Google is regaining control of its software

[pc747]

Many of us here first got a taste of Google when we picked up a Motorola Droid. Whether you bought it because it wasn't an iPhone, Verizon didn't carry the iPhone, or just because it was cool, the Motorola Droid brought Android into the light for many of us. As the years went on and we begin to see new phones pop up with new software, we began to ask the question, "why is it taking so long to update my phone?" It wasn't long before Android users began to understand the term "fragmentation" for what it is. At first, Google took the hit for it before users began to realize that Google did not have as much control over their software as we realized. Apple has the ability to update all of its software on all its device without any interference from the carriers. In fact, Apple demands exactly that before producing even one i-device to work on a carrier. For Apple to have that ability to demand control of their software while Google took the heat for all the hassle folks had to go through to update their device, seemed one-sided.

We have seen over the past year Google start to take the power back from the carriers and manufacturers by taking more control of their apps and updating what needs updating via the Google Play store. We are seeing older devices finally getting support for much needed updates to Google software. Today I installed and ran Google Wallet on my Droid 2. This was something unthinkable even a few days ago. Though this is a different Google Wallet than what I ran on my Galaxy Nexus almost 2 years ago we are beginning to see Google make the needed changes required to get more of its software on more Android devices, despite lack of support from carriers or manufacturers. Seeing moves like that from Google builds confidence in the fan base as we are seeing them take more and more control of their software.

I am curious to see if the rumors of older devices being able to update to 4.4 turn out to be true. If so, how will Google be able to pull that off. Will they allow users to update from the Play Store itself or will they need to go to Google's secure server to download and install the software?

Whether the rumor of older devices running 4.4 is true or not, I am still excited about the moves Google has made lately, and look forward to seeing where Google takes their software from here.

 

[TOMMYBOT]

its definitly good to see google taking back control.

apple i feel had the right approach to avoid fragmentation(even though it will still happen).

it sucks seeing 4.3!!!!!! and wiat a month for motorola to tweak it, and wait a month for verizon to add their bloat.
(not all of its bad, i do like verizons command center widget.)

i'm still in the end glad to see google make this push.

 

[xsirxx]

What is this rumor i am missing? Can I grab a link please!

Thanks!

 

[Asgard]

Wait, what?
I'm at the opposite, I've been using google wallet on my GNex, sideloading it since it's the VZW one. But since 4.3 I can't use it, I've tried a couple of ROMs and the app works but it always show "unable to authorize"

What am I missing here?

 

[trestevenson]

What is this rumor i am missing? Can I grab a link please!

Thanks!

Here's a link I came across via G+ a couple of weeks ago.

Wait, what?
I'm at the opposite, I've been using google wallet on my GNex, sideloading it since it's the VZW one. But since 4.3 I can't use it, I've tried a couple of ROMs and the app works but it always show "unable to authorize"

What am I missing here?

And here is a post for the new Google Wallet, which may or may not work on your G-Nex running 4.3.

 

[Sal R.]

This is awesome new to hear. Not having to rely on the carriers/manufacturer for updates is a huge step forward in pulling the android ecosystem together in a more cohesive manner.

 

[pc747]

Here's a link I came across via G+ a couple of weeks ago.



And here is a post for the new Google Wallet, which may or may not work on your G-Nex running 4.3.

It should work just fine on the g nex as I am running it on my gnex, n7, note 2, and droid 2.

 

[Asgard]

Here's a link I came across via G+ a couple of weeks ago.



And here is a post for the new Google Wallet, which may or may not work on your G-Nex running 4.3.

Like they say on the far regions of the internet: You sir are a gentleman and a scholar. Thanks

 

[pc747]

They removed the nfc feature from wallet and i see complaints about it in the reviews. But I think that feature was before it's time. Not many were wanting to get behind it for security reasons, and plus about time you reach in your pocket to grab your phone, unlock it, open the app, put your pin, wait for it to load, click the card, wait for it to load, then spend 5 to 10 seconds trying to get it in the right position, people behind you are looking at you all crazy. Nfc payment right now is not faster than grabbing your card or cash. Now the way google has been using wallet lately seems more practical in my opinion.

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