Communicating sustainability (without greenwashing) | Carbon Literacy for Marketing Professionals | Re-Action Co-founder | born at 339ppm
😡 OUTRAGE! I've just discovered that my phone, a Sony XZ1 which I've proudly owned for 5 years, has built in obsolescence! It can't be updated beyond the Android 9 operating system (Android is now up to version 13). This means certain apps now won't operate properly and I can't access certain websites. Ok, a first world problem I know but I don't want to buy a new phone! This phone is bullet proof - it's been dropped multiple times (including at speed from a moving bicycle) with no ill effects, happens to have a brilliant camera and the battery will still last all day. I guess Sony never thought anyone would own it more than a couple of years so didn't pay the licence for future updates to the operating system (I think this is how it works). 👉 Does anyone have any advice on what I can do? In an ideal world I'd find a way to keep this phone with all apps etc working (although a quick web search seems to show this isn't possible or is at best, risky). In a less ideal world, I'd buy a second hand / refurbed phone that will last just as long, if not longer. All recommendations welcome! #MobilePhone #obsolete #sustainability
Well done on sharing a first step.🗣 Acknowledging that the Sony service is not in line with your preferences ♻️ Taking a Climate Focus, what next step could you take ? 💭🪜
Liam Seprini
10mo
Unfortunately, this is a huge problem the consumer tech world is facing. As frustrating as it is, it's not easy to convince the manufacturers to give up on planned obsolescence... In this case, I'd echo what others have said; Try bootloading another OS (don't tell the manufacturers I said this!). I believe there are video tutorials available online, so it's worth having a look. I commend you for looking after your device so well and for so long. It's no easy feat, especially with all the flashy new devices that coax people in with their high specs and fancy gimmicks 🙄
Andy Hornsby
10mo
product owners will make their OS / /apps / db investment decision based on economic benefit + future revenue growth prospects (replacement assets sold) - any liabilities arising from abandonment of software compatibility + savings in software compatible maintenance. Market demand for new features has massively increased cost of maintaining compatibility so shortening time to product obscelence - hard to see a way through this but feels like a regulatory issue for governments and IT industry.
Consider going Fairphone instead, designed to be updated, repairable and upgradeable and allround sustainable 😉
Leila Nattagh
10mo
So frustrating! Electronic waste is the fastest growing waste category in the world and one of the reasons is planned obsolescence. Hope Sony has so creative solutions for you!
Julie Winnard
10mo
Heather Davies, Communicating Sustainability alas I don't know how to keep an old phone going- I had the same issue with an old Samsung a few years ago so bought a Fairphone 3 (I think they're onto 4 now) as they are designed to last longer- fairtraded minerals, modular replaceable bits. Obviously won't keep going forever but mine is 4-5 years old at least and still keeping up with the updates as that is in its design. My hubby has the same issue with Apple tech stopping updates when our hardware for the TV and his tablet is still fine. :-(
How frustrating, Heather. I had the same problem with my old Samsung. I did survive for a while with limited apps and it was the screen failing that prompted me to change to Fairphone. But I love it and haven't looked back :) We did go for a refurbished iPhone for our daughter's phone - didn't quite have the budget for a Fairphone - and that's been very successful too.
Lily Morris
10mo
Apple tend to ensure their phones have a longer lifespan of software support - if I were you I’d buy one of last year’s models refurbished from themselves or from Giffgaff.
My husband is using my old iPhone SE, which I bought in 2017. He changed the battery for the second time, and it is like new.
Communicating sustainability (without greenwashing) | Carbon Literacy for Marketing Professionals | Re-Action Co-founder | born at 339ppm
10moSony - any tips for me?