You just can never win with Android

[Polymathic]

Don't get me wrong the next phone I'm getting is going an Android device. If you get the latest best Android device with the latest version it seems like no time at all when the next version is released but the the thing is you cant get the latest software version because the phone manufacturer, a few months later you eventually get the update but by that time an even newer version of android is released. It's just a vicious circle.

 

[rtayob]

I know what u mean. That's y I always root and load a custom rom

 

[Ecco]

Don't get me wrong the next phone I'm getting is going an Android device. If you get the latest best Android device with the latest version it seems like no time at all when the next version is released but the the thing is you cant get the latest software version because the phone manufacturer, a few months later you eventually get the update but by that time an even newer version of android is released. It's just a vicious circle.

If you get googles own devices, i.e. Nexus, Nexus Prime, you will get the latest software almost as soon as its released. For the rest you have to wait for the manufacturer to release it.

Or if you really want to you, can root your device and update as soon as a dev out there has created a rom for your device.

 

[Elimentals]

To really be honest, most people wont know the difference if it stood up and hit em in the face.

For the rest of us there is root + XDA.

HTC Desire running CM7.1 Android 2.3.7
HTC Desire HD Running MIUI Android 2.3.5
Asus Eee Pad Transformer Android 3.2.1

Both phones work 100% with software on the market Except for Tegra that my tablet seem to handle perfectly. No need to be on the latest hardware, unless you want to use it as a fashion accessory/Ego symbol... in that case you belong in the iPhone camp.

 

[MyWorld]

What Elimentals said. There is very subtle changes from release to release, and unless you are looking for a specific feature you would not even know if your device was updated.

For instance:
Android 2.1 did not come with support to fully utilize your external SD.
You cannot use App2SD or enable swap. It is only a storage card under 2.1

Android 2.2 comes with all the goodies enabled for SD, swap, App2SD, etc.

So unless you were looking for that specific feature set, then you will not even recognise the difference between Android 2.1, 2.2 or 2.3. Most of it is under the hood.

 

[lilors]

just buy an iphone - problem solved!

 

[mfumbesi]

just buy an iphone - problem solved!

Eish you kill me

 

[Hemps]

I actually find the updates only fix a few bugs but sometimes introduce new one's.
As example, I upgraded my GIO from 2.2.1 to 2.3.5 because the phone used to last 1 day before recharge, very annoying.
After the update, battery now lasts 4+ days with 3G and wifi, but it now feels lethargic and slow to get going after the lock screen.

 

[rtayob]

You right. Fixes some and breaks some. Still prefer to update though. Generally fixes more than it breaks.

 

[rph72]

Which manufacturer is the best when it comes to releasing updates?

 

[rtayob]

I think Samsung

 

[[)roi(]]

My two cents;
I really think that if Google wants to solidly challenge Apple they need to change the way in which the new android versions are developed:
1. Google either needs to take responsibility for kernel drivers, etc. for every vendor's kit (for this they should ask something to cover the expense) i.e. copy the Microsoft windows model. Alternatively they should jointly build the release with the vendors and that way ensure there is a synchronized launch of a new os to all compatible devices.
2. Bring the registered developers into the fold by allowing them to download the release in beta to help with bug detection, etc. (copy Apple's model)
3. Build a way to secure developer's apps from piracy to encourage more commercial apps.
4. Improve quality control of apps listed on the google app store + institute cleanup to get rid of the crap already in the store.
5. Significantly improve the quality of the dev kit (it sucks big time today)
6. Set a minimum hardware standard to get the Android certified logo (copy of Microsoft model) to ensure that vendors are restricted from releasing crap hardware which is unable to support the up to date versions. Finally with a minimum hdw spec, enhance the OS more than 4.0 by including full time UI GPU acceleration, as opposed to leaving some of it up to the vendors.