It's not your imagination: Ice Cream Sandwich updates really are slow
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Pundits often urge patience – it really does take time to adapt new versions of an operating system to a phone. And subjectively it’s never going to feel fast enough, since once you see those shiny new features demoed an update can't come soon enough; you want that taste of Ice Cream Sandwich on your phone RIGHT NOW. So are we all just a bunch of impatient ingrates, or is ICS taking a really, really long time to make its way to handsets?
It turns out that this time it isn’t you: the updates really are taking longer than normal.
To demonstrate that the wait really is taking longer, the team at Android Police put together a graph showing the rate of adoption of each major update, synced to the date that the SDK was made available (i.e. the point where all companies could start working on those updates). Despite claims that OEMs have gotten the message that updates are important, it turns out that the adoption rate of Android 4.0 is dramatically trailing that of previous updates.
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In fact it's dramatically slower. Now, to be fair, the rapid adoption rates of Eclair and Froyo were in part due to there being a significant portion of the Android ecosystem made up by the Nexus One and the original Motorola Droid, both of which saw quick updates to Froyo. And the summer's big seller, the Droid X, also caught an update within a couple months of launching (as did the Droid Incredible and the HTC Evo). So in many ways the Gingerbread update is a better comparison with Ice Cream Sandwich, and as you can see the adoption curve is fairly similar between the two. But despite the similar shape of the adoption curve, ICS is still lagging notably behind.
Why is that? It’s easy to pick on OEMs and carriers for not caring enough, or deciding that it just isn’t in their immediate financial interest, but if that were really the case we’d expect to see at least one or two companies that jumped the gun and got the ICS update out to make their phones more appealing. Instead, it appears that the 4.0 update is really different from past versions of Android, so it’s taking longer to get them out the door.
Some confirmation of that was made last week, when Android AOSP lead Jean-Baptiste Queru made the infamous pronouncement that Sony updating the Tablet S to ICS in 5 months is “very reasonable”. While the news of the day was generally outrage that such a long time table should be considered reasonable, the more important point was actually Queru’s explanation of why that is true:
The added emphasis is ours – but Queru makes it very clear that all of those wonderful features that you get when moving from Gingerbread to ICS, including much improved hardware acceleration of the UI, totally rewritten core apps, and an entirely new design aesthetic, come at the cost of increased complexity for the software engineers tasked with delivering you the updates.
There is some irony here, in that Google released its most challenging update the same year as they announced the Android Update Alliance – a working agreement that was supposed to encourage OEMs and networks to provide updates at a brisker rate than we’d seen in the past. But that shouldn’t negate the challenge of what employees are trying to do at the Samsung, HTC, Motorola, etc. Nor is this meant as an attack against Android (though we know many of you will choose to take it that way). After all, it was recently announced that no WP7 phones will be upgraded to Windows Phone 8, and Research in Motion was never known for rapid OS updates.
Instead, it's simply a fact of the platform. You get get more choices and customization, but you're going to wait longer than for Apple (who updates itself). And Windows Phone updates can be faster due to their more uniform hardware requirements, but that can also lead to a uniform lack of an update when system requirements jump between version. So really, you just have to make the decision based on which characteristics are more important to you. And for all you Android users out there, there may be a light at the end of this tunnel – with the massive UI overhaul that started with Honeycomb and culminated with ICS, perhaps the next round of updates will have fewer changes under the hood, and we'll get speedier updates.
Then again, we don’t want to sacrifice the rate of innovation just to see faster updates, do we?
source: Android Police via Electricpig
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78 Comments
1. joseg81 posted on 30 Apr 2012, 13:47 6 3
i'm loving ICS on my HTC Amaze. i had to do that "unofficial" official update. but i couldn't wait til june :( updates seem to be too slow especially with T-mobile.
13. babyk posted on 30 Apr 2012, 14:31 0 0
have one issue everything works fine on ics update for amaze did this update for a friend but notice the browser lags like when scrolling it takes a second to scroll on most websites wasent happening on gingerbread are you experiencing this? @ joseg81
23. jove39 posted on 30 Apr 2012, 14:56 0 0
Go to Settings > Developer Options > Force GPU rendering. Click on checkbox next to this option...hope it'll help
65. babyk posted on 01 May 2012, 08:39 0 0
doesnt. But is there a way to revert to gingerbread on stock non rooted?
