I'm surprised that this article doesn't delve into Android v2.2 (aka Froyo) and how it attempts to tackle fragmentation.
Until they've tackled it, is it really worth talking about?
Android supports Adobe Flash in Flash 10.1 and Flash will really work well when version 10.2 comes out. Is that kind of what needs talking about with regards to tackling fragmentation?
Besides, doesn't Android come out as a base OS and the various phone manufacturers code to make it their own with regards to look and feel? So if that is going to be the case, how can there not be anything but fragmentation if the phone manufacturers drag their heels? I'm not against Android, it keeps Apple on their toes, but I'm just sayin'...
Not true about the tethering. iPhone has had tethering for ages and it's used every day around the world.
AT&T won't allow it in the USA, but that's a different thing altogether. iPhone tethers just fine and pretty much every market it sells in allows it *except* for the USA.
Let he who has never enjoyed a little porn cast the first stone!
I think Jesus said that, he was awesome.... or was it Mohammad.... (Support South Park)
If you've watched porn on your iPhone, have dirty pictures on your iPhone, browse porn websites on your iPhone and can stream HTML5 porn video on your iPhone, then what's the porn advantage of Android, then? Porn Apps?
All that porn on the iPhone is not enough for you? You need porn apps too? And access to those porn apps is enough of a reason not to choose the obviously better OS?
It's not the service providers that need to do the legwork, it's the phone manufacturers. They need to update the base Android source with the specifics for each device, as well as update the source with customizations to the UI they may have added to 'differentiate' their device from other Android-based devices. And doing all this work for free [as they have already received all the money for the phone they will ever get] AT BEST just makes the end-user more likely to buy another phone by that manufacturer down the road [except now, it's further down the road, as the user has new features on their existing phone]. The only reason for the user to upgrade to a newer phone is for some significant hardware upgrade, which is MUCH more expensive for the manufacturer to create.
If, on the other hand, the manufacturer follows the existing, longstanding pattern of NOT providing updates to phones that have already been sold, they have WAY more upside. A user is MUCH more likely to upgrade to a newer cell phone, sooner, when they know their current phone WON'T get an update, and the newer phone will only need to have changed hardware to compete with other phones in the market and not with the existing phone the user has, because they ALSO get the newer version of Android with it.
The carriers also aren't interested in making updates to existing phones available, because it means more tech support [how do I upgrade this phone], qualifying the new version of the OS, making the version customized for their carrier. Except this also doesn't financially benefit them, as then the customer doesn't upgrade to a new phone as quickly, signing a new contract extension [particularly in the US], and they don't get their cut of selling a new phone, and they get no direct financial benefit from the update either.
And both manufacturers and carriers would need to do this for all the different Android phones, greatly increasing the amount of work they need to do, essentially for free.
Not true about the tethering. iPhone has had tethering for ages and it's used every day around the world.
AT&T won't allow it in the USA, but that's a different thing altogether. iPhone tethers just fine and pretty much every market it sells in allows it *except* for the USA.
I can vouch for this. I can tether just fine (without jailbreaking) here in Norway.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alfiejr
most people are paying $x up front plus $y per month in a 2 year contract that actually "buys" their phone. and once the 2 years are up, you don't automatically get a monthly rate reduction, although you could shop around maybe.
Here in Norway the longest contract it's legal for carriers to demand is 12 months. Also, when those 12 months are up you DO get an automatic monthly rate reduction.
Actually, the main problem with the iPhone in the U.S. isn't the phone, it's AT&T. They suck big time, as far as I can tell from everything I've read online. But then again, the telecom market in the U.S. is a big rip-off in general. I mean, all carriers charge you for the calls and SMS's you *receive* too, right? That's just wrong...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Greggae512
Also nice to see Steve is your moral compass on things and whatever he allows/disallows into the app store including "political cartoons" are way too objectionable for you...maybe you shouldn't open that NY Times app for fear of being offended by the cartoons... All hail Chairman Mao err Steve. PS Lemme know how you like Steve pushing iAds to your mobile phone wasting your time while charging a premium to have ad subsidized svc...not saying GOOG isn't headed in this direction, just expect apple's integration to be more "in your face"
First of all, Steve admitted that rejecting that app was a mistake and that it would be rectified very soon. The app approval process certainly isn't perfect, but the mistakes they sometimes make (they're only human) ARE rectified.
