s most recent go would, even so, press all primary gear companies (OEMs) to supply seamless updates function on their units functioning Android eleven.
Correct release date of Android eleven has not been revealed so far. Nevertheless, Google has presently offered its developer preview builds for preliminary testing. The update is possible to be obtainable to the community someday around September this yr.