Samsung is finally catching up to a feature that Google Pixel owners have enjoyed since the days when the 3.5mm headphone jack was still somewhat hip. Yes, you read that right – seamless updates, a staple of the Google Pixel experience since 2016, have finally made their much-delayed debut on a Samsung Galaxy phone.
While we applaud Samsung for finally recognizing the value of this time-saving and user-friendly feature (better late than never, right?), it’s hard not to feel a pang of amusement at the situation. Seamless updates, introduced with Android Nougat way back in 2016, allow devices to quietly install updates in the background and then seamlessly switch over upon a simple reboot. This convenient process spares users from those lengthy “Android is upgrading” screens.
Google, along with virtually every other major Android manufacturer, has long embraced this feature. Yet, Samsung, the Android smartphone kingpin, has stubbornly resisted making the leap to seamless updates. But this finally changes with the Galaxy A55, the company’s first device to support this truly modern update method. Yes, a mid-range phone, not even a flagship.
Instead of waiting for an “Install Now” prompt after a lengthy download, you’ll see a “Downloading and Installing” message. This indicates the update is both downloading and installing in the background and when done, a simple “Restart Now” option will appear, making the switch to the updated software quick and painless.
Unfortunately, owners of existing Samsung devices, including the flashy Galaxy S24 Ultra, are likely out of luck. History suggests that support for seamless updates requires foundational changes that can’t easily be patched in later. But hey, at least future Samsung Galaxy devices might finally join the 21st century in terms of update convenience. The timing works out neatly too, since Android is expected to exclusively support seamless updates soon.
After nearly a decade of holding out, Samsung has finally given in to the wisdom of the Google way. One can only hope that Samsung learns its lesson and avoids such lengthy delays when it comes to adopting other user-friendly Android standards in the future.
Hillary Keverenge
2114 Posts
Tech has been my playground for over a decade. While the Android journey began early, it truly took flight with the revolutionary Lollipop update. Since then, it's been a parade of Android devices (with a sprinkle of iOS), culminating in a mostly happy marriage with Google's smart home ecosystem. Expect insightful articles and explorations of the ever-evolving world of Android and Google products coupled with occasional rants on the Nest smart home ecosystem.
Next article View Article
