Google Android — a Universe of Incompatible Devices

snydeq writes "Galen Gruman writes about the dark side of the recent flood of Android smartphones: versions run amok. 'That flood of options should be a good thing — but it's not. In fact, it's a self-destruction derby in action, as phones come out with different versions of the Android OS, with no clear upgrade strategy for either the operating system or the applications users have installed, and with inconsistent deployment of core features. In short, the Android platform is turning out not to be a platform at all, but merely a starting point for a universe of incompatible devices,' Gruman writes. 'This mess leaves developers and users in an unstable position, as each new Android device adds another variation and compatibility question.' In the end, Google's naive approach to open sourcing Android may in fact be precipitating this free-for-all — one that might ultimately turn off both end-users and developers alike." As reader donberryman points out, you can even put Android onto some Windows Mobile phones, now.

Re:Just like desktop linux.

[ottothecow]

its a problem if you want your turbocharger, cold air intake, and ssh app to be interchangeable between the two

Re:Just like desktop linux.

[Anonymous Coward]

This is essentially the same problem that desktop linux has.

You mean that desktop linux has several packaging systems you can choose from? Or that (zomg) there are different desktop managers with special feature sets, whose programs you can still run while using a different manager as long as you install needed libraries/prerequisites? Oh wait, this sounds like no problem at all!

I fail to see your point.

Fake Steve Jobs is happy

[cant_get_a_good_nick]

Real Steve Jobs too busy rolling around on a pile of money wearing nothing but a black mock-turtleneck to supply quotes for this interview.

A Honda engine?

[Anonymous Coward]

But Fonda ain't got a motor in the back of her Honda,
My Anaconda don't want none unless you got buns, hun.

Re:Just like desktop linux.

[TrancePhreak]

All iPhones can get the update for free, but it costs money (1.0 -> 2.0 -> 3.0) for major updates on iPod Touch.