Home › News ›

Software Updates

Bring it in Over the Internet Hack Away It's Automatic

Some manufacturers have modified the update process slightly, substituting a PC and a synchronization cable for the specialized equipment used at service centers. Not only did this decrease the equipment cost, it also gave end users the ability to update their own phones.

The trend began when a few smartphone OS makers built PC software that would allow users to update their devices by themselves. Windows Mobile users can sometimes download updates from their carrier to install, as can PalmOne Treo users. Sony Ericsson also made downloadable updates available for UIQ smartphones, directly through their website.

In 2004 a few manufacturers opened up PC updates for selected non-smartphone models as well. Motorola allowed Nextel subscribers to update their own iDen phones from a PC, and Sony Ericsson extended their PC updates to new high end handsets like the K700 and S700. Sony Ericsson continues to add new models to their update service, however few other manufacturers are joining this trend.

Next page: Hack Away

Related

iPhone 15 Series Goes All-In on USB-C and Dynamic Island

Sep 12, 2023
Apple has revealed the iPhone 15 series, which moves to a USB-C connector and brings several key features from last year's Pro models to the more-affordable standard models. These include the pill-shaped sensor cutout in the display that Apple calls Dynamic Island, a brighter display that can reach 2000 nits, a 48 megapixel main camera, and the A16 Bionic processor chip.

Samsung S24 Series Adds More AI, Updates the Hardware

Jan 17, 2024
Samsung has unveiled its lineup of flagship phones for 2024, the Galaxy S24 series. The phones sport multiple upgrades in both hardware and software compared to last year's models.

iPhone 16 Brings More Features to All Price Points, Including New Camera Control

Sep 9, 2024
Apple has announced the iPhone 16 series, which — compared to previous years' models — does not restrict as many key features to the Pro models, or to the most-expensive Pro Max model. For example, the all-new Camera Control on the side comes on all four models.

Google Pixel 8 Series Saves the Best for the Pro

Oct 4, 2023
Google has announced its Pixel 8 series flagship phones with many expected upgrades, but most of the headline-grabbing new features are exclusive to the larger, more expensive Pixel 8 Pro. In a major shift, Google is promising seven years of full OS updates and Feature Drops for the 8 series.

Samsung Launching Two New Affordable 5G Phones Today, Too

Jan 17, 2024
While Samsung's big news today is the new S24 series of flagship phones, the company is also quietly launching two new affordable 5G phones today: the Galaxy A15 5G and Galaxy A25 5G. The Galaxy A15 5G updates last year's A14 5G with a 6.5-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with 90 Hz refresh, a major upgrade for a phone that sells for $200.

Software Updates

Review: HTC U12+