This article originally appeared in Rethink's Wireless Watch
One of the major frustrations felt by smartphone users is the unpredictability of operating system upgrades. When a new release of Android or Windows Phone appears, some customers can wait many months longer than others for the update, depending on their device and, in particular, their operator. Google has periodically tried to impose rules and timelines on carriers, but the experience remains fragmented. Now Microsoft aims to take control, at least when it comes to the mobile implementation of Windows 10.
Microsoft has said this before. When Windows Phone made its debut, the software giant promised that it alone would control updates, not device makers or operators. That was seen as a significant differentiation from the upgrade chaos of the Android environment, getting closer to the attractive predictability of Apple’s release cycle. But in reality, Microsoft does not have Apple’s power over the major mobile carriers, and it was unable fully to keep its promises.
For instance, as ZDnet points out, the ‘Denim’ update to Windows Phone 8.1 was unveiled almost nine months ago, but is still unavailable on some devices, such as the AT&T Lumia 830 or the T-Mobile Lumia 635. By contrast, Verizon Wireless released the Denim update almost immediately it was ready – though it had rejected the previous upgrade, Cyan, leaving users of Windows handsets on its network with an almost obsolete version.
The carriers, of course, plead the need to ensure any major software update works well on their networks and is fully secure. But Microsoft says it can ensure these needs are met, and it will apply the same update process to mobile devices as to PCs – bypassing the operators if necessary. This will be particularly important for W10 as Microsoft is promising a constant stream of small updates, particularly on the security side, but also including fixes and new features, rather than a major upgrade each year.
In a post on Microsoft’s Ignite blog, it introduced the Windows Update for Business concept and said it would apply to mobile products too. The post said: “Here at Microsoft, we take our responsibility to keep Windows secure seriously. We … proactively update supported devices with necessary updates to address issues. And today, we’re announcing this continuous update process applies to all Windows 10 devices, including phones.” Like PC users now, Windows 10 mobile customers will be able to receive all updates (unless they opt out) directly from Microsoft.
The software giant insists it is not leaving carriers out in the cold entirely, and respects the need to test major updates to ensure they have no negative effects on the networks. They will remain an integral part of the testing process, particularly Windows Insider, which provides early access to new features to those who register, including operators.
However, operators will remain responsible for sending out upgrades to Windows 10 for current Windows Phone 8.1 users, so some of those may find themselves waiting several months, after the launch of the new OS this autumn, to get their free upgrades.