Secondly, you haven't really understood the iAd concept. It won't be in-your-face in the OS. It's an API which lets app publishers show ads in their free apps. In those apps that use it it will certainly be in-your-face, but that's the price you pay for the free app because there's really no such thing as a free lunch. These ad-supported apps will probably have an upgrade option so you can remove the ads if you want.
---
So... When, in a couple of months, iPhone has multi-tasking and, apparently, Android has an easy upgrade option for everyone - what does Android have the iPhone doesn't have? And what does Android do better than iPhone? And if such things exist, are they things more than 5% of users will care even a little bit about?
So... When, in a couple of months, iPhone has multi-tasking and, apparently, Android has an easy upgrade option for everyone - what does Android have the iPhone doesn't have?
Native porn apps. Tethering on AT&T, apparently. Higher resolution, higher contrast, less color-accurate screen handset options. Swappable battery handset options. Better camera handset options.
Quote:
And what does Android do better than iPhone?
Nothing except the above.
Quote:
And if such things exist, are they things more than 5% of users will care even a little bit about?
Yes, it does suck. I have the HTC Hero, which I got on launch day, and it was one of the worst purchasing decisions I've ever made. I would love an iPhone but I just can't do AT&T, and my plan on Sprint costs $40 less a month than the equivalent on AT&T. The Sprint service is fine...the phone...not so much.
... And there's no joy to having the all-important "multi-tasking" when the OS crashes all the time or lags because of it. Seriously.
Mmmm... First rule of multi-tasking: The OS should not suspend itself
Umm lets see tethering, multitasking would be two things that currently come to the top as things android can do iphone can't (don't attack that multitasking is on the horizon as its just as on the horizon for AAPL as its just as much on the horizon as the android updates for legacy devices that this whole article bases itself from)...well that and also save me $40 a month not paying the apple premium for sub-par at&T service v another provider...I also love the app comparison saying iphone has soooo many more apps...guess what; apple's model is built off the idea that 99% of people use the same "apps" so the fringe apps are a cute idea but if you really plan to hang your hat on those thats great but when ~5 people are using an app I don't consider it a "must have" like lots who seem to imply they couldn't live without all 150k apps...I ditched my iphone; love my IPAD wouldn't ever go back for cell svc but like I said I'm fair love my ipad it is sick...Also nice to see Steve is your moral compass on things and whatever he allows/disallows into the app store including "political cartoons" are way too objectionable for you...maybe you shouldn't open that NY Times app for fear of being offended by the cartoons... All hail Chairman Mao err Steve. PS Lemme know how you like Steve pushing iAds to your mobile phone wasting your time while charging a premium to have ad subsidized svc...not saying GOOG isn't headed in this direction, just expect apple's integration to be more "in your face"
I'm curious, how do I tether my HTC Desire to my devices wirelessly? Without rooting.
Update: I can't. Welcome to the land of the free. Except it isn't is it? It's the world pulled over your face to blind you from the truth. There is no spoon. Android is not open. It's just as closed as everything else. That's why you need root access. Just like on the iPhone.
What's not to love about Android, if you enjoy coding for a gazillion platform configurations at one time?
Could you give us an example of that? I am a programmer and I don't know how to even begin. I also don't think you know what the hell you are talking about.
Until they've tackled it, is it really worth talking about?
It's worth discussing Android's strategy, yes. AI would be a dull place if we only talked about what's on the market right now. There would have been 50,000 less posts about the iPad for a start.
Yes, it does suck. I have the HTC Hero, which I got on launch day, and it was one of the worst purchasing decisions I've ever made. I would love an iPhone but I just can't do AT&T, and my plan on Sprint costs $40 less a month than the equivalent on AT&T. The Sprint service is fine...the phone...not so much.
The Hero is stuck on 1.5. When I bought it, in October, I was told there would be an update in November. Then it was January. Then it was March, then April. And now it's May and they say it will be out within 2 weeks. Yeah, well, I'll believe it when I see it. And no, I can't just update my phone. There is no way to update my phone without installing hackware on it, which I would do, but I'd have to install Windows on my Mac first-which I'd rather not do. Especially if it's only for my stupid phone.
