Android’s real problem

Android rings many warm bells in everyone’s ears. 190 million Android devices, 6 million Android tablets and once in a lifetime growth chart. Android is the top OS in North America and everybody is happy and chipper about it.

With its Ice Cream Sandwich, Android is suddenly enchanting. For a change, Android looks like it is not designed for geeks but for regular people like you and me. Now this is good news right? Yes it is. All’s well in the Android world.

Except for when there is an upgraded version of the Android software, what follows is  a ruckus. That is the time everybody gets wicked pissed about Android. Why? Because no body knows if and when will they get the latest software. There are no clear guidelines nor are there any deadlines. It’s all in the wild.

Everything is left to the Cynagonmods and blogs like this to fill the gaps. Google and Android team has the responsibility to its millions of subscribers to tell them whether their device will get the latest upgrade or not.

Do it the Apple way, no body would mind

When iOS5 was released, Apple was very clear. iPhone 3G S and above phones will get the iOS5 software. When the OS was finally released, all the qualified phones were upgraded automatically. It’s a clean process. As for Siri, Apple’s new voice assistant, the writing is very clear. Siri works only on iPhone 4S. Period. No ambiguity whatsoever.

Now compare this with Google’s Ice Cream Sandwich. Right after the launch event, everyone were excited about the newest features. But the question on everyone’s mind is this. Will it work on my Samsung Galaxy S2 (or the phone of your choice)? Guess what, there’s no answer to that question till now.

But Android is open

Thanks to Android’s open nature, all the manufacturers are free to roll out their upgrades at their own pace. Google has made sure the manufacturers enter into an agreement that they will provide the updates within 18 months of roll out, that is, if the phone is qualified for the update.

18 months is a long time in technology industry and especially in the most happening world of smartphones. Even if we compromise on the 18 months period, there is still no guarantee that the phone you are holding right now will get an update. Forget update there’s no communication.

Only Google can un-shroud this mystery. Until then we need to maintain lists like these.

Android users deserve better.