Motorola Explains the Android 4.0 Update Process

Ever wondered about the process a manufacturer goes through in order to get a major Android update out to the masses? And more specifically, have you ever wondered how Motorola plans to get the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update out to its customers? Wonder no more as Moto has posted an extensive outline of the process on its blog, giving us a peek as to how complicated the update process really is.

So how does it work exactly?

Well, Motorola has broken the process down into four and a half steps that explain just how the company plans to get Android 4.0 onto its devices.

Here are those steps:

1. Merge and adapt the new release for different device hardware architecture(s) and carrier customizations

This means that we take the source code and incorporate it into upgrades for devices on which this can perform well, along with making sure the carrier requirements are met.  Silicon partners such as Qualcomm, TI, and nVidia adapt this to their chipsets in parallel and we incorporate these as they become available. This is also the time when we begin integrating all of the Motorola-specific software enhancements into the source code.  Features like MotoCast, Smart Actions, and our comprehensive enterprise solutions are integral parts of our device experiences, and we want to make sure we continue delivering differentiated experiences for our consumers with these software upgrades.

2. Stabilize and ‘bake’ the result to drive out bugs

This means that we will prepare the upgrade to meet the quality and stability requirements to enter the wireless carrier’s certification lab.

3. Submit the upgrade to the carriers for certification

This is the point in the process where the carrier’s lab qualifies and tests the upgrade. Each carrier has different requirements for phases 2 and 3. There may be a two-month preparation cycle to enter a carrier lab cycle of one to three months.

3.5 Perform a Customer pre-release

We may perform some customer testing before a final release is delivered publicly to our user base.

4. Release the upgrade

We are planning on upgrading as many of our phones as possible.  The ability to offer the upgrade depends on a number of factors including the hardware/device capabilities, the underlying chipset software support, the ICS support and then the ability to support the Motorola value add software.

No small feat.

I might add that it’s nice to see this kind of candidness from a manufacturer in regards to Android updates. You don’t see that a lot.

Motorola also reminds those of you with a Droid Bionic, Droid RAZR or Motorola Xoom that you will be seeing Android 4.0 at some point in the future. Previously, we heard it was going to be early 2012.

Let’s hope Motorola can stick to that time frame.

Via: Android Central