Who decides when Android (Samsung) devices get firmware updates?

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scottjpalmer

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#105829 11-Jul-2012 22:25

I have a Samsung Galaxy Note that I purchased in Australia as genuine Australian stock that wasn't operator branded. Who decides when I can get the ICS update legitimately?
- Samsung Australia?
- Samsung international?
- 2 Degrees (I have a 2 Degrees SIM in it, if I changed to a Vodafone or Telecom one could this make a difference?)
- Some other organisation?

If anyone other than my operator, why would they be holding it back? Waiting for all the operators in that country to approve it?

Back in the day I changed the product code of my Symbian devices to get the latest firmware semi-legitimately. This was a much easier process that feels more legit than the dreaded root!

nakedmolerat

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#654228 11-Jul-2012 22:32

Samsung Australia.

My generic UK note receive update after other UK branded note

nzgeek

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#654412 12-Jul-2012 11:24

It's partly between Samsung International and Samsung Australia. The international company has to create the update first, and then it's released to regional branches for testing. If it's a branded phone then this is where the carrier gets involved.

The final build is released when the local branch and the carrier (when applicable) have agreed that the firmware quality is suitable.

With Samsung phones you don't need to root in order to flash on firmware from another region. You can use a tool called Odin to install a different firmware package onto your phone. Odin is created by Samsung, and is used in cellphone repair centres to flash firmware. All you need to do is to grab a firmware package (containing either 1 or 3 .tar files) and you're good to go.

Personally, I'd hold off on the update for a while. There's a bug in the current firmware releases that could permanently damage your internal storage. It's common for custom (rooted) kernels to contain a workaround for this bug, but the stock kernel is vulnerable. Samsung are aware of the issue and are working on a fix, but it could be a while before it's released.

sqlpro

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#654428 12-Jul-2012 11:38

nzgeek: It's partly between Samsung International and Samsung Australia. The international company has to create the update first, and then it's released to regional branches for testing. If it's a branded phone then this is where the carrier gets involved.

The final build is released when the local branch and the carrier (when applicable) have agreed that the firmware quality is suitable.

With Samsung phones you don't need to root in order to flash on firmware from another region. You can use a tool called Odin to install a different firmware package onto your phone. Odin is created by Samsung, and is used in cellphone repair centres to flash firmware. All you need to do is to grab a firmware package (containing either 1 or 3 .tar files) and you're good to go.

Personally, I'd hold off on the update for a while. There's a bug in the current firmware releases that could permanently damage your internal storage. It's common for custom (rooted) kernels to contain a workaround for this bug, but the stock kernel is vulnerable. Samsung are aware of the issue and are working on a fix, but it could be a while before it's released.

thats very useful info especially odin, firmware updates. i did not know any of it and always wondered. cheers

scottjpalmer

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#654439 12-Jul-2012 11:51

nzgeek: It's partly between Samsung International and Samsung Australia. The international company has to create the update first, and then it's released to regional branches for testing. If it's a branded phone then this is where the carrier gets involved.

The final build is released when the local branch and the carrier (when applicable) have agreed that the firmware quality is suitable.

With Samsung phones you don't need to root in order to flash on firmware from another region. You can use a tool called Odin to install a different firmware package onto your phone. Odin is created by Samsung, and is used in cellphone repair centres to flash firmware. All you need to do is to grab a firmware package (containing either 1 or 3 .tar files) and you're good to go.

Personally, I'd hold off on the update for a while. There's a bug in the current firmware releases that could permanently damage your internal storage. It's common for custom (rooted) kernels to contain a workaround for this bug, but the stock kernel is vulnerable. Samsung are aware of the issue and are working on a fix, but it could be a while before it's released.

Thanks, very informative.