The Postmodernist

It’s hard to miss posts by several (supposed) Sprint and HTC customers angry over unsubstantiated rumors about release dates for Android 2.1 updates. Many posts threaten to switch to other carriers (notably to AT&T, thanks to the iPhone) if Android 2.1 isn’t released soon. I have two words for them.

Good riddance.

Official reports from Sprint and HTC have pegged the release within time frames that have yet to expire. Sprint announced 2010, early Q2 Twitter. While Sprint may have dropped the word “early” from its most recent update on Friday, it hasn’t officially reported a delay, and it is still the early half of Q2 at present.

I fail to understand the outrage expressed in many comments and articles about the Android 2.1 release time frame for Sprint. Most of them point to updated releases from Google following their purchase of an expensive piece of equipment. Early adopters know the risks they take. I certainly don’t buy an expensive device expecting it to be upgraded anytime soon.

The Hero isn’t the only device whose popularity appears to be suffering from negative press thanks to clearly unsubstantiated rumors. The Droid Eris on Verizon still has no update and neither do European devices. Time frames that have been officially announced have not expired.

If anyone is to blame, it almost certainly the ever rumor-centric technology media. Far too many posts in tech media are based on rumors leaked from supposed employees, including screenshots of internal memos. I hope these employees get fired. These companies no doubt have piles of applications from good people who desperately need a job; people who respect the rules and follow them, only to be downsized in a bad economy because of these and other controversies.

These leaks and memos are posted anonymously for a reason. They have never been intended for public consumption precisely because the information they contain is subject to change. Companies have strict media policies in place to protect their reputations. The public confusion that would ensue if any employee were free to divulge their often inconsistent interpretations of inside information would destroy the company’s reputation. And their profits. And their employees’ paychecks.

Meanwhile, users who threaten to switch to another carrier are apparently content to buy a product manufactured by a company that steps so far out on the bleeding edge with its first-generation products that high profile hype is met only with notoriously low standards post-release. One wonders if Apple even bothers to test its products prior to releasing them to the public.

So by all means. If you believe in hype over results, get an iPhone. The only thing wrong with Sprint and HTC is its failure to vigorously defend themselves. But perhaps Sprint and HTC feel they can put their resources to better use by making sure the Android 2.1 release actually works on their devices the first time ‘round.