Google missed this one with Android

[YZF-R1]

I'm not trying to start some flame wars now am I an iPhone fan boy (I don't have one), but am I the only one that thinks Android updates should be standard?

Google made this big deal about an "open platform". OK, so developers don't have to go ask permission or app screening, but they still follow the same old model of if you want the newer OS, get a new phone. C'mon, just doing the developer portion is a good step (even if arguable based on some of the issues with privacy I've seen in this forum), but not a $10 system update like Apple?

There's Android 2.0 available and only the Droid can have it? Then even Verizon's user agreement, anyone read it? Anyone notice the prohibition on streaming video? Oh! Google went with the closest network there is (and the one that bought the "open" spectrum ).

Sorry for the rant. And then my first post on this forum to be a rant is not something I would have thought I would ever do but I really want this Android platform to be the #1 and with the compromises they are making, the iPhone will rule...

[xjesterx]

Well HTC has to change its sense UI thingy for each update, so that takes time, and Moto pushes out their updates after they and Verizon have tested them, so its not all on Google's hands.

[Tomoko]

It's up to the carriers to push out the updates. Google makes them available after they have passed QA, but the carriers have to push them out themselves. Also keep in mind that Android 1.x devices may not be able to run smoothly (or at all) with the 2.0 - 2.1 updates because post 2.0 there are higher hardware requirements that the older phones may not support.

[YZF-R1]

Well, that's the point. Apple made sure that the carrier would not hold them back when it comes to updates. Google played along just like any other manufacturer instead of really providing the freedom their platform can provide.

In regards to hardware limitations, that would be an easy installation check to make sure it can support the version being installed.