Microsoft has stated that it is currently coordinating with various wireless carriers in order to test the software updates for Window 10 Mobile, the company’s new mobile operating system. Microsoft will then use the feedback generated from the testing to further fine tune the updates, but ultimately, the company has the final say in scheduling the rollout of the software updates, based on input from the wireless carriers as well as those signed up under the Windows Insider program.
By clearly stating its intention of exercising more control over the entire software update process, Microsoft apparently wants to avoid the issues that have sometimes troubled Android updates. When Google rolls out a new update to its Android mobile operating system, the phone makers test it for each of their mobile devices before the wireless carriers can proceed with their own testing. The rollout of the updates can only really start when both phone makers and wireless carriers have already finished their testing of the OS. This whole process can often take weeks and even months, and it may vary depending on which phone maker and wireless carrier. The result is that mobile users are often left wondering why their mobile devices have not been updated yet, while their friends’ handsets already are.
Compared to Android, Microsoft’s approach is more similar to Apple’s, wherein the iPhone maker decided when to deploy a software update to its iOS mobile operating system. The main difference is that Apple often tests and deploys its iOS updates without even the involvement of wireless carriers. In Microsoft’s update process, things are less dictatorial, with wireless carriers give the opportunity to do some testing themselves.
Microsoft will also lean on the assistance and input of those who have signed up under the Windows Insider program. Any one who joins this program gets to receive early releases of new Windows updates, and in turn, he or she can share feedback on that update. The Windows Insider program had significant contributions to the fine tuning of Windows 10 and will continue to do so for future software updates from Microsoft.
The company’s Windows 10 Mobile OS is expected to arrive first on Microsoft’s two newest flagship devices, the Lumia 950 and the Lumia 950 XL, which are scheduled to hit store shelves everywhere by November of this year. As for the rest of Windows powered mobile devices out there, the general deployment of Windows 10 Mobile will happen a month later in December. The most likely models getting the updates first (and for free) will be the older Lumia devices, which include the Lumia 430, the Lumia 535, and the Lumia 930.
