Related Articles
Screenshot by Scott Webster/CNET
T-Mobile customers who want to track the status of their Android software updates now have an official tool to help in the process.
Related Links
- Samsung Galaxy S6 with edge display pops up in carrier tease
- T-Mobile CEO says he’s open to all scenarios with Dish
- US carriers, you’ll have to unlock those phones
Listed as part of T-Mobile’s support pages, the new Software Updates page lists exactly which T-Mobile devices are expecting an Android update and when.
There are three phases to the update process. Stage 1, Manufacturer Development, is basically confirmation that both T-Mobile and the hardware maker have agreed on a new update. Stage 2, T-Mobile Testing, indicates that T-Mobile is certifying that all the new enhancements and fixes work as advertised.
The last stage, Complete, signals that a software update has been finalized and is available to smartphones or tablets. As of today, there are a number of T-Mobile products receiving or expected to see Android 5.0 Lollipop .
A few are in the early stages:
- HTC One M7 (T-Mobile Testing)
- Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (T-Mobile Testing)
- Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (Manufacturer Development)
- Samsung Galaxy Note Edge (Manufacturer Development)
It’s worth noting that the list appears to focus on higher-profile models; also, noticeably absent is any reference to LG or Sony products.
T-Mobile is certainly putting its money where its mouth is in its image of being a consumer ally. This level of transparency among a carrier is rare, and most welcome.
