OTA Updater is an Open Source App to Update Android Firmware

Yesterday, I received G9C TV box, but since Google Play is not exactly working perfectly, I decided to postpone the review until I get a new firmware. I did notice however that the firmware did not include Update&Backup app as found on K1 Plus, but instead an OTA Updater app, also called OTA Update Center, that happens to be an open source app with source code available on Github. Android already has a framework for OTA updates, but that app could make it easier implement OTA firmware updates for your own platform, or simply because you want to push your firmware, or as some people called them “ROM”, to multiple users.

The software will allow you to update the “ROM” and kernel as long as both updates are configured correctly, which is apparently not the case for S905-G9C… The setup instructions are quite simple, explained on OTA Update Center website, and include 3 mains steps:

1. Download the latest APK
2. Add the following files to your ROM or Kernel:
   • /system/app/OTA-Updater.apk: OTA Updater APK you downloaded
   • /system/rom.ota.prop: ROM or Kernel version file
   • /system/ota.prop (optional): General properties file
   • /system/etc/permissions/com.otaudater.feature.xml: OTA Updater feature file
3. Add your latest ROM or Kernel on the site.

One downside is that the app has not been updated for over a year, possibly because it has not achieved its $5,000 donation goal, nor got any manufacturers to use the commercial (Pro) version that allows them to use their own update servers, customizable interfaces, and download/update statistics.

Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)

Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.

Support CNX Software! Donate via cryptocurrencies, become a Patron on Patreon, or purchase goods on Amazon or Aliexpress