At this point, any time there is “next big update” of anything, I don’t want to have anything to do with it.
Kernel might be an exception (I mean, I did work in cybersecurity, so I understand the importance of updates pretty well), but still. I don’t think there has been an update of anything I’ve been using that wasn’t just an enshitification bullshit in the last few years…
Same!
My MacBook is 10 versions behind because the latest updates are all cosmetic or adding weird AI shit I don’t want.
I watched my wife’s windows 11 which she only uses to play The Sims go to shit with AI garbage and constant ads to upgrade her Microsoft Office, which she never uses.
My TV updated and now there’s fucking banner ads.
I’m reaching a point where I don’t trust updates anymore.
I had issues with ads popping up on my Samsung TVs. Started using a pihole and it went away.
I’m not sure if it’s still the case but the updates on older MacBooks used to essentially brick them because they made them so slow. I know several Apple users who refuse to update their device unless forced to because of this fear.
I watched my wife’s windows 11 which she only uses to play The Sims go to shit with AI garbage and constant ads to upgrade her Microsoft Office, which she never uses.
I would propose Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021, works fine if you need Windows. The only thing is that Microsoft won’t sell you a license as a private person, but if they don’t want the revenue, fuck em.
TL;DR
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A new leak claims Google is preparing to upgrade the Linux kernel on most Tensor-based Pixel phones to version 6.12.
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The new kernel could potentially bring real performance and efficiency improvements, thanks in part to Google’s AutoFDO.
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Judging by the leak, the Pixel 6 will not receive the update
5 Years is still respectable when support for most phones ended at the 3 year mark for phones launched at that time period.
My pc cpu is from 2009
Good to know your phone with your PC CPU from 2009 still works fine.
Joke aside, phones at that time barely got any updates. Pixel phone starting from series 6 was one of those which had longer update cycle than average. Nowadays, you easily get 6-8 years of software and security updates.
It can improve. But, hardware level support is not that great compared to a desktop computer. So, we have these short support cycles.
Except that my 6 is still functioning just fine. battery still lasts the whole day, it doesn’t feel sluggish with normal usage, and I just replaced the case like a month ago. I have no reason to upgrade for at least another year.
It should. For general, usage most smartphones are fine. My phone has less processing power than your phone. But, thanks to 12GB of RAM and fast UFS 3.1 storage it handles 98% of tasks without lag. Only those needing high CPU and GPU power like local LLM models or high end games which require more horse power have a hard time.
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Oh no! Anyway…
I have an iPhone 16 Pro Max. It wasn’t that long ago that it was the second-best iPhone Apple made, only behind the 1TB version (I have the 512GB version).
We’re not getting a couple features in iOS 27.
This was the phone advertised to support Apple Intelligence, too.
But here’s the thing… if your phone was a flagship in the last 5 years (sometimes more), it can still do everything you need a phone to do.
Easy to say as I have a 2024 iPhone, and the top model at that, right?
I also have a Galaxy S10. From 2019. It is seven years old.
You’d think the iPhone would kick its ass in every metric, right? Nope. The Galaxy S10 is easier to type on, due to the keyboard not hallucinating or inserting sponsored shit or whatever bullshit Apple is on about. The S10 is lighter. It’s the perfect size. (Apple guys: It’s the size of the 11 Pro.) It has a memory card slot, and I’m pretty sure I could slot in a 512GB microSD card and have 128GB more space than my iPhone, but I only have a 64GB card in it, and that’s full of music.)
I have Apple Music on both of them, and Plexamp (for streaming off my Plex server). The S10 also has Poweramp for local music playback.
If I had to make the S10 my daily driver, I would not be that upset. I like using Apple tech, but I’ll happily use what I have in my hand and make the most of it.
All these new phones with their new updates that only work on the latest couple models? It’s all AI bullshit. Every. Last. Bit of it.
You don’t need it.
Years ago, we used to crave the latest update. Phones were updating fast. They hit a plateau years ago. AI is breaking the plateau. Only AI is. Okay, there might be some game you need the latest iPhone or Galaxy S phone to run, but if you don’t care about that, you’re good. It’s not free, but you can do cloud gaming on just about anything. GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud Gaming, for example.
We need to get off this “mandatory updates” thing. Security updates are important. AI slop, not so much. Unless that’s what you want. Then have fun in the rat race, buying a new phone every year.
Does your S10 still get security updates?
I have been prioritizing hardware choices for years (Xperia 5 III - charge limit, 3.5mm jack, microSD slot; LG V20 - same but removable battery) but I had to give the LG up due to lack of VoLTE support and the Sony’s fingerprint reader failed plus battery life seemed to be deteriorating - and both lost any kind of software support years ago. I finally caved and begrudgingly bought a Pixel purely for the 7 years of software support and GrapheneOS
No, the S10 hasn’t gotten an update in a few years. 2023 or 2024 maybe. I’m not on cellular but I am on WiFi and that should be enough.
I do want a newer Android phone at some point. I don’t mind not having a headphone jack, but I kinda wanna keep the SD card… or I’ll need a 256GB phone.
darnit. mines a 7.
You can always downgrade, If you feel like you’re getting too involved. :x
Well, so long as I continue to get security updates, I’m not concerned with anything else. Guess I should start looking for what’s out there that isn’t google/apple/samsung
Android updates its kernel?
Yeah. It has for quite a while. My phone upgraded its kernel from v4.19 to 6.6.30 and finally to 6.6.82. I too was surprised seeing it updated from an outdated kernel to a more recent version.
i remember hearing something along the lines of the pixel 6 booting the upstream/mainline linux kernel with very few patches. if that’s the case this wouldn’t be much of an issue…
