About Zebra LifeGuard for Android

LifeGuard

Overview

Zebra LifeGuard system delivers OS updates and security patches to Zebra devices running Android through its Firmware Over the Air (FOTA) Client app and the Zebra Common Transport Layer (CTL) service. Updates include patches and fixes to Zebra embedded systems, as well as security updates from Google, which publishes a monthly list of OS vulnerabilities tracked as the Security Patch Level (SPL). The SPL on Zebra devices can be found in Settings > System > System update and are cumulative; each includes vulnerability fixes from all previous updates.

FOTA Notes

  • General Operation:
    • If a FOTA update fails to complete, subsequent updates also fail, and a non-FOTA update might be required. (See Update Guide).
    • Non-FOTA updates can be performed with Zebra StageNow or an EMM system with Zebra OEMConfig.
    • If GMS Restricted Mode is desired, the device MUST be enrolled in FOTA before the restricted mode is enabled.
  • Devices with Android 13 and later:
    • The CTL service is built into Zebra devices running Android 13 (and later), and is no longer available from Google Play.
    • DO NOT DISABLE OR REMOVE THE CTL; it could lead to unpredictable device behavior.
    • To prevent patches, updates or upgrades, Zebra recommends setting the appropriate App Manager Action or LifeGuard Over the Air Manager preference.

Also See

LifeGuard OTA Update: October, 2021

  • Automatic Update option can apply device OS updates and patches to device whenever they become available
  • Auto-update feature can be administered through StageNow or a company's own EMM
  • EMM-managed auto update system allows administrative control of:
    • Network type for download (cellular vs. Wi-Fi)
    • Installation only when plugged in
    • Installation only when battery has specified level of charge
    • Custom upgrade postponement message
  • Update packages use streaming to minimize available device storage space requirement
  • Updates are delta packages, containing only the updates required to take the device from its present OS to desired OS

Update History

New with Android 11

Devices running Android 11 provide a more seamless upgrade experience:

  • Installations now occur completely in the background, without interrupting user activities. The only stoppage is to reboot the device and activate the update; this takes no longer than an ordinary reboot.
  • Automatic rollback protects the device from upgrade failure; If an applied update fails to boot, the device reverts to the prior OS image and remains usable.
  • Streaming updates install while the OS image is being downloaded, saving time and requiring less available device storage space.
  • Smaller update packages further reduce upgrade times while delivering the all required fixes and patches, helping to minimize network bandwidth usage.

LifeGuard OTA Update: Summer, 2021

Smaller Update Files

LifeGuard OTA Zebra now employs smaller OS update package for devices running Android 11 than previously available. Zebra's minimal update packages help to minimize update times and optimize network bandwidth for EMMs performing over-the-air delivery.

AB Streaming

  • Updates are now streamed to some devices, eliminating the need to fully download the image prior to installation. Device support for streaming:
    • Android 11: All devices, app packages
    • Android 10: For full OTA packages (baseline only)
    • Android 8.x (Oreo): Supported only on PS20J devices with BSP 1.30.04 Patch 19 (or later)

NOTE: Devices running Android 9.x do not support OS-update streaming.

OS Update Scheduling

  • Supports scheduling of downloads and installations to minimize disruption during work hours
  • The device user can postpone an OS update until a later time
  • "Install Now" feature sends update to device instantaneously, overriding scheduling parameters or user-delay requests

Additional Enhancements

  • A new Sort() method returns a list of applicable artifacts after getting Device Model and Build ID
  • View updates feature gives administrators an "at-a-glance" view of update status
  • Auto-update deploys recently released artifacts to all devices by serial number with configurable download and/or installation time
  • Performance improvements for download and install processes