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Arising from another thread but something I've pondered for a while.
Do you allow your phone apps to be automatically updated via, for instance, Google Play? Apparently, I have 164 apps installed on my Pixel 6. That includes a bunch of stuff that the phone requires in order to function, (dialler, various connection services and the like). There are some I use frequently - camera, banking, browser etc, and many that I hardly use at all but are handy to have (Tree ID being a good example). At the moment, I get an alert - daily - saying that there are apps needing updated. I have a quick look at the list and usually just do an Update All. Occasionally, I'll have a look at the minimal "release notes" but these are usually gash. I think I just want to know what's updated in the event that there's a material change or bug and I'll have an idea of what I could trace it back to.
Alternatively, I could just put everything on Auto Update and leave it to look after itself.
Thoughts?
Auto update ftw.
When I got my pixel it must have been the default setting and the absence of those alerts is bliss.
Why wouldn't you? If all apps are officially installed through play store...
iOS, auto-update everything. auto-sync everything to the cloud. It’s just a tool.
Sometimes, I do pick up something from the release notes. For instance, the new version of the OS Maps app allows rotation of the map view for the first time.
But I also wondered if it was just something to do with my old career in IT too.
iOS, auto-update everything. auto-sync everything to the cloud. It’s just a tool.
Same, IOS too. Auto everything on. I just want the phone to work - with as minimal/no input from me as is possible. If it breaks I want to be able to log in to a new phone and for it to just immediately clone off iCloud. Life's *too* short!
I used to read the release notes of updates quite a bit too but it dawned on me that I only have a finite amount of time on this Earth so clicked everything to auto and spent 0 seconds regretting it since.
I used to write release notes. Don’t believe everything you read. Assorted Bug fixes covers a multitude of sins…
Why wouldn't you?
It's not yet caused an issue, so full auto here.
I have to write release notes for my companies app, knowing NO ONE every reads them...🙄
I used to manually update and similarly glance the list out of interest. Since getting a new work phone circa a year ago I left it on auto update by accident. Once I realised what I'd done I just left it there as I realised all I do is look through and accept all anyway. Now it updates without me even realising, I assume mainly at night. Small things, but it's just seemless.
My phone and tablet are both set to auto update, but there are still plenty of apps that flag up on my app store with a little red blob with a number in, so I just go in and tap ‘update all’
Sometimes I might have a look at what the release involves, if it’s a major one, but mostly I’ve got better things to do with my phone/time/whatever.
I don't. Often I'm thinking "hang on, I only updated this yesterday, what's new now?" (4th update this week????)
App info log can be vague "updates to the user experience" wtf?
Annoyingly, I got a phone update which I installed and now on Android 13. But now my Minimed Mobile diabetes app doesn't work as it's not supported yet.
This is why for me, auto update is an option I prefer not to enable.
System updates can sometimes take a while to install, so my pixel auto updates after 2am while it's sat on its charging stand.
I only know it happened when I need to enter my PIN in the morning.
I have auto update on my work iPhone and my personal Android (S22)
Have been using it since it first became an option (my first phone on Cupcake didn't have it IIRC)
Had three issues since then, angry birds, stages and tacx.
None of them have been an "issue" for more than about 36 hours.
If i was running medical stuff on there, i'd probably not. They're terrible for updating as they have a lot more hoops to jump through.
I never have auto update on for anything. The assumption that a new version is more stable and still works the way I want it to is not one I'm ever happy with. Never work in IT if you want to maintain a happy carefree attitude to software updates... 🤓
Only downside is sometimes a feature gets added to an app that you'd like to know about so you can use it. I've discovered a few features recently that I wish I had known about sooner and they've probably been there months!
I have to write release notes for my companies app, knowing NO ONE every reads them
Edit. Removed a load of expository dumbness.
IDK, back in the day when I executed a new bag of programs I ran code over the logs at the end to distil out the ‘#updated …’ bits. Figured it’d be way more AI/NLP now.
