Google has arbitrarily made older Android devices redundant .

[Convert54]

It appears that after Google "suggested" users of android 4.1< 4.3 devices should stop using them back around April 2021 they have now blocked them entirely from access. 

Three years ago I supported an organization that was supplying refurbished ( battery renewed) tablets to schools in impoverished locations where the internet was at least available. Now Google has destroyed the practical use of many of those functional devices for them and potentially up to several millions of people who still use(d) them as of 27th September 2021 ! While it is possible to update some of them/many to Android 5 the affordability and access to services to do so is limited.

Nice slice Google ! Just as the world has an increased demand due to the impact of the pandemic which is also struggling to supply many devices due to the shortage of microchips !

[Convert54]

In further reference....https://www.cpomagazine.com/cyber-security/over-a-billion-android-devices-no-longer-supported-by-security-updates/  .

How long will it be before this move is extended to the device a person got only a year or two ago?

Security issues or monopolistic effront ?

[gummy]

12 minutes ago, Convert54 said:

In further reference....https://www.cpomagazine.com/cyber-security/over-a-billion-android-devices-no-longer-supported-by-security-updates/  .

How long will it be before this move is extended to the device a person got only a year or two ago?

Security issues or monopolistic effront ?

Don't worry all such devices will be redundant soon in the new world of telepathy being developed by Thai scientists and engineers. Well once they learn to use the abacus it will be 

[riclag]

 Sunsetting of older devices by cell and Tech networks  is the way to go for these giant conglomerates!

It  assures them a revenue source!

 

Something like a computer,software or cell phones you  bought 6 months ago  are “ in some cases” considered outdated!

 

[DrPhibes]

1 hour ago, Convert54 said:

In further reference....https://www.cpomagazine.com/cyber-security/over-a-billion-android-devices-no-longer-supported-by-security-updates/  .

How long will it be before this move is extended to the device a person got only a year or two ago?

Security issues or monopolistic effront ?

Please see what is happening with Win 11 upgrade and computers bought just a few years ago.  Microsoft will not allow/support computers that have 7th generation CPU's (massive amounts of them out there) to upgrade to Win 11 but have made exceptions for 7th generation chips in their own products.  The 7000 series CPUs can more than handle Win 11 but Microsoft says it is all about security, during a time of serious chip shortages no less!  To be honest, could you even run most apps on Android 4 anymore?

[Vince]

On 10/31/2021 at 10:18 PM, Convert54 said:

It appears that after Google "suggested" users of android 4.1< 4.3 devices should stop using them back around April 2021 they have now blocked them entirely from access. 

Three years ago I supported an organization that was supplying refurbished ( battery renewed) tablets to schools in impoverished locations where the internet was at least available. Now Google has destroyed the practical use of many of those functional devices for them and potentially up to several millions of people who still use(d) them as of 27th September 2021 ! While it is possible to update some of them/many to Android 5 the affordability and access to services to do so is limited.

Nice slice Google ! Just as the world has an increased demand due to the impact of the pandemic which is also struggling to supply many devices due to the shortage of microchips !

How about other mobile operating systems ? Like this: 

https://itsfoss.com/open-source-alternatives-android/

[thaifarmer]

my old devices always get lineageOS on them. keep them going for a while longer.

[Vince]

2 hours ago, thaifarmer said:

my old devices always get lineageOS on them. keep them going for a while longer.

Nice!