Obsolescence mobile OS, we talk or not ?

There is much talk of planned obsolescence of products, but what about mobile operating systems? Sell ​​smartphones or tablets whose OS is not updated, it called?

There are some days I handled an Android smartphone (I will not mention the brand) to see just what he had in his stomach. A very nice camera, light and pretty, with a basic version of Android without filthy overcoat operator or manufacturer, released in the early weeks of 2014 A recent machine, so, of course - thankfully - still for sale.

Then after this tutorial, I wanted to connect my watch Watch the LG G smartphone via Android Wear. This is where the trouble started, or rather the disappointment came. The smartphone in question runs Android 4.2.2, and is therefore not compatible with Android Wear, which only works from version 4.3 of the mobile operating system from Google.

After a little naively tried updating the OS on the phone, obviously without success ("Your system is up to date") So I went looking for information on the product, to see if the manufacturer offered or a planned upgrade to the latest version of Android 4.4.4. Of course, I have not found anything on the manufacturer's website in question, which only indicates "Android 4.2 Jelly Bean" in the data sheet of the smartphone.

So I went on forums and blogs to try to learn a little more, and the only information I could find confirms no update to Android 4.4 is planned for this device in any case officially.

Here is a machine that is out there just six months, and whose failure to update (and monitoring) results become unusable with out just a few weeks later device. Of course, you retort me that we can not put the "obsolescence" on the same level as that of a fridge that failed after four years of loyal service. Certainly, it's true: the phone still works, and continues to fulfill the tasks are his own and for which it was purchased. You can also argue that you can always flash the rooter or mobile, but let's be serious five minutes: from a few geeks who will do that? We talk about consumer products there.

Planned obsolescence of programs ...

These objections heard, we will not remove me from the idea that the lack of monitoring of updates mobile OS by manufacturers is also a form of programmed obsolescence. In fact, as it is, over time, a device less usable. Because during this time, the application vendors publish subsequent updates that gradually reduce the scope of use of smartphone apps in question as no longer work on an OS that himself is not updated notwithstanding backward compatibility announced.

And when it comes to devices that cost several hundred euros, which are supposed to revolutionize our mobile uses, just as the connected watches, it gets really annoying. Do we lie not: do not update the OS is hope ultimately that suckers, sorry, customers, cast their smartphone to buy the latest model. A date him.

So who is to blame? The manufacturer? The editor (in this instance, Google)? Note that this is not just about Android and its famous (and disastrous) fragmentation. Apple also an iPhone 4 still works great support less current applications, and will simply not compatible with Apple Watch watch. As for Windows Phone 7, those who invested 500 euros or more in the first smartphones running this OS there just three years, quickly understood their pain when they learned they would not even be upgraded to Windows Phone 7.5 arrived a few months after ...

A little regulation?

What would it do? It's pretty simple: that would require manufacturers to clearly indicate the technical and commercial plug their devices it is expected that the updated OS will be followed or not, and if so, how long. I say "until when" and not "to which version" because we can not ask a manufacturer to know in advance what will be the updates. But a date, sort of guarantee stating that the OS will be updated for X years (3 years seems reasonable) after the release of the device would be an interesting solution. And I think - without being a follower of the rules at all costs - that the legislature should look into the matter and impose a rule manufacturers in this direction, under the provision to protect or at least consumer information.

Because buying a smartphone several hundred euros to realize a few months later that X features will not be available to or more than enough to aggravate a little, right?