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OS Update Payload (Android)

An OS update payload allows Zebra Android devices with external SD cards to automatically download and install operating system update files from a URL location or hosted on Avalanche. The files delivered to the device are then installed without end user interaction.

The following files are supported and are used to indicate update type:

•OS update packages (e.g., xxRUxx.zip)

•OS recovery packages (e.g., xxRBxx.zip)

•Patches

Wavelink always recommends manually checking package types before deploying them to devices, as this can result in accidental rollbacks and user data loss.

This payload is only available to Zebra Android devices with EMDK installed.

The results of a deployed OS update payload are accessible via the OS Update Status report on Avalanche. This report shows the download and update status, including errors and completions. Not all errors can be reported to the Avalanche server as some updates, such as recovery packages, will erase the Avalanche Enabler. For more information, see Configuring Reports.

If multiple OS update payloads are deployed to the same device, all updates are applied to the device and will result in multiple updates. If the update fails, Zebra devices should automatically roll back to an operational status. It is possible to deploy an older version OS update to a device. If an update fails, you must manually control the update at the device level.

Only devices with external SD cards can receive an OS update payload. By default, the SD card with the most available space is the target of this payload.

An OS Update payload has the following options:

Payload Name	The name of the payload.
OS update file hosting	The method the OS update file is referenced or stored for the payload. You can pick one of the following options: •Avalanche. The update file is uploaded and stored in Avalanche. If a new update file is attached to this payload, the previous update file is overwritten. •URL. The full URL path to the OS update file, without the file name. Selecting this option enables the URL field.
File	The location of the OS file for upload and install when Avalanche is selected as the OS update file hosting setting. You can browse for the file location by clicking Browse. The file must be in .zip format and contain Zebra OS update files. Avalanche will not automatically check to ensure the correct file types are included within the .zip file.
URL	The location of the OS file for upload and install. The URL must include an HTTP or HTTPS protocol, but an absolute path with the file name is not supported.
Scheduled downloads	Sets a schedule for when the device can download any OS updates. These updates are not downloaded until the criteria set by the Scheduled updates setting are met. •Only update between _____ and _____. Specifies a time range for when the device is allowed to attempt an OS update download. The time is set using the HH:MM format with a 24-hour clock. •Device must be docked (not running on battery). The device cannot actively download an update until it is docked and no longer running on its internal battery. We recommend keeping this setting selected, because if the device turns off mid-download it may result in a corrupted update file. You can also specify acceptable ways for downloading update files within your network. The connection options available include: •Ethernet •WiFi •Cellular data
Scheduled updates	Sets a schedule for when the device can install any OS updates it has downloaded. These updates are not installed until the criteria set by the Scheduled updates setting are met. •Only update between _____ and _____. Specifies a time range for when the device is allowed to attempt an OS update install. The time is set using the HH:MM format with a 24-hour clock. •Device must be docked (not running on battery). The device cannot actively install an update until it is docked and no longer running on its internal battery. We recommend keeping this setting selected, because if the device turns off mid-update it may result in a corrupted operating system.

To set up Avalanche for a first-time OS Update payload:

1.While logged in on an administrator account, navigate to Tools > System Settings.

2.Click Save. This action triggers Avalanche to push the data repository service address to the Smart Device Server.

3.Set up the OS update payload as desired.