As it is now, I've had to live with a phone that is running an operating system that is not only archaic but doesn't even function properly for what it is. Before this, I had an old thick candy bar style phone that could barely manage a text message. And I MISS THAT PHONE. I have come SO close to literally throwing the Hero into a wall or out the window. I won't even get into the numerous problems it has but it's ridiculous. I can see how other people, who maybe haven't used an iPhone (my boyfriend has one) or an iPod Touch (I have one), might be content with the Hero and might not notice all the problems it has...but I notice them and curse the phone every day. As far as the applications go, the few I've downloaded don't even work, which is probably due to being stuck on 1.5, but who's to really say. And there's no joy to having the all-important "multi-tasking" when the OS crashes all the time or lags because of it. Seriously.
I was at a doctor's appointment the other day and my phone rang while I was with the receptionist. I pulled it out to turn the ringer off and put it back in my pocket. The receptionist asked, oh, is that that Sprint phone? The Hero? I was kind of surprised because it does not get recognized very often. I said, yeah, it is. She said, My friend has that phone. He hates it. I sighed. Yes, I hate it too.
Did you ever consider purchasing a used Sprint phone on eBay to use for a phone and just using the iPod Touch for everything else? That is what I am doing with Verizon as I couldn't afford the AT&T plan either. If you dislike it as much as you say, you should seriously consider selling yours and buying a used dumbphone. You might even make a few dollars on the deal.
Could you give us an example of that [coding for a gazillion platform configurations with Anroid]? I am a programmer and I don't know how to even begin. I also don't think you know what the hell you are talking about.
But hey, I can stand to be corrected.
But do you deserve to be corrected? I should think not. For everyone else here who isn't a programmer (competent or otherwise)...
N.B. the article indicates the Anroid user base is highly fragmented at the OS level alone. If, as a programmer, you wish to capitalize on the large number of Anroid users, you will need to code and debug for a rapidly growing list of niche-sized configurations. Anroid handsets vary in OS version, speed, memory, network, display resolution--at least 4 variables, some or all of which may be relevant to the development of a successful app--an app that makes use of all features the user expects and that performs well.
Are not there any Android (Google, HTC, Samsung, etc.) websites? Why do you 'haters' gather on an Apple fan site to shit your mouth out? You see i don't even know if there are such websites. I don't go there and do not post crap about Android or hardware.
Android centric forums? Sure! Unfortunately, the sites are so fragmented it's much easier to come here to trash talk. Oh, and not only do the phone OWNERS love this feature, the developers are just eating it up!
Finally, I can't wait till they do the extended love embrace with adobe, then they'll have no problem growing their app store to 100k+ errm QUALITY apps.
N.B. the article indicates the Anroid user base is highly fragmented at the OS level alone. If, as a programmer, you wish to capitalize on the large number of Anroid users, you will need to code and debug for a rapidly growing list of niche-sized configurations. Anroid handsets vary in OS version, speed, memory, network, display resolution--at least 4 variables, some or all of which may be relevant to the development of a successful app--an app that makes use of all features the user expects and that performs well.
Sounds a lot like programming for desktop operating systems.
They're all headaches for the app developer and they do raise the barrier for entry. However, as Android and its tools mature, I'm confident that these problems will be overcome.
Sounds a lot like programming for desktop operating systems.
Not if it's done properly. If you write decent Mac code, for example, it will run on any Mac running Mac OS X 10.2 to 10.6.3 (and will continue to work with most new OS versions) on any supported Mac. Only if you're trying to do something fancy using non-standard APIs are you likely to have a problem.
Even for Windows, it's possible to write code that will work on anything from Win XP to Windows 7 (or even earlier than XP) which will work on most, if not all, supported computers.
Android is different. Code written for one Android phone won't necessarily work on another Android phone. It is possible to write a 'generic' Android app, but it has to be the least common denominator - so all the special features of your phone are ignored - so this isn't the preferred method. And it's going to get worse before it gets better.
Android is different. Code written for one Android phone won't necessarily work on another Android phone. It is possible to write a 'generic' Android app, but it has to be the least common denominator - so all the special features of your phone are ignored - so this isn't the preferred method. And it's going to get worse before it gets better.
As a professional Android developer, I know that's not true. It's possible to write code that takes advantage of advanced features while still supporting older phones.
It's not something that's easy for a bedroom developer to do but, at the same time, it's not the hardest thing in the world if you're an experienced smartphone developer.
