Last November, Lenovo launched the Phab 2 Pro, the first consumer device to go on sale with support for Google's Tango augmented reality platform. The 6.4-inch handset was released with Android 6.0 Marshmallow on board, and unfortunately - for those who threw down around $500 for the device - it won't be getting any newer versions of the OS.
Lenovo has updated its support site confirming that it has "no upgrade planned" for the Phab 2 Pro, nor indeed for any other devices in the Phab range. Some of those devices have remained stuck on Android 5.0 Lollipop:
Given that most Android manufacturers typically deliver OS updates for at least two years after a device's launch, it's extraordinary to see Lenovo effectively abandoning a device that it released just nine months ago. It's even more surprising when you consider that the Phab 2 Pro was developed in close collaboration with Google as a showcase for Tango.
Perhaps Lenovo is hoping that everyone will just forget about the Phab 2 Pro, since it was far from impressive, earning a rather weak score in our review last year. However, Lenovo also confirmed that its Tab3 7 Essential and Tab3 10 Business tablets are being left on older versions of Android too, with no hope of being upgraded. Both of those devices were also released last year.
A few days ago, Lenovo revealed that it's ditching the 'Vibe Pure' interface on its Android phones and tablets, in favor of releasing new devices with the stock Android OS. The company said that doing so would make it easier to keep its devices updated.
Lenovo hasn't exactly enjoyed a good reputation when it comes to Android updates, and its decision not to update so many of its devices so soon after their launch will do nothing to improve that perception. Last year, Motorola - which is owned by Lenovo - refused to commit to monthly Android security updates for its devices, saying it was too "difficult".
Source: Lenovo via Android Police
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