Microsoft is in the driver's seat for Windows Phone updates
Summary: One of the biggest criticisms of Windows Mobile and Android devices is that device manufacturers get control over who gets OS updates. I've never had an official, on the record, response, so I asked again, and this time I got a definitive response. "We're in charge," says Microsoft.
Update 11-Nov: For skeptics who still think carriers will try to sabotage the update process, see my follow-up post: Cutting through the FUD about Windows Phone updates.
One of the biggest criticisms of Windows Mobile and Android devices is that device manufacturers get control over who gets updated versions of the OS. That leads to awkward situations where someone pays big bucks (and signs a long-term contract) for a high-end device that can't compete with rivals only a few months later, because the device maker is dragging its feet on releasing the OS upgrade.
Although I've asked the question many times over the past year when I've met with individuals on the Windows Phone team, I've never had an official response. So I asked again, on the record, and got a definitive response: If Microsoft releases an update for your phone, you get it. Period.
I was inspired to ask the question by a reader in the Talkback section, bmgoodman, who put it bluntly and succinctly:
Can you point me to an official position by Microsoft as to who controls the OS updates? I ask because I don't trust AT&T to do it. In nearly 4 years AT&T never once pushed a firmware update to my Sony Ericsson phone, despite the fact that S.E. released several updates.
I don't think there's much upside for AT&T to upgrade. You already own the phone. They have your money. Most non-tech users won't know one version from another. There's only the downside that something might go wrong during the upgrade, and then it will cost AT&T time and money to fix it.
The other possibility is that even if Microsoft plans to push the upgrades (bypassing AT&T), will the hardware support it? Or will it happen that the current Focus can handle (for example) Windows Phone 7.0.6 and nothing newer?
The official response from Microsoft, on the record:
Microsoft will push Windows Phone 7 software updates to end users and all Windows Phone 7 devices will be eligible for updates.
No equivocation, no qualifiers. And because of Microsoft's strict control over the hardware standard we're unlikely to see oddball hardware configurations that don't qualify for OS upgrades.
Anything else you want me to find out? This "ask a question" stuff could catch on.
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Talkback
If Windows Phone 7 fails, there will be no updates
RE: Microsoft is in the driver's seat for Windows Phone updates
Wow, the troll are on full attack mode today. What are you afraid of?
RE: Microsoft is in the driver's seat for Windows Phone updates
LOL, they sure are! You can tell Android and I-Phone users by the posts here. They don't post anything positive. Only attack MS and give no praise where it's deserved! What's wrong guys? I suppose we all hate what we fear!
That is rubbish
WP7 phones were sold out in many places by the middle of the day on Monday, resulting in WP7 selling much better than expected by OEMs. In fact there are WP7 phone shortages throughout the world, and it is difficult to gauge now, how well these phones can sell. My own prediction is that WP7 will significantly impact Android sales by the middle of 2011, and will curtail the growth of the iPhone - even if it comes to Verizon next year. I believe it is possible for MS to reach 20 or more percent market share by the end of 2011: MS just has to continue marketing and building out its ecosystem like it is doing now.
RE: Microsoft is in the driver's seat for Windows Phone updates
Well, both my local AT&T and T-Mobile stores are sold out.
RE: Microsoft is in the driver's seat for Windows Phone updates
Is gyepera a child molestor?
See, [b]anyone[/b] can make [b]any[/b] statement as long as they put it in the form of a question!
[i][b]Did[/b] Windows Phone 7 only sell 40,000 handsets on launch day?[/i]
utting sales figures in context
The first Android phones sold one million devices in the first two calendar quarters. That's an average of 16,000 per day. Obviously they are doomed.
Oh. Wait.
And the Motorola Droids sold 100,000 in their first full weekend last year. That's an average of between 33K and 50K per day, a year after the platform was launched. Obviously doomed.
RE: Microsoft is in the driver's seat for Windows Phone updates
RE: Microsoft is in the driver's seat for Windows Phone updates
You have to be getting paid for this FUD, if not, I suggest counselling.
The questions for WP7 - (I love the phone btw, have purchased 4 for my business)
I would have liked C&P during setup. Don't have much need now, but WHEN is C&P happening?