24. joseg81 posted on 30 Apr 2012, 14:57 0 0
no actually i have only experience one problem with my swype beta keyboard, which installed from the swype site. i use dolphin browser or chrome. i rarely use the stock browser. i'll give it a shot later and see if i get that problem.
68. babyk posted on 01 May 2012, 11:37 0 0
screen gets very hot and battery runs very fast. screen gets hot even when i dont use the phone
34. joseg81 posted on 30 Apr 2012, 15:39 0 0
i just tried it out and experienced only a slight lag from my swipe of the screen to the scrolling of the page. it wasn't anything major but i notice what ur talking about. i tried different sites and even tried it on dolphin hd, it only happened with stock browser no matter what site i went to.
71. remixfa posted on 01 May 2012, 12:22 0 0
blah to the stock browser. chrome or Opera. i use opera mostly for the flash ability and its still darn smooth.
If its hot and running out fast, then you need to change your CPU clock settings. you have it set to run at full speed all the time. Either that or its not going into sleep mode.
It needs to be a range of speeds for the system to play with.. for example, on my SGS1 i have it at minimum 200mhz to 1000mhz. That way when its sleeping or not doing anything it can drop down and save battery. if you have it at 1000/1000 (or whatever your standard clock is), it will never ever slow down.
hope that helps.
22. Muhannad posted on 30 Apr 2012, 14:49 13 0
Its at times like these when the beauty of the XDA community is realized.
4. Mxyzptlk posted on 30 Apr 2012, 13:49 13 16
This is the side of Android people tend to ignore.
47. matrix_neo posted on 30 Apr 2012, 17:54 5 4
Eyesheeps still in denial, they can't accept the truth that their idevices are losing it's magic. Although android has slow in releasing it's updates, still people buy it coz they know they have choices and freedom.
57. Mxyzptlk posted on 30 Apr 2012, 21:57 2 4
Slow in releasing updates, fast at being outdated and losing what little value they have. Typical things Fandroids seem to overlook much like everything else that is wrong with Android.
69. andydrew2011 posted on 01 May 2012, 11:56 0 0
iSheep are pathetic...I bought the 4s and traded it in for an android and couldn't be happier. iOS is nice, don't get me wrong, but it's way too boring. the same 4x4 grid and same icons after 5 years of the phone being out there. with the iPhone there is no variety! My android phone is faster and I guarantee it too. The specs in the iPhone aren't as great as android phones, too.
I'm not a fanboy of either, though it sounds that way. I just strongly perfer android after the dullness of the iPhone. For some people, the 4x4 grid is great. But for me, it doesn't cut it.
The iPhone and Android phones are both very nice, but if you want variety, choose android.
BTW you may not believe this, but 90% of people that own smartphones use android :)
75. Mxyzptlk posted on 01 May 2012, 13:28 0 2
People who use the term "eye sheep" are the ones who're jealous because the device they make fun of is more stable than the device they praise.
It's not surprising given that Android tends to be less stable than iOS. You can call iOS boring and bland until the cows come calling, but in the end it only matters if you can use your device and not be held up by a force close or a software reboot.
Btw, everyone I know either owns an iPhone or wants to own an iPhone. A lot of people who have Android are not happy with it.
77. andydrew2011 posted on 02 May 2012, 18:42 0 1
Actually android force closes less than iOS and applications. Don't believe me? look it up. Everyone that I know that has a high end android phone that competes with the iPhone prefers android. And you shouldn't be talking about use. Android can do so many more things that the iPhone can. Just get used to it. Also, I could say that people who use the term "Fandroid" are the ones who're jealous because the device they make fun of is more innovative, useful, and more fun to use.
33. iamcc posted on 30 Apr 2012, 15:34 9 7
So don't buy Android. I'll wait for updates to get new features instead of receiving timely updates that leave me with the same pathetic grid of icons...
