Droid Eris won't get Froyo: Big Surprise

> Verizon Wireless confirmed Thursday that the [Android](http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9178688/Android_news_reviews_more) 2.2 update known as Froyo will not be provided for the Droid Eris [smartphone](http://www.computerworld.com/s/topic/75/Smartphones) , outraging some customers. > > Rumors that the Eris, built by HTC, would not be updated with Froyo started in June, but as other phones running earlier versions of the Android operating system began getting the update, Eris customers became restless to know if they would get Flash support and other features provided in the update. > > Restlessness turned to anger Thursday as some customers on Android forums said they have another year on their Eris contracts but can’t upgrade to get the capabilities or applications they seek, including some apps that require Flash media player support provided in Froyo. When you put the power of upgrades into the hands of a carrier like Verizon, why would you expect anything different?

What motivation would Verizon have to invest in software development for a phone that’s more than a few months old?

Carriers don’t care about brand loyalty, because they have you by the nuts with that two-year contract.

I’ll say it again: Why would anyone, given the experience of choosing Android and getting royally screwed into an outdated phone one year into a 2 year contract, choose to buy another Android phone?

Google may be winning the short-term numbers game, but they’re doing an absolutely abysmal job of inspiring brand loyalty. My guess is that Google is betting it can kill everyone else off before this matters, the way Microsoft did with Windows. Leave people with no choice but to keep buying their crap.

I have serious doubts about that.

Say what you want about the iOS 4 update slowing down the 2-year old iPhone 3G. (A problem which Apple acknowledged and fixed with its most recent update.) At least Apple offered an upgrade path, and made a serious commitment to fixing the slowdown on phones that were two years old. Google is not saying a word in defense of its customers here. Why isn’t the press hounding them for a comment?

It’s not just the Eris, either. The majority of Android devices sold before Froyo was announced will never be able to run it. Way to reward your early adopters, Google.