Search engine giant Google has announced the new Android software release program for all its affiliated Nexus, Android One and Play edition devices.
Google's Android support page has been revised with the new firmware (including security patch) schedule details and also the fate of key devices getting future updates.
"After a certain period, Google can no longer guarantee that a device will get version updates or security patches," the company said on the official support page.
Here's how long the Nexus, Android One and Google Play edition will stay eligible for updates?
Nexus series:
Google says that Nexus series is guaranteed to get software updates for a minimum of two years from the day they become available on the Google Store. As far as security patch is concerned, they will get it for three years from the date of availability or 18 months from when the Google Store last sold the device.
HTC Nexus 9 and Motorola Nexus 6 will get the Android v7.0 OS, but this is the last time they will be receiving any update, as both the devices' software update service is scheduled to end in October 2016.
2015 series flagship Huawei Nexus 6P and LG Nexus 5X are guaranteed to get the update till September 2017. This means that they will get the Android O version around August next year.
With this announcement, Nexus 10, Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 (2013) owners will not be able to enjoy the soon-to-be released Android N.
Android One:
Android One, despite being a part of Google's official device program, have been handed a raw deal.
Google has passed on the responsibility of delivering the software updates to the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers), and only for 18 months after the launch. This may not go down well with fans, as the Android One series will be eligible for just one major update.
"Android One phones get the latest version of Android from Google's hardware partners. Google's partners send updates based on their schedules, trying to get them to you as soon as possible," Google said.
The only solace is that Android One devices will get the firmware within two weeks after the announcement of new Android version and security patches will be delivered every month, similar to Nexus series.
Google Play edition:
Google Play edition devices will get update for only 18 months from the date of launch and the security patches will be delivered monthly. Unlike Android One series, it is not likely to create any fuss from anybody, as the Google Play edition device program went dead in 2015.
