Root Question about Android versions.

[Nooski]

Why is mine 2.3.4? Isn't Android on, like 4.0 now? Or only select phones? Why can't all phones get the same version OS (not ROM)?

 

[tombob]

Why is mine 2.3.4? Isn't Android on, like 4.0 now?

For the same reason that your laptop is still running Windows 7 even though Windows 8 is out.

 

[Tito23p]

Programmed obsolescence

 

[Paradoxx]

Different CPU Displays Mounting Partions etc... and Marketing!!!

 

[Nooski]

For the same reason that your laptop is still running Windows 7 even though Windows 8 is out.

I can easily buy 8 and install. Can I buy 4.0 and install it on my phone?

 

[mvaness]

I can easily buy 8 and install. Can I buy 4.0 and install it on my phone?

Yes, you can but it is not guaranteed to work. The ecosystem for android is different and is often referred to as being fragmented. I would read up on that, as it might clear the air for you.

Here is a brief article...

Android fragmentation leaves 54 per cent of users stuck on Gingerbread | News | TechRadar

Hope this helps...

 

[Rxpert83]

Basically, Google pumps out a new version of the android operating system every 6-12 months. The current version is android 4.2 jellybean and has been out only a few weeks.

It is up to your phones manufacturer whether or not it gets updated. These updates take a lot of time on their end, and if your device is nearing the end of its product cycle, it isn't feasible for the manufacturer to put time and money into updating it when more and more if that phones users are upgrading.

There is also hardware to consider. Top of the line phones have the latest quad core 1.5 GHz processors, 2gigabytes of ram, ect. If your phone is more than a year or two old, its just not going to be able to run the new operating system up to the usability standard that was set.

This is where the computer analogy doesn't work. Mobile tech is moving wayyyy faster than the desktop. This isn't the same as comparing your 2 year old computer with your 2 year old phone. Your computer can probably handle windows 8 just fine. Your phone most likely can't handle 4.2


If you want to make sure you're always going to be on the current version, make your next phone a nexus device. Google handles the updates for these phones and you usually get the update within the same week its announced/released.

My nexus 7 tablet gets it the same day.

 

[Nooski]

So it's not like my laptop having Window 7 instead of 8.

8 is just a new start menu and other smaller functions.

 

[Rxpert83]

So it's not like my laptop having Window 7 instead of 8.

8 is just a new start menu and other smaller functions.

No its not like that at all. I edited my response while you were typing , and I included a bit about that

The jump from GB to ICS was huge. That's why most phones are stuck in GB. They couldn't make the jump for whatever reason. 4.0-4.2 have been smaller updates, so generally if youre running ICS you'll make it to jb at some point

 

[Nooski]

Well, can this phone handle 3.0? My friend has the ZTE warp and his phone's GUI has that dotted looking app drawer button. Is the Marquee better than the ZTE?

 

[wetbiker7]

:banghead:

We have a developmental thread in here for ics and JB. They are in the early stages of development though. Probably the best one to run is aokp alpha 3.. There are things that aren't working yet like the camera but it's a nice rom. My suggestion to you if you want a good rom that has everything running is to stick with ctmod right now

 

[Phrant1c]

Well, can this phone handle 3.0? My friend has the ZTE warp and his phone's GUI has that dotted looking app drawer button. Is the Marquee better than the ZTE?

3.0 was honey bread and was designed as a tablet os. They didn't release that update to mobile phones

You can flash themes and change launchers to make it look like honey bread or ics, but it's just a pretty costume on and ugly ginger(bread)

I knew I could squeeze in a ginger joke

 

[Rxpert83]

Honeycomb

But yes you are right it was meant for tablets only. ICS was the first one that merged the tablet and phone experience