63. reagannism posted on 01 May 2012, 07:26 3 2
lol. same icons for 5 years. pathetic pathetic pathetic
76. Mxyzptlk posted on 01 May 2012, 13:29 0 0
Right, wait for those updates while your device continues to be outdated since by the time you get the updates, the next Android version is on the horizon.
46. matrix_neo posted on 30 Apr 2012, 17:45 2 1
Are you blind and deaf?? Thousands already activated android phones and growing worldwide market share, still an epic fail??!! If your ios will have same ui and icons this year, that's an epic fail!!
70. Mxyzptlk posted on 01 May 2012, 12:05 0 0
At least that same UI won't freeze and cause my phone to force close my apps or reboot randomly.
45. matrix_neo posted on 30 Apr 2012, 17:36 5 2
Looks like eyesheeps struck in a barn for 5 years now. So sad they just roaming around inside it. Are they going to be released this year?? No!! Why? Their "sheperd" will get angry. Lol
58. Mxyzptlk posted on 30 Apr 2012, 22:00 1 3
Is saying "eye sheep" the only creative insult you can think of, or am I giving fandroids too much credit here?
59. matrix_neo posted on 01 May 2012, 00:41 1 2
Actually there's a lot of it, just don't want to hurt your eyes of reading it and from stop bleeding of your heart. If you don't like these, please stop trolling, bashing, insulting, or making the android an inferior os. It's so disgusting!! Im not alone here, there are millions of us fandroids. Why we are in millions, we know what the true capabilities and uses of a smartphone, only android can do that. Yours just an app launcher.
61. Mxyzptlk posted on 01 May 2012, 01:41 1 0
Your English and grammar are as broken as the OS you're trying to defend.
No one is denying Android's "true" capabilities, capabilities that are the sole reason why updates take so long and why they become outdated so fast. You really think Android fans have it made? Besides getting the table scraps and bottom of the barrel apps that have already seen release on the app store, what else is there to "Play" on the market?
Perhaps if OEMs would make a phone that's actually cutting edge and offers an overall better user experience, then I think Android would be a very suitable choice as an OS.
6. chadrick0814 posted on 30 Apr 2012, 14:03 12 2
Just for comparison, how long did it take for WinMo 6.5 to update to WP 7? How long will it take to update WP7 to WP8?
14. Damien_666 posted on 30 Apr 2012, 14:31 3 8
Just for comparison - my Dell Venue never went beyond the f***ed up Gingerbread.
After installing 25 apps, it's now a great looking paper weight.
35. chadrick0814 posted on 30 Apr 2012, 15:56 1 1
I'd imagine you can still do each and every thing you purchased your phone to do. You can still text, talk, browse. I'd also bet there are at least 300,000 apps you can download for 2.2 or 2.3. If that's a paper weight....its an awfully heavy one. Considering the dell streak isn't exactly a new device I'd say you are doing pretty well especially considering it came out when WinMo 6.5 was still out. Try downloading an app on WinMo vs android 2.3and tell us how that works out.
16. bbblader posted on 30 Apr 2012, 14:38 4 2
bit*h please how long did it take for Diablo 2 to get to Diablo 3?
so these updates are nothing!
20. Muhannad posted on 30 Apr 2012, 14:47 3 1
You're not going to play Diablo 2 everyday until 3 is released, but you are using you're phone everyday.
39. kainy posted on 30 Apr 2012, 16:37 2 1
First of all WinMo did not update to WP7... so and between WP7 and WP8 you are missing some updates: pre-Mango, Mango, WP7.5-Refresh then WP8... So your f**ked up argument is f**kin invalid...
P.S. Windows phone gets two updates an year, one minor and one major. Too bad this comment will get too many thumbs down for being true.
60. chadrick0814 posted on 01 May 2012, 00:50 0 0
I think you are making the point. WP 6.5 did not update to WP 7. WP 7 will not update to WP 8. So saying updates are slow on one OS vs another OS that won't update to the latest makes the "slow" argument invalid. 5 month makes "when hell freezes over" seem like a short period of time. And android has minor updates all the time. Ie..4.0.3
51. Archan_Pe posted on 30 Apr 2012, 20:27 0 0
LOL its both never... 6.5 never got 7 and opps are WP7 aint gonna get wp8
8. sithman (banned) posted on 30 Apr 2012, 14:12 11 3
Android needs to b more uniform like iOS. iOS needs to b more customizable like android.
