HN Explorer

Ask HN: Would you pay for a mobile phone OS?

3 points by calferreira ↗ HN
Would you pay at all for a mobile phone OS ? Would you pay a subscription for a mobile phone operating system ?

This assumes that support is provided as well as new functionalities and security updates.

5 comments

[ 3.7 ms ] story [ 24.6 ms ] thread
proyb2
iOS is the best in security, privacy and free. Without a good AI and language that drive new innovation, nobody would wants a subscription, at least majority of MNC and government sector are using iPhone that has easiest administration over Android ecosystem.

The alternative is Jolla or Tizen. I would rightly reject paid subscription that customers may complaints over limited features or demand unrealistic request which can cause more harm than a model for growth.

calferreira
It's "Free" not Free. If Apple decides to remove support for your device they can do it anytime.
proyb2
Agreed, iPhone 4S and other is no longer supported on iOS 10 due to aging hardware, 5-years lifecycle is not bad for a new replacement and Apple need to push better hardware and I believe FPGA will have the biggest role for mobile secure mechanism, AI and VR/AR in mobile device. Psst, you know Apple and Acron cofounded ARM? I'm one of the users who love futuristic technology and there are lot of crazy inventions could be feasible.

The same for Android and some are still using vulnerable versions. It can be free if the OS does run auto update, if it cause data loss, it will cause headache. I feel Windows updates is already making our IT jobs miserable. There is nothing to stop anyone from trying paid subscription mobile OS, if it's successful and gather strong community support, you will see it on HackerNews #1 rank. ShowHN.

calferreira
In my opinion, every android device should have the option to use AT LEAST AOSP. The device is yours, if no one provides updated you should have the ability to sideload an OS of your choice.

Obviously this is not simple for most people, compiling AOSP for your device is not an easy task, features get lost because of vendor specific code.

What we need is a Nexus like approach but without the planned obsolescence.

But you're right, 5 years support is very nice.

The thing is, phones get so powerful these days that i don't that there's any feature that would justify obsolence.

proyb2
True, I tried XDA ROM with fairly easy to root on Samsung phone. My opinion that renting a phone with paid subscription OS sound much attractive than paid subscription OS alone.

Telco ISP offer premium services to replace iPhone and Android phones without question ask at a lower fee.

Majority of consumers' expectation are unlike we see 20 years ago, they would like 4K display, for medical research like HealthKit and movie realistic gaming are powerful. iPhone 7 and phone that use Snapdragon 8x0 are just enough but not great since batteries lifespan is the limitation. Li-Ion batteries is going to phase out with a non-hazard batteries.

Someone could start with Samsung Tizen OS, they still have not take off.