I create interactive eLearning that needs to synchronise text/graphics/sound/video. I can do this on the iPad and iPhone with HTML 5 as well as other browsers and platforms. Not however, for WP7 atm. Would be happier if I could use Flash. WHEN is Flash 10.1 for WP7 going to be available?
This questions is for all the smartphones. Why are there no cursor keys? Yes I know I can put my finger on a line for a second and get a text cursor (although I find the iPads magnifier confusing and a bit hit and miss). Even a pop-up pad like the movement available in a lot of the games would be nice or some weird 3 or 4 finger gesture. While you're at it how about a Del key or are we all going to be limited by Apple's design? I can put up with limited editing for short text etc, but I have the opportunity to edit One Note and Doc files and a little more control would be great. I'd love to do an app, but I suspect direct access to the input methods is not available.
One thing WP7 has is depth and sophistication. The UI is consistent and very easy to use and I appreciate the large text headings and use of pictures/icons for those of us with eyes that are over 40. It makes the iPhone look so last century, even though it's only a few years old. The automatic synch of all my photos, calendar, emails and SkyDrive is the icing on the cake.
I feel sorry for Donnie and ITguy and gyepera, this phone is so good, they are going to be feeling bad for a long time ;-)
RE: Microsoft is in the driver's seat for Windows Phone updates
RE: Microsoft is in the driver's seat for Windows Phone updates
Blame Motorola & Verizon for that, not Google
RE: Microsoft is in the driver's seat for Windows Phone updates
Carriers can't control Zune sync like AT&T and other iPhone carriers can't control iTunes. The updates are from Microsoft not carriers or makers. Is english not your first language?
Here is the official statement:
"Microsoft will push Windows Phone 7 software updates to end users and all Windows Phone 7 devices will be eligible for updates."
Even if the update is less than 20MB, in which case the update can be done without Zune Sync by OTA, you are still getting update from MSFT not carriers, FYKI. Your statement about update is just FUDspread.
My reading comprehension is just fine, thank you.
RE: Microsoft is in the driver's seat for Windows Phone updates
I ususally agree with RAMA on his posts, but I think he jumped on you without merit.
I own the original Droid which Verizon finally updated to Android 2.2 (Froyo) months after it was released. If MY phone can run Froyo, then all subsequent phones should be able to run it. However, like you said, there are still quite a few Android phones still running older versions of the OS more than 6 months after Froyo's release. I agree with you that the carriers have way more control over which phones get what upgrade than they should. I do hope that MS is telling the truth, and that ALL WP7 phones will get the updates as they come out, but I suspect that part of the reason iPhone is not on Verizon has something to do with updates (as well as other control Apple demands)and if they can't convince Verizon to go along with them, what makes anyone think MS can?
The common consensus for Verizon NOT upgrading Android on some of the phones is simply that the carrier wants the customer to upgrade to a new phone, thereby having to sign a new contract. Unfortunately, they don't want to give you a discount on that new phone unless you have had it for 18 months, so a lot (if not most) of people will wait until then. Those who don't wait pay the carrier more for the phone as well as extend their contract, so the carrier wins again.
RAMA's assumption that Verizon cannot block anything coming from the Zune interface is most probably true, however I highly doubt that the WP7 OS is under 20mb, so If that is the limit Zune can transfer, it WILL be up to Verizon to provide the update.
I guess we will just have to wait and see. I am still a little curious why there were no CDMA phones available for the initial launch. Maybe MS and Verizon haven't sealed the deal yet, since there is only a 'early 2011' release date on Verizon, same with Sprint.
Didn't mean to turn this into a Verizon rant, just that I have had their service for many years now, and I have been screwed by them more than once. Unfortunately, it is the only service that works at my house, so I am stuck with them.
I guess we will find out soon enough what happens, but I won't risk buying into WP7 until we know for sure.
One more thing.
RE: Microsoft is in the driver's seat for Windows Phone updates
Agreed. Samsung/Sprint hung me out to dry with the Moment. It's sad that "every phone is eligible for updates" is now a marketing bullet-point.
RE: Microsoft is in the driver's seat for Windows Phone updates
RE: Microsoft is in the driver's seat for Windows Phone updates
http://www.electronista.com/articles/10/10/15/microsoft.gives.wp7.phones.to.att.workers/