Recently, we noticed lots of OP3/3T users asking questions related to future software support for their devices. To better keep everyone in the loop, we invited @oliver Z. , our Head of Product to answer some of the most commonly asked questions from the community.
David: Hi Oliver. First, could you please explain why many more updates were released for the OP5 than the OP3/3T in recent times?
Oliver: Sure, we have been gathering plenty of user feedback on the OP5 following the launch in mid-June. We dedicated our efforts in the first 1-2 months after release to better satisfy users’ needs and boost our latest product’s capabilities.
Normally, we release a new Official Release (OTA) update every 1-2 months. If you’d like to taste some of the latest OxygenOS features earlier, and receive updates more frequently, you’re more than welcome to join our Open Beta Program. Currently, we release Open Beta updates for the OP3/3T approximately once every month.
David: Some users asked why some new features, which are available through the Open Beta Program, are not implemented in the stable build releases on the OP3/3T?
Oliver: We’ve always positioned the Beta Program as a public laboratory for new features, feedback, and bug testing. This helps us improve the code of all of our MP builds. We unfortunately, cannot guarantee every feature present in the Open Betas will transition to the Official releases. Often times, even though the feature seems stable enough in the Beta builds, they are not ready or do not meet our quality standards for public release. (And yes, sometimes we test the value of upcoming features through the Open Beta Program for release in new or upcoming devices or later software updates.) In some situations, our limited development and QT resources force us to bring these features to one device first. These features are then introduced on other older devices further down the road. We love how the program has grown, but we do have to admit that we still have room to improve and better optimize the Open Beta Program.
Also, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our users who have joined either our Closed Beta Program or our Open Beta Program. You have all helped us shape the functionalities and quality of OxygenOS.
David: What are you planning with regards to security updates for the OP3/3T?
Oliver: In keeping with the original schedule, we planned to update OxygenOS on the OP3/3T to version 4.5, with the latest security patch level update, in the next 1-2 months. However, some feedback from the community caught our attention and we decided to tweak it a little bit. We’ll split the update into two parts. First, we’ll update the security patch level to August, which will be released soon. The OxygenOS 4.5 update will be released at the scheduled time.
David: So the OP3/3T will soon catch up with the current version on the OP5, but some features on the OP5 will not be available on the OP3/3T, right?
Oliver: Yes, those missing features are mainly a result of hardware differences, such as the availability of Reading Mode on the OP5, which depends on the RGB sensor. The OP3/3T don’t have that hardware interface, so we are unable to release this feature on these two devices. The same reason applies to the new off-screen gestures and DCI-P3 screen calibration.
David: My last question is very important to OP3/3T users. How long will the OP3/3T continue to receive software support?
Oliver: Android O is going to be the last Android version update we’ll release for OP3/3T. We’ll continue to release security patch updates for the foreseeable future, and offer support for individual application updates. After the OP3/3T have been updated to Android O, we’ll start moving the Open Beta Program from OP3/3T to OP5.
Alright that's all I wanted to ask. Did you find answers to all of your questions? If not, leave your questions in the comments below and we’ll get back to you soon. Thank you all and enjoy the upcoming weekend!
Yours,
David
David: Hi Oliver. First, could you please explain why many more updates were released for the OP5 than the OP3/3T in recent times?
Oliver: Sure, we have been gathering plenty of user feedback on the OP5 following the launch in mid-June. We dedicated our efforts in the first 1-2 months after release to better satisfy users’ needs and boost our latest product’s capabilities.
Normally, we release a new Official Release (OTA) update every 1-2 months. If you’d like to taste some of the latest OxygenOS features earlier, and receive updates more frequently, you’re more than welcome to join our Open Beta Program. Currently, we release Open Beta updates for the OP3/3T approximately once every month.
David: Some users asked why some new features, which are available through the Open Beta Program, are not implemented in the stable build releases on the OP3/3T?
Oliver: We’ve always positioned the Beta Program as a public laboratory for new features, feedback, and bug testing. This helps us improve the code of all of our MP builds. We unfortunately, cannot guarantee every feature present in the Open Betas will transition to the Official releases. Often times, even though the feature seems stable enough in the Beta builds, they are not ready or do not meet our quality standards for public release. (And yes, sometimes we test the value of upcoming features through the Open Beta Program for release in new or upcoming devices or later software updates.) In some situations, our limited development and QT resources force us to bring these features to one device first. These features are then introduced on other older devices further down the road. We love how the program has grown, but we do have to admit that we still have room to improve and better optimize the Open Beta Program.
Also, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our users who have joined either our Closed Beta Program or our Open Beta Program. You have all helped us shape the functionalities and quality of OxygenOS.
David: What are you planning with regards to security updates for the OP3/3T?
Oliver: In keeping with the original schedule, we planned to update OxygenOS on the OP3/3T to version 4.5, with the latest security patch level update, in the next 1-2 months. However, some feedback from the community caught our attention and we decided to tweak it a little bit. We’ll split the update into two parts. First, we’ll update the security patch level to August, which will be released soon. The OxygenOS 4.5 update will be released at the scheduled time.
David: So the OP3/3T will soon catch up with the current version on the OP5, but some features on the OP5 will not be available on the OP3/3T, right?
Oliver: Yes, those missing features are mainly a result of hardware differences, such as the availability of Reading Mode on the OP5, which depends on the RGB sensor. The OP3/3T don’t have that hardware interface, so we are unable to release this feature on these two devices. The same reason applies to the new off-screen gestures and DCI-P3 screen calibration.
David: My last question is very important to OP3/3T users. How long will the OP3/3T continue to receive software support?
Oliver: Android O is going to be the last Android version update we’ll release for OP3/3T. We’ll continue to release security patch updates for the foreseeable future, and offer support for individual application updates. After the OP3/3T have been updated to Android O, we’ll start moving the Open Beta Program from OP3/3T to OP5.
Alright that's all I wanted to ask. Did you find answers to all of your questions? If not, leave your questions in the comments below and we’ll get back to you soon. Thank you all and enjoy the upcoming weekend!
Yours,
David
