Forum Discussion
Celebrating World Earth Day! Share your experiences
We try to use devices for as long as possible. In fact, we could keep some of them in service for much longer, but have to replace them due to a lack of security patches.
For example, we have currently a device series that no longer receives updates after 4 years. The devices are still fast and even meet the recommended hardware requirements for Android 15. It's a real pity that these devices then have to be replaced for security reasons. But at least the new devices in the series will receive updates for 7 years.
Of course, we replace devices with defects and bad batteries. But our users often like to use the device for as long as possible.
We have a recycling partner who erases all our old devices in compliance with data protection regulations. If the devices are no longer usable, the materials are recycled. If the devices are in good condition and are in demand, they are given a second life. ♻️
But not all devices end up being recycled. We keep individual devices in display cases so that guests can also view a few devices from the last few decades that we used. 😄
Thanks Alex_Muc, this is really interesting. This new wave of 7 years updates sounds like it will be a game changer for many businesses and for the environment.
It's interesting to hear that your users often like to use their device for as long as possible, is this due to having to switch and move their information over to a new device or for other reasons do you think?
Your display case of 'retro' devices is a thing of beauty - I bet it's quite full now 😄
Lizzie 7 years of updates are definitely a game changer! The 4-year updates apply from the release date. If a device is not used until a year after release, only a maximum of 3 years remain. With 7 years, you can achieve a much more reliable service life of a solid 5 years. As long as the battery holds up. 😄
If users are not willing to switch to a new device, there may be various reasons for this. Either they really want to act sustainably, cannot find the time to transfer data or have become very attached to the device and do not want a change. In addition to the desire to act sustainably, there is often a justified lack of understanding as to why a device that is physically in perfect condition needs to be replaced.
Fully agree, I'm one of those who stay on a device as long as possible. None of my devices ever broke always needed toi exchange because of lack of hardware power (outdated /too slow) or for security reasons (OS Version got too old).
And this is not only because of sustainability but also because of saving a lot of money. So if i pay 300€ per ~5 years for one device, others pay (see below) 1500 (same device) up to >5000€ (flagship devices) for flagship devices.
And to be honest if you would ask many people who for example buy always the newest device and flagship, mostlikely they don't need (the power of) it (doesn't mean to be in business case). They just "want" it and think they need it.
