Tell me more ×
Android Enthusiasts Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for enthusiasts and power users of the Android operating system. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 3 down vote favorite

I never dealt with Android devices before so I'm completely newbie at it, please comment if something is too simple.

Say I purchase Android Galaxy Player S WiFi 5.0, that has got Android Froyo 2.2 installed in it.

If there is a new version of Android released tomorrow or next month, will I be able to update it (like I will be able to update my iPod Touch 4 to iOS 5)?

share|improve this question

1 Answer

up vote 3 down vote

No. Its up to the manufacturer to release new Android versions for their devices. Some devices will never get a new Android version. Only the devices from Google (Nexus One, Nexus S) will get the latest Android versions early and OTA. The others may get the new version, but it is the decision of the manufacturer.

Custom ROMs may provide a newer Android version, as the last official version that was released by the manufacturer. But this often only applies to popular devices.

share|improve this answer
2  
If a manufacturer abandons a device, its still possible that CyogenMod or other open source Android distributions could be modified to support the device. But, depending on the device specifics, that could be a lot of (difficult) work. If the device is relatively open and popular, I suspect an open source distribution could maintain a device that a manufacturer has stopped updating. – P.T. Oct 7 '11 at 6:56
P.T.: Thanks for pointing this out. I have added it to my answer. – Flow♦ Oct 7 '11 at 7:13
@P.T. My specific device: Samsung Galaxy S 5.0 WiFi, do you know have any info regarding this device? – Shimmy Oct 8 '11 at 19:02

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.