The biggest problem is testing. But again, it's not a major problem for professional programmers with access to test houses and multiple devices.
Comments
I'm surprised that this article doesn't delve into Android v2.2 (aka Froyo) and how it attempts to tackle fragmentation.
Until they've tackled it, is it really worth talking about?
Android supports Adobe Flash in Flash 10.1 and Flash will really work well when version 10.2 comes out. Is that kind of what needs talking about with regards to tackling fragmentation?
Besides, doesn't Android come out as a base OS and the various phone manufacturers code to make it their own with regards to look and feel? So if that is going to be the case, how can there not be anything but fragmentation if the phone manufacturers drag their heels? I'm not against Android, it keeps Apple on their toes, but I'm just sayin'...
Not true about the tethering. iPhone has had tethering for ages and it's used every day around the world.
AT&T won't allow it in the USA, but that's a different thing altogether. iPhone tethers just fine and pretty much every market it sells in allows it *except* for the USA.
Tethering in the USA on Android is FREE. PDANET.
Have you ever watched porn?
Have you ever watched porn on your iPhone?
Let he who has never enjoyed a little porn cast the first stone!
I think Jesus said that, he was awesome.... or was it Mohammad.... (Support South Park)
If you've watched porn on your iPhone, have dirty pictures on your iPhone, browse porn websites on your iPhone and can stream HTML5 porn video on your iPhone, then what's the porn advantage of Android, then? Porn Apps?
All that porn on the iPhone is not enough for you? You need porn apps too? And access to those porn apps is enough of a reason not to choose the obviously better OS?
It's not the service providers that need to do the legwork, it's the phone manufacturers. They need to update the base Android source with the specifics for each device, as well as update the source with customizations to the UI they may have added to 'differentiate' their device from other Android-based devices. And doing all this work for free [as they have already received all the money for the phone they will ever get] AT BEST just makes the end-user more likely to buy another phone by that manufacturer down the road [except now, it's further down the road, as the user has new features on their existing phone]. The only reason for the user to upgrade to a newer phone is for some significant hardware upgrade, which is MUCH more expensive for the manufacturer to create.
If, on the other hand, the manufacturer follows the existing, longstanding pattern of NOT providing updates to phones that have already been sold, they have WAY more upside. A user is MUCH more likely to upgrade to a newer cell phone, sooner, when they know their current phone WON'T get an update, and the newer phone will only need to have changed hardware to compete with other phones in the market and not with the existing phone the user has, because they ALSO get the newer version of Android with it.
The carriers also aren't interested in making updates to existing phones available, because it means more tech support [how do I upgrade this phone], qualifying the new version of the OS, making the version customized for their carrier. Except this also doesn't financially benefit them, as then the customer doesn't upgrade to a new phone as quickly, signing a new contract extension [particularly in the US], and they don't get their cut of selling a new phone, and they get no direct financial benefit from the update either.
And both manufacturers and carriers would need to do this for all the different Android phones, greatly increasing the amount of work they need to do, essentially for free.
What a mess... Vertical Integration FTW!
Not true about the tethering. iPhone has had tethering for ages and it's used every day around the world.
AT&T won't allow it in the USA, but that's a different thing altogether. iPhone tethers just fine and pretty much every market it sells in allows it *except* for the USA.
I can vouch for this. I can tether just fine (without jailbreaking) here in Norway.
most people are paying $x up front plus $y per month in a 2 year contract that actually "buys" their phone. and once the 2 years are up, you don't automatically get a monthly rate reduction, although you could shop around maybe.
Here in Norway the longest contract it's legal for carriers to demand is 12 months. Also, when those 12 months are up you DO get an automatic monthly rate reduction.
Actually, the main problem with the iPhone in the U.S. isn't the phone, it's AT&T. They suck big time, as far as I can tell from everything I've read online. But then again, the telecom market in the U.S. is a big rip-off in general. I mean, all carriers charge you for the calls and SMS's you *receive* too, right? That's just wrong...
Also nice to see Steve is your moral compass on things and whatever he allows/disallows into the app store including "political cartoons" are way too objectionable for you...maybe you shouldn't open that NY Times app for fear of being offended by the cartoons... All hail Chairman Mao err Steve. PS Lemme know how you like Steve pushing iAds to your mobile phone wasting your time while charging a premium to have ad subsidized svc...not saying GOOG isn't headed in this direction, just expect apple's integration to be more "in your face"
First of all, Steve admitted that rejecting that app was a mistake and that it would be rectified very soon. The app approval process certainly isn't perfect, but the mistakes they sometimes make (they're only human) ARE rectified.