And autoupdate all the way for iOS, MacOS, the cars, and even the synology NAS.
Manual update only as more often than not, updates break things.
Cougar
Why wouldn’t you?
So root of my problem...
1) Because some stuff will likely break
2) Because some stuff I don't agree to the new TOS or T&C
3) or 1.1 ? Because I'm probably paying for something doesn't work
4) Because I'm probably paying for stuff does still work but I no longer require
5) or 2.2 ? Changes mean its no longer the App I downloaded initially
That's not saying you shouldn't but that if you do you accept some or all of the above
1) Rarely, if ever, seems to happen.
2) I never reads the TOS.
3) I don't pay for stuff I'm not using.
4) See 3
5) Can happen. I've seen function removed.
For me, that still leaves
6) Changes might be useful to know about (like my OS Maps example).
It does seem that the vast majority of updates don't have any impact. It's a shame they have to do them so regularly though. Some apps seem to be updated most days.
DLing Tree ID now, ta
🙂
Mine is set to auto update on my pixel 6, I'm pretty sure it does than overnight when it's charging as I never see the notification of updates unless I manually go into the play store.
Manual update only as more often than not, updates break things
More often than not? That's utter bollocks. I can't remember the last time a phone app update broke anything.
The only update issue I've had in recent years was that Zwift's Bluetooth communication broke in Windows 11. This was probably Zwift's fault rather than Microsoft's, but I had to buy an ANT+ dongle for £12.
dunno about other systems, on iOS due to the verification process an update [I]shouldn't[/I] result in a breaking change (in fact I literally cannot remember the last time that happened). The opposite is much more likely to occur, inevitable in fact - if you don't update the app (or the dev abandons it) then at some point an OS update [I]will[/I] break it.Manual update only as more often than not, updates break things.
In the event of a bug sneaking past, Apple usually allow fixes to be pushed through very quickly, often it's resolved before I've even had a chance to use the app & notice a problem!
The only negative really to automatic updates is when you open the app and things are [I]very[/I] different due to a large change which is obviously scary 😃 But the huge amount of time and mental processing saved in having to update everything manually & individually makes it a no-brainer.
Manual here, it's the only way to feel I have some control. Of course in reality I just click "Oh go on then".
2) I never reads the TOS.
For me, that still leaves
6) Changes might be useful to know about (like my OS Maps example).
(Might be 5 as well)
So there are or were a few OS Apps... I previously used one where you bought "tiles" these all got deleted at some point and Apps got merged (or something) so I spent money on maps I can't use anymore.
My fault not reading the pages and pages of T&C and TOS I suppose but I lost trust so lesson learned I won't give them a penny in any shape or form (including paper maps) again because they screwed me over.
1) Because some stuff will likely break
I'd love to know what you're doing to have stuff break during an auto update.
The scary list of my "auto updating devices" runs to 3 server/NAS, 4 PCs (3xIntel,1xAMD), 3 mesh WiFi nodes, about 10 google nest/chromecast devices, 3 RPi, 4 phones (1xiPhone, 2xAndroid) and 4 tablets. Plus about 60 home automation devices.
All of which are allowed to auto update freely (except the bulbs).
Number of "things that broke" in the last couple of years after update... Stages app. Google Assistant (though i think that was on their side, not mine). Smartthings App (though recent news seems to show that it's definitely a "their side" issue.)
TBH, not auto updating causes more issues. I can think of far more apps that have had issues due to failing to update automatically, for whatever reason.
Did you just describe the anti-vax argument?
So there are or were a few OS Apps… I previously used one where you bought “tiles” these all got deleted at some point and Apps got merged (or something) so I spent money on maps I can’t use anymore.
Except...
https://shop.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/os-mapfinder-app/
Except…
Except what?
according to the link I have 2 choices, neither of which is being able to use it as I purchased.
Both sound reasonable at first glance but neither works for me.
Fundamentally it was broken by an update .. they even admitted removing it from the app store.
