For Android customers the process of getting an OS update can be tedious, confusing, frustrating, long winded and drawn out and its about to happen all over again. Earlier this week, Google announced the release of the SDK for Gingerbread, the 2.3 release of its Android operating system and stated that it will be rolled out in the near future.

Every time Google has announced a forth coming update to Android handset owners drool over the improvements they will receive. Anything from bug fixes, speed improvements to some serious additional functionality can be included in a release and so customers get whipped up into a frenzy eagerly anticipating how soon it will be delivered to their handset. The problem is, there isnt an easy answer to this question. Well it seems there isnt but I must be missing something as its quite simple really

The problems:

There are now many different handsets from numerous manufacturers that run Android. All these handsets are not considered equal when it comes to an update.
Some are much older and may not have the required spec to run the latest release.
Others are classed as “Comes with Google” handsets which means they have a pure untouched, straight from Google version of the OS with no additional UI or skin over the top.
The remainder and bulk of the handsets carry additional ‘skins’ such as HTC’s Sense UI or Motorola’s Blur interface for example.

What this means for the customer:

The process is not ‘One process fits all’, if and when they are to receive the update varies dramatically. The content of the update may also be very different. Some MNO’s use the opportunity to bundle in some of their own applications in to the updated e.g. Vodafone’s 360 applications those with handsets for some manufacturers will get an update to their UI.
Communication is very poor from all companies involved leaving the customer confused, frustrated and very vocal on their discontent.

What this means for the Mobile Operator

Mobile Network Operators seem to be the first people that customers turn to as it is MNO’s that have sold them a handset and a costly monthly contract. This causes big problems as the MNO’s are pretty much stuck in the middle getting all the grief from customers and very little help from manufacturers and Google in terms of hard and fast deadlines when updates will be pushed out.

MNO’s dont help themselves though, as their communication leaves alot to be desired. Funny how companies that have made their fortune from communication cant even agree a statement internally and stick to it. Instead many confusing messages are passed out to customers across numerous platforms leading to an uproar on forums all over the web.

The solution:

Agree a strategy internally of how the update will be rolled out.
Speak with handset manufacturers and Google and agree which handsets will receive the updates and when in terms of month or at least quarter.

Communicate to all Android handset owners whether they will or will not receive the update.
If they will receive the update give them an indication of timelines.
Included in the communication and published on numerous channels should be the process in terms or roles and responsibilities of all the parties involved from Google, the manufacturers and even the customers. Write it in plain English and point everyone at this message.

Sounds simple doesnt it? Bet it doesnt happen.

My Understanding of how it works today

Google releases the SDK, at which point handset manufacturers and mobile operators all take the code to review, test and build on in the case of those that produce UI’s.

Any unlocked devices that ‘Come with Google’ i.e. a clean version of Android, get the update before anyone else.

Comes with Google devices that are locked i.e. those sold with a contract from a mobile network operator (MNO) will get their update once the MNO in question has tested the update and approved it.

Those with an unlocked handset with a skin / additional UI developed by the handset manufacturer will have to wait longer whilst the UI is updated. The manufacturers tend to start with the most recently released handsets and work backwards, e.g.customers with an HTC Magic are still waiting for Android 2.2.

Then there are those people who have an older unlocked handset may not even get the update at all.

Those with handsets locked to a mobile operator have to wait and watch on with green eyes as those with unlocked devices get their updates. The mobile operators have to approve any software roll out so even if they have a ‘Comes with Google’ handset, there will still be a delay over unlocked devices. Those with handsets with additional UI’s will have to wait further still as the MNO will have to approve the additions and as already mentioned, add in and or update their own applications before allowing the rollout.

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In a clever move, Vodafone will be opening up its own Android App store through a tie up with Arvato Mobile. Little is known at the moment but its likely to open its doors in early June 2010 and come preinstalled on devices from then on. Vodafone have had a big push on Google OS driven handsets in what has been tagged Android April will the HTC Desire, HTC Legend and the Sony Ericsson X10 all launched this month with the Nexus One also heading to Europe on the Big Red network.

Whilst the network continues to push its 360 services, jumping on the Android App bandwagon alongside is a good move but Im sure Google arent overly happy with revenue it gains from the 30% of apps sold heading to someone else as Apps get produced on Vodafones shop and not the Android Market.

There will no doubt be questions from developers on whether one app can be sold in both shops and much of that will be decided by T&C’s and the techical set up of Vodafones Store.  We will have to wait and see.

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Vodafone have confirmed that they will be selling the HTC Legend on an exclusive basis and the HTC Desire on a non exclusive basis from next month.

The HTC Legend has been heralded as one of the best handsets to hit the market given its Sense interface, solid build and good but not outstanding spec list that ensures a decent not exorbitant price. The handset is bound to fly off the shelves but there is one thing that could dampen the excitement, the fact that Vodafone are selling the Legend handset with 360 Services Preloaded.

360 hasnt gone down as well as expected although it still remains a key part of Vodafones Strategic plans hence its inclusion on the HTC Legend.

Android handsets are all about choice and flexibility. Users are able to make the phone look and feel the way they want with apps they choose and personalise the home screens with widgets, something the Iphone cant do. If Vodafone force users to use their 360 people client and interface instead of the award winning Sense UI and other apps that users download they could be shooting themselves in both feet with a shotgun.

However, Vodafone merely ensures that the apps, which should appear in the Android Market, are installed on the handset and can be removed or just sit there redundant then everyone is a winner. Im just hoping this is the case.

