Get the latest tech news

The EU's latest regulations push Android policies to extend its update commitments

For the sake of the consumer, the EU wants Android makers to support consumers for longer.

A recently published document by the European Commission concerning smartphones states companies have a few new rules to follow later this month (via Heise Online). The document details the EU's "Ecodesign Regulation," which will soon begin to force smartphone OEMs to provide five years of updates (at minimum) for their devices and consumers. These eco-friendly design rules for devices in the EU require manufacturers to state how tough their phones/tablets are to drops/dust/water and to ensure their batteries are strong enough to "withstand 800 charge and discharge cycles while retaining at least 80% of their initial capacity."

Get the Android app