One of the biggest frustrations when it comes to mobile platforms is software updates and their roll-out process. This is where Microsoft's new Windows Phone 7 excels. ZDNet asked Microsoft about the upgrade process with Windows Phone 7, and they replied stating:
"Microsoft will push Windows Phone 7 software updates to end users and all Windows Phone 7 devices will be eligible for updates."
This is a relief, in all honesty. It appears that Microsoft has learned from their competitors and avoided the dreaded fragmentation issue that Android has been dealing with since its explosion as of late. When it comes Android, you're never certain as to when you're going to get an update. There are users running Android 1.5, 1.6, 2.1, and 2.2; coming in the near future is 2.3 and possibly 3.0. The devices on 1.5 and 1.6 at this point have little to no hope of ever seeing current or future updates. This is what happens when the manufacturers and carriers are in charge of releasing updates, and what Microsoft aims to avoid.
Apple has a fairly decent structure for their updates as most of their devices tend to stay on the same OS versions. If things get offset a little, like with the iPad launch, they will eventually release an update that will catch everyone up to speed, unless they're trying to pull a fast one on you and persuade you to buy new hardware.
Despite the feeble sales numbers and rough start for WP7, it has a lot of potential, and with strict guidelines and hardware requirements, it seems like they'll be running a tight ship and cracking the whip on those who do not comply. Keeping the update process universal across all of the different hardware is important for the success and differentiation of their platform, as we can clearly see the growing frustration of this issue among other platforms. If you have a Windows Phone 7 device, Microsoft will not leave you behind, you will receive the update along with everyone else.
Via IntoMobile
Source ZDNet