Are you still developing MapFinder?
You can still use an existing copy of MapFinder, but we will no longer be updating it and it has now been removed from the app stores, so you will no longer be able to re-install it. For the best mapping experience, we recommend using OS Maps as it receives regular updates with new features and stability improvements. Please see OS Maps for more information.
I upgraded the OS and it broke ... couldn't download (as they'd removed it) and I'm given 2 options
neither allows me to use the maps as purchased. I'd probably not used it for a while as well, that's how I used it...
MapFinder is being replaced by OS Maps – our award-winning app giving you brand-new features together with the mapping you love on all your devices.
You can continue to use MapFinder, however we’ll no longer be supporting the app, and tile purchases have now been turned off.
I can't use it it was broken in an upgrade ...
Option 1
A free OS Maps subscription for a period proportional to the amount you have spent in MapFinder. In order to do this, we will need you to tell us the tiles you’ve previously purchased for us to determine which subscription you qualify for.
Not interested as I don't do subscriptions (at all)... so whichever I take it will run out after the tiles credit expires.
Option 2
You will not have access to any OS Maps Premium features, but we will give you a replacement code for each map that you previously purchased in MapFinder. In order to do this, we need you to tell us the tiles you’ve purchased, then we will send you relevant codes to unlock those areas for you within your app.
These only allow you to download leisure mapping to view in the OS Maps app – you cannot view these on the web, print from them or use any other OS Maps premium features.
How do I even tell them the tiles I purchased? I know some of them... not all because the way I used it was often to buy additional tiles around a core area as needed. Pretty much the same as I used to buy paper maps. You planned a route, found you went onto the next map and bought that map.
More important really is that I can't buy additional tiles as needed and that makes it far less useful to me.
I'd bought most of them with an expectation of being able to expand as needed ... now the only expansion is a subscription and I don't do subscriptions.
Why have you done this?
To keep an app going requires constant development and updates. OS Maps was launched as a replacement for MapFinder six years ago, and since then we have been investing heavily in maintaining and improving it. Since it isn’t possible to maintain both apps to the high standard our customers deserve, we are focusing on OS Maps and want to support all MapFinder users to make the transition to it. We’re aware it can take time to get used to a new product, so we have decided to offer a free subscription (equal to or greater than the value of tiles purchased on MapFinder) to thank you for your loyalty and to give you the best start on OS Maps. We’ve also taken onboard your feedback as MapFinder customers and made improvements to OS Maps, such as increasing the resolution of the mapping used.
Bit of a mix of truth, CYA and BS.... they could maintain a stub that would allow people to see what they purchased.
They could transfer tiles to the new app... weirdly they show purchased and registered paper maps...
I'm sure it was covered under the EULA or some "we may screw you over for no reason other than we are crap" clause and if not its a few quid and good riddance. They are trying to change the way I use maps and use a subscription model ... so "no thanks" and good luck to them.
They screwed up but equally IoS updates could actually tell you which apps are going to break when you upgrade so its not one or the other
For someone who works in tech you seem to have put very little thought into this. Surely you just give them the account details you originally used?
I agree it was a shitty move but sitting wailing about it rather than actually taking them up on their offer is just pig headed.
No, I manually do it - as said above, some apps just want to update every few days. Quite a few times the new update totally changes the way the app looks/works and it takes me ages to figure out something I already knew how to do on the app. If it ain't broke don't update it
some apps just want to update every few days.
That's how it should work with the current DevOps IT paradigm. There's good automated testing and release pipelines, so frequent small updates should be less problematic than an occasional large one.
Why wouldn't I?
Everything set to manual here.
1) I block installation of strange versions of my software which appear not in Google Play, but the local official app stores, because they "may" have been edited by the regime.
2) My phone is obscure, running a regime sanctioned ROM, and not running Google Services properly. Testing for apps isn't usually done successfully for my phone.
To be fair that's not the typical use case for this forum. That makes good sense in that context.