Hardware

Android 10 End of Life: How Logitech’s CollabOS Keeps Devices Secure and Updated

Logitech is helping IT leaders upgrade overdue Android devices.

Doug Bonderud is an award-winning writer capable of bridging the gap between complex and conversational across technology, innovation and the human condition.

Android 10 has reached its end of life for security updates, but specific device deadlines vary by manufacturer. Users have about six months to upgrade their devices if they haven’t already. However, many still lag behind.

Research shows that just over 6% of users worldwide still rely on Android 10. And enterprises using purpose-built tools such as videoconferencing and audio devices rely on the manufacturer-installed version of Android.

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For many, upgrading to the latest platform brings anxiety and challenges. But not taking action is an even bigger risk. If users stay on an outdated Android version “everything will still work, but there’s no support. They won’t be secure,” says Nathan Coutinho, global head of strategic partner relations and market insights at Logitech.

To solve that dilemma, Logitech has created a system where any devices running on their CollabOS will automatically receive the Android upgrade.

The initiative promises to help businesses mitigate security risks and maintain consistent performance. Here’s what you need to know.

Following our simple and sustainable approach, we are making Android 12 available for all CollabOS devices.”

Nathan Coutinho Global Head of Strategic Partner Relations and Market Insights, Logitech

The Current State of Android Support

Typically, vendor support continues even after Google security updates stop, but it varies. For example, Microsoft Teams still works on Android 10, but certification support ends on Sept. 3. However businesses that upgrade to Android 12 can extend support, with Microsoft’s certification lasting until Aug. 15, 2027.

Zoom has similar policies. Collaboration devices from Crestron, EPOS and HP will all reach their end-of-certification dates this year.

“Being on a system that is supported by the vendor is a big aspect of why IT admins are looking to migrate,” Coutinho says. “Delaying this only adds additional risk of any kind of security loopholes that systems might get exposed to. That’s why we focus on making sure our devices are regularly penetration tested to meet the security standards of multinational companies.”

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How Logitech’s CollabOS System Works

CollabOS is Logitech’s streamlined and secure version of the Android operating system.

“We take stock Android, shut all the ports off, and then only open the ones we need,” Coutinho says. “Our AI is continuously running inside the OS on the hardware, and we continuously run penetration testing. The controller UX is completely different. We make it simpler.”

Logitech plans to deploy the beta version of CollabOS 2.0 in late spring, with a more general version available by summer. Given the complexity of IT environments and device interactions, it’s worth taking the time to identify any issues and solve potential problems. So, start testing the new version as soon as possible, Coutinho advises.

“We always recommend being part of the early beta release and checking out how the updates work as part of the planning and deployment process,” Coutinho says. “This helps make sure that when IT teams hit the green button, nothing breaks.”

What the CollabOS Upgrade Means for Enterprise IT

The CollabOS upgrade means extended refresh cycles for IT teams. This allows enterprises to keep existing devices secure, updated and fully compatible with the latest collaboration tools. Coutinho says it’s a smarter approach than buying new devices to replace fully functioning hardware that may already be behind on software updates.

With frameworks such as National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Cybersecurity Framework, International Organization for Standardization’s 27001 standard, System and Organization Controls 2, the General Data Protection Regulation, and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard all playing a role in how enterprises collect, store and handle data, a more secure OS means a shorter path to compliance. Once users upgrade to Android 12, they can benefit from the Private Compute Core, a secure mobile environment isolated from the rest of the operating system and other apps. Any information processed in the core requires explicit user action before it can be shared.

“Following our simple and sustainable approach, we are making Android 12 available for all CollabOS devices,” Coutinho says. “This means companies don’t need to worry if devices will get the upgrade or get left behind: Any hardware using CollabOS will receive the upgrade.”

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