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Comment by babblefrog | Hacker News Reader

The problem is that some of the handset makers (or carriers) don't seem to have much interest in providing updates. Which does make sense, in that there is no money in it for them. It's hard to see what Google can do about that.

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Yes, that is exactly the crux of the problem. I imagine the following could help:

- Ensure raw Android devices are as pleasant to use as Sense and Rachel. This means stock updates will work on any phone, rather than having to wait for Handset manufacturers to port their UIs to new Android releases.

- Ensure that handset makers have updated their existing units before allowing them to provide 'Google experience' prorietary apps (Gmail etc) to them for new devices.

Google could provide (paid) update services for handset makers or carriers. The incentive for those to pay for this service would be that those devices would be much more attractive for customers. As a consumer I would be willing to pay more for a phone if I could be sure to get updates for 3 years ASAP.

EXACTLY. Why are these updates PAID!. I know many phone users would love to pay for them.

Actually, the problem is deeper than just that. It's not just a lack of incentive - it's counter-incentive. The phone companies are using the OS version to segment their market (high-rollers get a 2.1 device like an Incredible, cheapskates get a 1.5 device like an Eris or a Tattoo). The phone companies don't want you to be able to cheat their pricing by upgrading your Eris to 2.1. Given how obsequious and accommodating the handset makers are (they have to be - their sales channel belongs to the phone companies and they effectively have to do all of their marketing to phone company execs rather than us), it's unlikely that they'll do extra work to piss the phone companies off.

The CDMA Eris in the US has 2.1.

That's good - when did that happen?

Or are you talking about XDADevelopers?

Back in May if the Googles are to believed. I only noticed today when I was helping a non-technical coworker get her phone working with our employers email.

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