Secondly, you haven't really understood the iAd concept. It won't be in-your-face in the OS. It's an API which lets app publishers show ads in their free apps. In those apps that use it it will certainly be in-your-face, but that's the price you pay for the free app because there's really no such thing as a free lunch. These ad-supported apps will probably have an upgrade option so you can remove the ads if you want.
---
So... When, in a couple of months, iPhone has multi-tasking and, apparently, Android has an easy upgrade option for everyone - what does Android have the iPhone doesn't have? And what does Android do better than iPhone? And if such things exist, are they things more than 5% of users will care even a little bit about?
So... When, in a couple of months, iPhone has multi-tasking and, apparently, Android has an easy upgrade option for everyone - what does Android have the iPhone doesn't have?
Native porn apps. Tethering on AT&T, apparently. Higher resolution, higher contrast, less color-accurate screen handset options. Swappable battery handset options. Better camera handset options.
And what does Android do better than iPhone?
Nothing except the above.
And if such things exist, are they things more than 5% of users will care even a little bit about?
No.
Yes, it does suck. I have the HTC Hero, which I got on launch day, and it was one of the worst purchasing decisions I've ever made. I would love an iPhone but I just can't do AT&T, and my plan on Sprint costs $40 less a month than the equivalent on AT&T. The Sprint service is fine...the phone...not so much.
... And there's no joy to having the all-important "multi-tasking" when the OS crashes all the time or lags because of it. Seriously.
Mmmm... First rule of multi-tasking: The OS should not suspend itself
.
Umm lets see tethering, multitasking would be two things that currently come to the top as things android can do iphone can't (don't attack that multitasking is on the horizon as its just as on the horizon for AAPL as its just as much on the horizon as the android updates for legacy devices that this whole article bases itself from)...well that and also save me $40 a month not paying the apple premium for sub-par at&T service v another provider...I also love the app comparison saying iphone has soooo many more apps...guess what; apple's model is built off the idea that 99% of people use the same "apps" so the fringe apps are a cute idea but if you really plan to hang your hat on those thats great but when ~5 people are using an app I don't consider it a "must have" like lots who seem to imply they couldn't live without all 150k apps...I ditched my iphone; love my IPAD wouldn't ever go back for cell svc but like I said I'm fair love my ipad it is sick...Also nice to see Steve is your moral compass on things and whatever he allows/disallows into the app store including "political cartoons" are way too objectionable for you...maybe you shouldn't open that NY Times app for fear of being offended by the cartoons...
I'm curious, how do I tether my HTC Desire to my devices wirelessly? Without rooting.
Update: I can't. Welcome to the land of the free. Except it isn't is it? It's the world pulled over your face to blind you from the truth. There is no spoon. Android is not open. It's just as closed as everything else. That's why you need root access. Just like on the iPhone.
What's not to love about Android, if you enjoy coding for a gazillion platform configurations at one time?
Could you give us an example of that? I am a programmer and I don't know how to even begin. I also don't think you know what the hell you are talking about.
But hey, I can stand to be corrected.
You see i don't even know if there are such websites. I don't go there and do not post crap about Android or hardware.
P.S. I bet Apple 'lovers' don't shit themselves out on Android/Manufacturers forums. You know what it means. You all are just jealous. STFU.
Until they've tackled it, is it really worth talking about?
It's worth discussing Android's strategy, yes. AI would be a dull place if we only talked about what's on the market right now. There would have been 50,000 less posts about the iPad for a start.
Yes, it does suck. I have the HTC Hero, which I got on launch day, and it was one of the worst purchasing decisions I've ever made. I would love an iPhone but I just can't do AT&T, and my plan on Sprint costs $40 less a month than the equivalent on AT&T. The Sprint service is fine...the phone...not so much.
The Hero is stuck on 1.5. When I bought it, in October, I was told there would be an update in November. Then it was January. Then it was March, then April. And now it's May and they say it will be out within 2 weeks. Yeah, well, I'll believe it when I see it. And no, I can't just update my phone. There is no way to update my phone without installing hackware on it, which I would do, but I'd have to install Windows on my Mac first-which I'd rather not do. Especially if it's only for my stupid phone.
