Earlier this month, via CNET:
Motorola Mobility continues to review how each device can deliver the very best experience possible, and at times, this can mean making tough choices – especially as it relates to Android software upgrades. Today, we need to let you know about some tough choices related to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich upgrades. Specifically, ATRIX 4G, Photon 4G and Electrify will not receive the ICS upgrade, but continue to be supported with maintenance releases to ensure optimum performance for the consumer.
And today, via TG Daily:
Sony has announced that phones like the Xperia arc S, Xperia ray, Xperia Play, Xperia neo V, and all other 2011 Xperia models will not be getting the push to Android 4.1, also known as Jelly Bean.
“We were glad to provide the Android 4.0.4 upgrade for our 2011 Xperia portfolio across most markets and the majority of models but, after thorough evaluation, we have concluded they will not be upgraded beyond Ice Cream Sandwich,” Sony said in a statement.
These are phones that were released last year. Phones that for the most part were sold with a two-year contract, three years in a country like Canada. You can’t expect people to become repeat Android buyers if they’re constantly getting shafted by companies unwilling to put the resources into supporting devices post-purchase. And on October 29th, Google will announce the next version of Android, Key Lime Pie, even though almost no phones run the last version yet. Imagine buying a phone 10 months ago and being three versions behind the latest software!
Owning an Android phone is like owning a boat. You love it for two days: The day you buy it and the day you get rid of it.
