Many of the complaints about “Android” I’ve been seeing are not really about Android at all, but about the current option:
The T-Mobile G1 is certainly a fine handset but may be missing some features some people want
It is unclear if you can flash the G1 and install new firmware, which is what some people want out of an open platform
Some people can’t get T-Mobile service, or coverage is sub-par in their specific area
The solution for this should not be to gratuitously bash Android, but rather to press the call for more devices with more flexibility from more carriers.
Fortunately, there are positive signs. Asus is rumored to have an Android device in the works, as does OpenMoko. Motorola hopefully will join the dance in 2009, and who knows how many less-known brands might pop up with their own devices. Plus, there are other Open Handset Alliance (OHA) members not yet accounted for, such as LG and Samsung.
And while official carrier response has been mixed (e.g., China Mobile = yes, Sprint = not just yet), that will matter somewhat less if one or more of the upcoming devices is available unlocked and sans contract. Say, for example, Asus releases an EeePhone. One would hope they could manufacture a nice device for the cost of a low-end Eee (call it USD 300) if not lower, without any sort of carrier subsidy. That alone would make it at least conceivable for people with existing contracts with GSM carriers – just switch the SIM over. If it could be flashed with updated firmware under user control, it could be the answer for developer testing and for those wishing to mod their own personal phones.
While Android-the-OS needs work, and always will, Android-the-ecosystem needs more work. Fortunately, that work is already underway. Then we’ll see what Android-the-OS really can do.
