When we talk about Android updates, and in general for smartphone updates, we often blame individual companies if they do not arrive. In reality it is not the OEMs who decide, but the manufacturers of the processors. In the case of Qualcomm, for example, we know that for the newer SoCs it has insured well 4 years of updates. But Germany does not agree and proposes a law that could revolutionize the world of telephony in the true sense of the word. But we ask ourselves: is it really feasible?
A German law proposal plans to increase support and updates for smartphones to 7 years. Revolution in Europe or not?
In negotiations with the European Commission, the German government wants to support strict environmental regulations for smartphones and tablets. Replacement parts and safety updates are expected to be available for seven years, said a spokeswoman for the Federal Ministry of Economy. In addition, spare parts should be made available "at a reasonable price".
With these demands, the federal government goes beyond the proposals recently announced by the U CommissionE. Indeed, the Commission plans to make updates and spare parts mandatory for five years, while spare parts for tablets and smartphones for six years. Also, it wants to force manufacturers to publish the prices of spare parts and not to increase them later.
So we have two things at stake: Spares parts e updates. As for the first situation, currently the EU Commission is planning a maximum time of five working days delivery. However, as can be easily understood, this point "will have to be discussed“Said the spokeswoman for the Ministry of Economy. A long repair time may cause customers to opt for a new purchase rather than a repair.
The German government also supports the Commission's initiative to introduce eco-design rules, an energy label and a repairability index for smartphones and tablets. This is because the production of smartphones (but of all technological products) accounts for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions and only part of the raw materials can be recovered during recycling or disposal.
As for the second situation, i.e. the update situation, from the point of view of the union of companies, the Commission's proposals go too far. In a summary document it is suggested that manufacturers provide security updates for three years and feature updates for two years. Which we currently see.
We are curious to see how the situation will evolve, but 7 years of updates would really mean one revolution.
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Source | Heise Online
