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by vardump 4033 days ago
So, you'd be fine with your ISP being the gatekeeper for which operating system(s) and version(s) you can run on your computer?

The U.S. system where operators are such gatekeepers for mobile devices is an anomaly. It doesn't need to be so, and it is not so elsewhere.

I don't understand the overall picture of the U.S. telecom industry in the first place. Slow speeds, data caps, bad coverage, high prices and control freak carriers.
1 comments
austenallred 4033 days ago
I didn't say anything about them "controlling" what I can run on my computer/phone.

They load it with a default that you can change. That doesn't inhibit my choice in the slightest.

But a large number of people don't care to change their OS from the default, so the ecosystem gets loaded with a large number of those phones.

I just don't understand why the telecoms wouldn't use the newest OS as the default.

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threeseed 4033 days ago
> I just don't understand why the telecoms wouldn't use the newest OS as the default.

Why would they allow you to upgrade the OS when they can sell you a new phone and a new multi year contract. It's a pretty basic strategy.

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NeutronBoy 4033 days ago
Uh carriers across Europe and Australia don't restrict OS updates afaik
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hornetblack 4033 days ago
Kinda. My Xperia Z didn't update to Kitkat when it was available. I bought it at JB-HIFI and therefore it came with Telstra junk on it. In /system/build.prop there's a setting called Customisation Number. So I used towel root and changed it to a stock number and the system updated to Kitkat and removed the non-uninstallable Telstra junk.

Telstra didn't update because of a battery issue. Which was true... the battery died quickly if you left the GPS on. I didn't use the GPS much so I left it off. (This issue has since been resolved, then telstra enabled the update)

Considering I didn't even have Telstra as a carrier. it was because JB-HIFI is a Telstra reseller that this happened.

It's because the Manufacturer agreed to only update when Telstra updated. It's all through the Sony update software.

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austenallred 4033 days ago
I don't think carriers do anywhere. I'm confused.
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