26. gp284 posted on 30 Apr 2012, 15:03 2 1
ya that would be nice. But then a lot of people would stop using Android and start with iOS, because it is easier to use.
27. jove39 posted on 30 Apr 2012, 15:04 3 0
If google can standardize all hardware interfaces for android (including device drivers)...then updates will be really quick...people can just download source from google site and compile build for their device...only thing google is lacking at...provide a device drivers support like MS-Widows has...just plugin anything and it works :)
30. Scott_H posted on 30 Apr 2012, 15:12 4 0
Honestly, the only way to do this would be to either make all the phones themselves (e.g. the Apple model) or make incredibly strict hardware guidelines (e.g. Windows Phone) - and either way they would be sacrificing some of the main benefits to Android - that you can pick from a large variety of phone types.
36. thedarkside posted on 30 Apr 2012, 16:01 0 0
the force is strong with this one.
i agree with you. i do have an iphone and although its simply and i dont ever have problemns with it, i wish i could make it a little more me.
9. ananya22 posted on 30 Apr 2012, 14:17 6 2
samsung hasnt updated the gs2 int. version in india but have done it for other countries. they are seriously pissing me off
17. Muhannad posted on 30 Apr 2012, 14:43 2 0
You're right, my dad has the GSII and I would always check for updates but I wouldn't get anything.
32. poojaroy posted on 30 Apr 2012, 15:28 0 0
ya u r right sgs2 india hasnt got 4.0 update till now, time has exceeded 6 months lol.samsung should roll out update for india now or they will b in gr8 problem ,they will loose millions of customers from india.. ex(like indian ppl throwed nokia in dustbean bcoz at 1st around 80% ppl were using nokia phones)...so samsung dont let it down time dose matter in todays world competition...u might b the next never know
18. Muhannad posted on 30 Apr 2012, 14:45 2 1
Solution: You can get a Windows Phone or an iPhone otherwise don't complain and just install a custom ROM.
41. ngo2dd posted on 30 Apr 2012, 17:17 0 0
Skin is not the main problem. It is the carriers and the fact that the ICS is very different then GB. XDA doe a good job but the user are the beta tester. The ROM are all laggy and the fix will come as time go by. I have a working ics ROM for my 3D but the camera don't work.
52. networkdood posted on 30 Apr 2012, 20:40 1 0
huh, that issue has been fixed a while back...you need to update your ROM.
66. ngo2dd posted on 01 May 2012, 08:49 0 0
Not for the 3D, there is not Rom with a working camera for the 3D. The AOKP does not have a working rom. I check everyday. If you know of an Evo 3D with a working camera ICS rom please me a link.
72. remixfa posted on 01 May 2012, 12:25 0 0
thats because there are no 3D ICS drivers to build from. Someone would have to build one from scratch.
So your choice is to stick with ICS and not use 3D, or go back to gingerbread and pray for the update. Honestly, how much do u actually use the 3d cameras?
11. tluv00 posted on 30 Apr 2012, 14:25 4 2
Well considering that ICS is an Phone and Tablet update plus just by the sheer number of devices out there as well as LTE/HSPA + being used more now I could expect the adoption time to be longer than before.
People need to relax. I would rather wait another month than get a buggy, poorly tested version that I then have to read people complaigning about as to why the carriers let them release so early without more testing.
12. tluv00 posted on 30 Apr 2012, 14:26 0 1
You should call customer service. I am sure they are right around the corner.
19. tech-head posted on 30 Apr 2012, 14:46 3 2
Yet another reason I may go back to the dark side(apple). :(
48. Non_Sequitur posted on 30 Apr 2012, 19:13 1 0
This comment made me laugh so hard I almost cried.
Thank you sir, for making my day funnier. xDDDD
50. thedarkside posted on 30 Apr 2012, 19:39 0 0
you are very welcome. my bias comes from working at sprint and now verizon and ive never had a good experience with a windows phone. to be honest i used to hate the iphone and droids both at different times but have come to respect and almost admire there OS.
windows should make like alderaan and be destroyed.
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