They had announced that it would arrive earlier, but as is common with updates, it won't arrive until some time later. We talked about the update of CyanogenMod 12 which should have arrived by now OnePlus One, with Android Lollipop 5.0. It is true that a was launched Alpha version, but nothing that was definitive. Now, it is confirmed that said update will not arrive until the month of March.
Added to this delay is the fact that OnePlus has prepared its own ROM, OXYGEN, as an alternative to Cyanogen. According to its founder's announcement on social media, the OnePlus One will receive Lollipop both via CM12S as through OXYGEN, a platform focused on stability, zero bloatware y good battery management.
Till March
It seems to be becoming common for companies to launch firmware updates for their smartphones several months after they claimed they would launch them. Previously, companies didn't announce a release date for the update, but now they do, but the truth is that they never comply with itThe worst part is that it's not something that happens in a single company, but it happens in all cases. We've seen it in Motorola This year, we have seen it in HTC, and we see it now with the OnePlus One. Users were expecting the update to arrive much sooner, but it wasn't until now that OnePlus confirmed that the update is not only not available yet, but that we'll have to wait until March. At least, that's what OnePlus has communicated, through Twitter, and through its founder, to a user who was asking about it. Users with the OnePlus One will not be able to count on it yet. Android Lollipop 5.0 on their smartphones.
Why do updates take so long?
It's nothing new that software updates take so long to arrive. But why does this actually happen? customization that smartphone manufacturers make is a problem for them when updating, as it means having to make the software of the previous version compatible with the new one. If we take into account that Xposed Framework has stopped working from one Android version to another, and it has taken months for a new version of it to be available, it is easy to come to the conclusion that it is not easy at all to make compatible a software for a previous version with a new version.
But to that we must add the differentiating elements of each smartphone. Sometimes it seems that elements like a very special processor are better for a smartphone, but this is not the case when it comes to updates. The Motorola Moto X, with its unique processor, has a lot of trouble updating. Cameras With so many options, they also make updating more complex. After all, this is one of the flaws of a operating system which works for all smartphones, and updates to it will take a while to arrive for all those smartphones.
In addition, OnePlus explained that it should have recode the camera module due to instabilities and update the WiFi controllers to ensure good performance. In addition to this, certifications, testing OTA and dependence on proprietary drivers of the chip, factors that usually extend the deadlines.
CM12S, OxygenOS and update options
Lollipop will arrive on the OnePlus One in two ways: CyanogenMod 12S via OTA (the update will appear on your phone) and OXYGEN, which requires manual installationIf you choose the latter, it's a good idea to be clear about a few basics: unlock bootloader, install TWRP how to recovery, activate Developer Options y USB debugging, Do Backup, verify the file with MD5 and, before flashing, clean cache and DalvikAnother safe alternative is to apply the OTA from adb sideload if you have the correct SDK and drivers. If you are not familiar with these processes, it is best to wait for the OTA of CM12S.
Regarding the experience, Lollipop introduces Material Design, notifications on the lock screen, mode Priority to filter alerts, quick settings with Lantern, view Overview of recent tasks and multiple users and screen pinning. Later versions of the same Lollipop cycle also improved the RAM management, the connection of camera, the rendering of PNG and notices of YESSome users reported an erroneous notice about microSD on OxygenOS; if you're concerned about stability, waiting for CM12S is usually a more conservative option.
OnePlus also shared a build Lollipop alpha independent of Cyanogen so that the most advanced could test it, as part of its strategy to build its own system and reduce dependence on third parties after distribution discrepancies. Despite the delay, the official plan keeps Lollipop running for the OnePlus One, with two flavors to choose from depending on user priorities.
Source: Twitter.