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Need to upgrade Android on Azpen 10 inch Tablet

afmishaq

Hello,

 

I bought an AZPEN PC 10 inch tablet (Model A1040) about three years ago. I have used it on and off but lately it is giving errors and shutting down apps. I would just like to use it as VNC client to access remote computers. I figure it will be a good idea if I can upgrade it to a later version of Android (it is currently running 4.4.2) so there mey not be issues running recent VNC client software. I have never installed firmware on a tablet before (I did it for a cell phone, few years ago). Is it feasible? Or may be just upgrading to a later version of Android?

 

Faiz

  • 0

    As with most mobile devices, firmware/ROM images are built specific to a device. You must use a compatible image from the manufacturer for your model. It is rare to find (especially cheaper models) major updates from most manufacturers because newer versions of Android generally require higher hardware specifications. Some hobbyists may have built some customised ROMs which can provide such upgrades, but without any manufacturer support or guarantees. But this relies on the sources for your device being available to build a ROM and being willing to take a risk on bricking the device.

     

    As long as you download a compatible ROM from the manufacturer for the exact model and follow the instructions closely, then it shouldn't be an issue. But an upgrade doesn't come without risk - fail to complete it correctly and you will probably brick the device and make for even more work in trying to recover it.

     

    - Gough

  • 0 in reply to Gough Lui

    Gough,

     

    Thank you for your response. I registered my device on their website when i got it. When I checked a few days ago, it redirected to another domain name. There is no 'login' on the new site. Good to see that the model is still current and selling on Amazon and Walmart among other places. However, I could not find find a firmware file for the A1040. There was an upgrade tool for the Mediatek chip which I have downloaded. I will try to send an email to their customer service.

     

    Faiz

  • 0 in reply to afmishaq

    Sometimes some of these smaller companies go out of business, get acquired or just plain "forget" about their older products. Just be wary - ROMS built for devices with the same chip are not necessarily interchangeable as their peripherals (RAM, NAND Flash, Screen, etc) are often different and flashing a firmware not intended for your device will likely "brick" the device in a way which it could become unrecoverable. This is especially dangerous when you don't also have a known good firmware back-up to reload in case it's not bricked permanently.

     

    By far, XDADevelopers forum tends to be even more knowledgeable about mobile devices, firmware and flashing - but I suspect there isn't much they can do especially for less popular devices made by smaller firms.

     

    - Gough