Four years after the end: LG finally switches its smartphone update servers
Four years after the end of its smartphone business, LG is also switching off its smartphone update servers for OTA updates, bug fixes, and new Android versions on June 30th, and is also shutting down the associated LG PC Bridge.
LG officially announced its global exit from its smartphone business on April 5, 2021. Corresponding rumors were already available at the beginning of 2021. At that time, the company also disclosed through management that several options, such as downsizing, but also a complete restructuring of the smartphone business, were also discussed in order to make LG Electronics more financially viable. Which was sealed on April 5, 2021
The final sale was then sealed on April 5 after all planned conversion campaigns failed and no buyers could be found for the division. The last day of smartphone production was July 31, 2021. This allowed LG to produce enough smartphones to meet its remaining obligations to mobile phone providers and other customers.
At that time, however, it was also stated that existing devices would still receive updates for a certain period of time, depending on the market. Exactly how long wasn’t initially announced, but LG later became more specific and explained that smartphone models in the G series, the V series, as well as the Velvet and Wing (review), which were released in 2019 or later, should receive up to three Android updates. Selected K series and Stylo models from 2020 onwards should still receive two updates.
OTA servers and software shut down on June 30
With the shutdown of the smartphone update server and the definition of the associated PC software, it’s finally complete. LG had already announced the most recent step on April 10, among other places, in the Taiwanese support area, but until now, this entry has flown under the radar in Western media, until now, the Android authority has taken notice. As a result, LG Electronics will discontinue all FOTA (Firmware Over the Air) updates, the “Update Center” app service, and the LG PC Tool Bridge on June 30th at midnight Korean time (5 p.m. German time). All devices released by LG are affected. Owners of older LG smartphones should check for updates again before the deadline before this is no longer possible. According to LG, personal data collected as part of the service provision must be destroyed immediately after the service ends, unless this is required by law or regulation.
Topics: Android LG Smartphones Business Source: LG
Sarah tracks innovations in smartphones, evaluating their performance, design, and key features.
