November 10, 2011

If you have an Android phone or tablet, then you may never get the latest version of Android operating system because Android is fragmented like crazy.

If you have Windows Phone 7 point something then sure, you are getting new updates but they are coming in waves, so some users must wait months to get the latest update or must use tricks (like disconnecting Internet while Zune software on Windows 7 PC checks for update).

However, if you have an iOS device – not only are you getting the latest update for rather old devices (latest iOS 5 is available even for 3 years old iPhone 3GS and for 2 years old iPad) but you are also getting it over the air (OTA) so you don’t even have to connect your iOS device to PC or Mac!

Here I am reviewing iOS OTA update process to convince you to abandon other smartphones (and tablets) to buy iPhone or iPad instead!

* * * * *

To get iOS OTA update you should get connected (preferably to WiFi and a power supply, no need to connect to PC or Mac) and then go to settings and then “Software Update” to check if update is there:

Actually, the new iOS update is also available via iTunes on PC or Mac. I thought the OTA version of update would take some hours, so I updated my iPad via USB cable. But then it appeared OTA a few minutes later and I updated my iPhone via over the air (OTA) update.

If update is available you get info about what is in the update and size of it (note: size varies on different devices so for iPhone 4S it’s bigger than for older iPhones).

Then you must confirm terms of service that nobody reads (some people claim that you give up your soul to Apple in afterlife in these terms between lines but I say: why not?).

Then when you start the update you get this warning message:

I wholly ignored this warning, and nonetheless everything went fine and dandy.

The update downloads (802.11n comes in handy in this situation).

After download the update is “preparing” what I reckon means “uncompressing” but I may be wrong.

Then update is verifying, which probably means “checking if uncompressing and downloading went fine” but I may be wrong.

Finally the software is installed and you can see typical Apple update screen.

Finally your system reboots, and if you go to Settings / Software Update you see that you have the current version.

How have we lived without OTA update of iOS? It’s fantastic and the fact that all contemporary iOS devices (up to 3 years old) are getting it simultaneously is seriously awesome.

Conclusion

It’s pointless to buy any smartphone other than the iPhone or any tablet than other the iPad simply because Apple iOS is the best. Availability and smoothness of OTA update proves it once again. This update is so smooth that not only is data preserved, but even the same apps that you were running before the update are running after update. Incredible update that won’t let you down! Now available wirelessly. Look ma’, no cables!

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