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To update or not to update? That is the question...

cmotion

Well-Known Member
Jan 24, 2010
140
18
Just wondering how often people choose to update their applications. I currently have about 13 updates available, but I hate that the updates ADD to the size of the app instead of replacing what you have. Eventually, after updating Google Maps a few more times, the thing is gonna be over 10MB... not that that is HUGE necessarily but a few apps like that, that keep adding on 1 or 2 MB per update will definitely add up. Sometimes I will uninstall and reinstall again, so as not to end up with a much bigger file size-- however, I'm not sure that always works as I think it should. Anyhoo, what is your application update process? Update all? None? Just ones you think are necessary? Also, sometimes updates are awful, so I try to read comments before updating, although there is usually someone who's not happy no matter what. Discuss. ;)
 
I've never even thought about it...just updated 'em all :D.

If you are running tight on space, maybe its time to re-evaluate and/or cleanup your currently installed apps.

When I think about the ones I've got installed, I think about how often I use them vs. the time it would take me to re-install them. Take something like Linpack...well, after you run it a couple of times, how often do you really need to run it again? It only takes a minute or so to re-install (and you are not limited by wi-fi availabilty to do this where ever you are at). So, I nuked this app and will happily re-install it when I feel compelled to :p.

For apps that are just kind of sitting there (hoping that I'll eventually launch them ;))...they are prime candidates for being removed until I need/want them.

My two cents...:D
 
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I always read the remarks too. Unless someone has said something 'awful' about the update I'll go ahead and do it. I'm not SURE, but I question that each update is an add to the program size, if that were true I think we'd all be out of memory by now. I don't question that each update is a larger app, because it takes lines of code to add functionality to a program. But I really think updates replace what was there before.
 
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I don't question that each update is a larger app, because it takes lines of code to add functionality to a program. But I really think updates replace what was there before.

You know, after updating a bunch of my apps I think you're right! I can't remember where I read that but someone was saying how it's a flaw in the android operating system that updates add onto program file size- however, I just updated 6 or 7 apps (some of them 2+MB) and I only lost about 1MB total. I love how at this site people can disagree with one another or call out what they think to be false information and not come across like an ass. It comes from a place of wanting to be helpful. :) Now if only a certain other 3-letter forum that shall remain nameless (starts with an "X" and ends with an "A"...;)) could learn a few things from the kind, helpful, level-headed people here!
 
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Release the KRA... oh wait, I forgot where I was. :)

Thanks for taking the time to look at your space availabe before and after updating and giving the definitive answer as to whether or not updates totally replace existing apps.

And thanks for the compliment to me and to the forum in general. It does seem that most folks here try their best not to be offensive when disagreeing with others. There are of course exceptions, but for the most part it's a well behaved group here.
 
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And I know not everyone over there are jerks (hell, I have a profile over there, as I'm sure many of you do as well), but just the overall attitude and tone of some of the "senior" members, especially directly towards new people who ask questions isn't very welcoming. SO HELP YOU if you don't use the search function our read through the thousands of pages of Kaosfroyo before asking a simple question.
 
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I backup any app that's a keeper. This way, if an updated app is less desirable, I restore to the older version. Some apps update only to add a language, etc and I avoid these.
"Dialer One" is a wonderful app that for me, reached its peak at ver 1.2.3 some months ago. The additions of big green buttons and shadows to the UI degraded it for me, so I stay with 1.2.3 and detached the app from the market via Titanium to stop constant update notifications.
 
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Also keep in mind that sometimes the updates increase your security risk. Lets say some guy releases some awesome game that everyone loves for free. Then a few months later realeases an update that adds more levels, and also adds "Can read you contacts and phone identity" to it. Why does anyone but you need access to your contacts unless it is some kind of dialer or contact managment program?

I had one game I had installed recently that I wasn't as careful on and got my gmail account hacked. Sadly I don't remember the game name, only that it was from China and Gmail had said my account was being accessed by China.

It would be nice if we could sandbox the apps and prevent things from being accessed sort of like the blackberry can do.
 
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