HUAWEI USA will update its Ascend Mate 2 to Android 5.0

Let it never be said that social media and comprehensive coverage don’t deal some dynamic damage. Just a few weeks back, HUAWEI USA angered more than its fair share of customers when it made the curious announcement that it’s Ascend Made 2 phablet  – a device released in July – wouldn’t be receiving it’s Kitkat update, despite the Chinese variant apparently getting it. Unfortunately nothing has changed as far as Kitkat goes, but those who have a hankering for hard candy need not be neglected, Android 5.0 will indeed be releasing to the handset. Here’s what HUAWEI USA had to say on its official blog:

HUAWEI Device is pleased to announce that Android Lollipop will be available for the Ascend Mate2 in the first half of next year. In light of your feedback, we have reassessed our upgrade strategy. We take our customers’ feedback seriously and want to ensure they have the best experience possible with the Mate2. The Mate2 upgrade will go from the current JellyBean directly to Lollipop. HUAWEI Device is committed to providing the U.S. market with the best products, services and features, and we stand behind the Mate2 and the value it offers. At its launch, the Ascend Mate2 offered a powerful, unlocked experience, with a 4G LTE ready, 6.1-inch smartphone featuring the most powerful battery in its class and panoramic camera. Today, the Mate2 continues to be an exceptional device for under $300.

To be fair, the Chinese company never actually said the Mate2 wouldn’t be receiving Lollipop, just that it wouldn’t update to the Nestlé version. It’s quite possible this was planned all along. While the initial reaction to the lack of update would cause obvious negative publicity, it would still be publicity period, and then this new announcement suddenly makes it seem as if HUAWEI does in fact, listen to consumers. For a company that is eagerly trying to build brand awareness in the USA, it’s not that far-fetched. On the other hand, perhaps it is truly good will and nothing more. Whichever the case may be, it’s definitely a refreshing thing to hear.