Why can't Ms just rollout firmware and software updates themselves?

[bo_woods]

Why do they need the carriers to do it?
Never understood this

 

[todd7900]

Because they want the carriers to support their phones. The carriers have final say on the actual capabilities of a phone and the software on it. They load their own crappy apps and services and delete stuff that either competes with their stuff or some other carrier negotiated an exclusive for, Data Sense on ATT is an example, Verizon got an exclusive for awhile and ATT users were left out. Don't ask me how Apple manages to avoid this, great sales/negotiators I guess.

 

[vsmh96]

Why do they need the carriers to do it?
Never understood this

I'm assuming that you're in the US.
Their updates usually go through carrier testing to make sure that users get an acceptable performance(in my opinion) or its some kind of requirement by certain countries laws.
Apple however probably doesn't care and gives global updates for all at the same time, which I think MS and Android could learn from.

 

[Legoboyii]

I'm assuming that you're in the US.
Their updates usually go through carrier testing to make sure that users get an acceptable performance(in my opinion) or its some kind of requirement by certain countries laws.
Apple however probably doesn't care and gives global updates for all at the same time, which I think MS and Android could learn from.

The reason is that Apple can do that is its brand and fan boy following. It can leverage its product to be able to do things with their phones other companies couldn't do otherwise. If the carrier wont let Apple do what it wants, it can take its iPhones elsewhere and not let the carrier get any, which will cut deeply into revenue considering how expensive iPhones are and the fact people still make a line for them. Carriers WANT Apple's phones, so they have to agree to Apple's terms. If Microsoft had the same market share and brand recognition it would most certainly do speedier updates, but bear in mind even Google can't do it. Apple is a special case I guess you could say.

 

[bo_woods]

But what exactly would happen is Ms tested software themselves and then rolled it out to phones without going through the carrier?

 

[bo_woods]

They did it for preview for developers app...why can't they just do something similar to that

 

[FAHMI BASSEM]

I think you're right, developers preview is just the best example, I had zero issues with signal with the 8.1 preview

 

[Legoboyii]

They did it for preview for developers app...why can't they just do something similar to that

Because when you buy carrier branded phones, the carrier can do what they want because they buy them in bulk from OEMs and resell at a discount since they'll make the rest back with plans and contracts.

 

[bo_woods]

Because when you buy carrier branded phones, the carrier can do what they want because they buy them in bulk from OEMs and resell at a discount since they'll make the rest back with plans and contracts.

But how does that stop Ms from rolling updates out themselves is what I still don't understand? As an analogy if you take five friends (phones) from me and claim them as your own, but I still have their contact info ( phone specifics), then there's still nothing stopping me from sending messages to them (updates)

 

[Legoboyii]

But how does that stop Ms from rolling updates out themselves is what I still don't understand? As an analogy if you take five friends (phones) from me and claim them as your own, but I still have their contact info ( phone specifics), then there's still nothing stopping me from sending messages to them (updates)

Carriers don't want Microsoft's phones that much. So Microsoft kinda has to force it onto them in a discounted bulk and be at their mercy.

Even though believe it or not a ton of people want a third os to succeed to help cut dependence from Google. But many see Windows Phone as an utter failure so they tend to look elsewhere and remain skeptical of Microsoft's endeavors.

There's a lot more behind the scenes going on in the world of tech than some realize.