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Why arent there many Android handsets with QWERTY keyboards? Looking at the Android handsets that have been released recently or those that are currently available in the UK, it has become clear that the world favours touch screens instead of the more tactile qerty keyboards. There is only one cutting edge Android handset that has a slide out keyboard, the Motorola Milestone as its know in the UK. However, this handset has been surpassed in terms of hardware spec and software version. The Milestone was never properly taken on by any of the UK operators which left a void, the only other handsets that come with a slide out qwety keyboard are middle tier devices such as the Motorola Dext.

Blackberrys continue to extend into the consumer market given their ability to work well with email and Facebook and the fact that its easy to tap out a long message or status update using the QWERTY keyboards many of them have. Blackberrys only touch screen device, the Storm struggled to offer the same functionality and ease of typing that the company’s otehr devices offered.

So it looks even stranger that no manufacturer has produced a leading edge,  large touch screen Android device that has a QWERTY keyboard that is able to compete with and match the specs of the Sony Ericsson X10,  HTC Desire or Nexus One.

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Its funny how a few short months can completely change ones view of a mobile handset. Cast your mind back to late last year when the Motorola Droid or Milestone as it is known in the UK was being heralded as the best thing since sliced bread (read the iphone). Featuring a previously unseen version of Android, 2.0, packed full with new features the handset was flying off the shelf in the US. Huge sales figures were predicted across Europe and everything looked rosey for Motorola.

Spin forward to today and the picture changes dramatically. Motorola failed to get any takers to range the phone in the UK and have only been able to sell the phone sim free through Expansys, who are hardly a household name when it comes to online retailing. The rumours are that Motorola havent got many friends amoungst the UK’s mobile networks as they are seen as difficult to work with and not worth the hassle.

The Nexus One has been announced and is available in the US both sim free and on 2 networks. The phone can also be purcahsed sim free for £70 less than the Milestone. Vodafone and possibly other networks will be carrying the phone in a few weeks time. The Nexus one has a faster chip and a newer operating system then the Droid which seems to have been dropped like its hot by Google who dont forget advertised the phone on their homepage.

A “Droid Does” read Droid Did campaign launched the phone but now it seems the phone is a bit of a has been. Google has confirmed there will be more handsets sold through its online store, one rumoured to feature a pull out qwerty keyboard which would be the final nail in the Droid coffin.

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From the 14th January Vodafone will be selling the Iphone which is a massive step in the right direction but now there is more good news.

https://www.google.com/phone/choose?locale=en_US&s7e=

Vodafone will be selling the Nexus one in Europe. At present we dont know if this is an exclusive deal but even if its not its the only European carrier that is mentioned.

Well done Vodafone!!!

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Google isnt in the habit of being predictable, so if everyone is thinking that Googles major announcement tomorrow will be the Nexus One then think on.

The internet is awash with information on the Nexus One which although a nice handset, it doesnt look like it will knock the Iphone off its perch.

So, I expect something more than just the unveiling of the Nexus One

Possible announcements

Spotify & Google join forces
A new product we havent seen before
A new application we havent heard before
Chrome OS

Think of it this way, if Google wanted the Nexus One to be a surprise it could hide any leaks about the phone very easily by hindering the ability to find information on it through its search. I doubt they would, but they could.

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If reports are to be believed, Google have been speaking the UK mobile operators, including Vodafone, about the phone they are planning to launch next year, the Nexus One. Over two years ago Vodafone made a massive mistake by believing that they could continue to be the UK’s dominant mobile operator with securing exclusivity rights for the Iphone in the UK. Big red ended up missing out compeltely whilst O2 secured the rights and the rest is history. O2 now find themselves at the top of the pile with Vodafone very much playing catch up.

The Nexus One, is the first phone that Google has had compelte control over. The hardware wont blow you away but you have to think that Google will make this phone the must have gadget for 2010.

Apple came along with the Iphone and completely changed the game. Google have been doing the same bit by bit with their Android operating system Companies fear Google due to their ability to come up with a new approach to existing products and services. Apple have laid the foundations and I believe Google will now come and build the biggest, sexiest building on top of those foundations pulling in the crowds from far and wide.

Its because Google are so dangerous that Vodafone really need to jump into bed with them and not make the same mistake as they did with the Iphone. Being the sole provider of the Nexus One would be a massive step in the right direction and could reinvigorate Vodafones Android offering and put the company back on the front foot. Selling both the Iphone and what will no doubt be a ground breaking device, Vodafone UK may just be about to turn the corner.

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We all knew it would happen at some point. Vodafone UK has informed all the members of the Final Salary pension scheme that it will be closing the scheme in by the end of March 2010 and all employees will be moved to an improved defined contribution pension.

This wasnt a shock but what has come as a surprise is the poor level of compensation that is being offered by Vodafone. No one knows how the compensation figures were calculated and the offer is standard across all final salary scheme members.

Vodafone UK may not be having the best times in terms of winning in the market but the Group as a whole will post billions of pounds worth of profit. Staff understand the company needs to control its cost but at a time when pay has been frozen and many believe that this will continue through next year taking away a key benefit with further impact the already low morale.

Staff will need to pay more into the new pension scheme in order to get back what will in essence be a worse pension so thei pay in effect is going backwards. Not happy times at Vodafone thats for sure. Whether the company with change its offer is yet to be seen. Staff should find out the final terms of the new pension and compensation by the end of January.

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