The sorry state of Android upgrades

This is going to be a bit of a rant today so be prepared.  I've been an Android fan for a long time, using phones, tablets, and wearables since early in the alphabet of software versions.  It's those software versions causing my pain and anguish today.

Android updates - Hurry up and wait

It's unacceptable that it takes so long, if ever, for Android devices to receive software updates.  Now before you break out the flamethrowers understand that I get the idea some devices are too old to support upgraded operating systems. Those devices that are out of date I don't have a problem with being left by the side of the road (unless they're only a couple of years old, then I start sensing the ugly head of planned obsolescence). Where I do have an issue is when a flagship device (something sold at the high end of the pricing scale) either does not receive updates until long after other devices more recently released of possibly not at all in their lifecycle.

Apples and Androids

This is usually where I get told, "Well, if you used Apple devices you'd have your updates." Yes, and if I cared about Apple devices I might do that, but I use Android. It's not a difficult concept. To have to change platforms, both hardware and software, just to keep your devices current is poor engineering, plain and simple.  I know this can be accomplished.  Look at how Chromebooks are kept up to date.  Hell, even Windows manages a better update cycle than Android devices.

Would you like a two-year contract?

There are so many benefits to the open Android environment from not only an application but also a flexibility position. You would think that one of those advantages would be the ability to not abandon devices by the side of the road when it comes to operating system updates.  Yes, I'm aware the carriers are a major obstacle in the upgrading cycle. But yet, they're not an obstacle in the Apple world?  Hmmm, seems selling Android's soul to the devil continues to cost the users when it comes to the lifespan of their devices. Take a look at Android Wear devices as another example. Updates are rolling out to older, less popular Android Wear devices, leaving flagships from key companies such as ASUS languishing.  Is this any way to treat a loyal customer base?

Enough is enough

Google, get your act together when it comes to software updates.  Find a way to fix this problem. The issue only continues to grow and your lack of response is an ongoing embarrassment to the Android community. Hell, it's not like this is a complicated as unifying your messaging strategy.  Oh, wait...strike that.