As it is now, I've had to live with a phone that is running an operating system that is not only archaic but doesn't even function properly for what it is. Before this, I had an old thick candy bar style phone that could barely manage a text message. And I MISS THAT PHONE. I have come SO close to literally throwing the Hero into a wall or out the window. I won't even get into the numerous problems it has but it's ridiculous. I can see how other people, who maybe haven't used an iPhone (my boyfriend has one) or an iPod Touch (I have one), might be content with the Hero and might not notice all the problems it has...but I notice them and curse the phone every day. As far as the applications go, the few I've downloaded don't even work, which is probably due to being stuck on 1.5, but who's to really say. And there's no joy to having the all-important "multi-tasking" when the OS crashes all the time or lags because of it. Seriously.
I was at a doctor's appointment the other day and my phone rang while I was with the receptionist. I pulled it out to turn the ringer off and put it back in my pocket. The receptionist asked, oh, is that that Sprint phone? The Hero? I was kind of surprised because it does not get recognized very often. I said, yeah, it is. She said, My friend has that phone. He hates it. I sighed. Yes, I hate it too.
Did you ever consider purchasing a used Sprint phone on eBay to use for a phone and just using the iPod Touch for everything else? That is what I am doing with Verizon as I couldn't afford the AT&T plan either. If you dislike it as much as you say, you should seriously consider selling yours and buying a used dumbphone. You might even make a few dollars on the deal.
Could you give us an example of that [coding for a gazillion platform configurations with Anroid]? I am a programmer and I don't know how to even begin. I also don't think you know what the hell you are talking about.
But hey, I can stand to be corrected.
But do you deserve to be corrected? I should think not. For everyone else here who isn't a programmer (competent or otherwise)...
N.B. the article indicates the Anroid user base is highly fragmented at the OS level alone. If, as a programmer, you wish to capitalize on the large number of Anroid users, you will need to code and debug for a rapidly growing list of niche-sized configurations. Anroid handsets vary in OS version, speed, memory, network, display resolution--at least 4 variables, some or all of which may be relevant to the development of a successful app--an app that makes use of all features the user expects and that performs well.
Are not there any Android (Google, HTC, Samsung, etc.) websites? Why do you 'haters' gather on an Apple fan site to shit your mouth out? You see i don't even know if there are such websites. I don't go there and do not post crap about Android or hardware.
Android centric forums? Sure! Unfortunately, the sites are so fragmented it's much easier to come here to trash talk.
Finally, I can't wait till they do the extended love embrace with adobe, then they'll have no problem growing their app store to 100k+ errm QUALITY apps.
N.B. the article indicates the Anroid user base is highly fragmented at the OS level alone. If, as a programmer, you wish to capitalize on the large number of Anroid users, you will need to code and debug for a rapidly growing list of niche-sized configurations. Anroid handsets vary in OS version, speed, memory, network, display resolution--at least 4 variables, some or all of which may be relevant to the development of a successful app--an app that makes use of all features the user expects and that performs well.
Sounds a lot like programming for desktop operating systems.
They're all headaches for the app developer and they do raise the barrier for entry. However, as Android and its tools mature, I'm confident that these problems will be overcome.
Sounds a lot like programming for desktop operating systems.
Not if it's done properly. If you write decent Mac code, for example, it will run on any Mac running Mac OS X 10.2 to 10.6.3 (and will continue to work with most new OS versions) on any supported Mac. Only if you're trying to do something fancy using non-standard APIs are you likely to have a problem.
Even for Windows, it's possible to write code that will work on anything from Win XP to Windows 7 (or even earlier than XP) which will work on most, if not all, supported computers.
Android is different. Code written for one Android phone won't necessarily work on another Android phone. It is possible to write a 'generic' Android app, but it has to be the least common denominator - so all the special features of your phone are ignored - so this isn't the preferred method. And it's going to get worse before it gets better.
Android is different. Code written for one Android phone won't necessarily work on another Android phone. It is possible to write a 'generic' Android app, but it has to be the least common denominator - so all the special features of your phone are ignored - so this isn't the preferred method. And it's going to get worse before it gets better.
As a professional Android developer, I know that's not true. It's possible to write code that takes advantage of advanced features while still supporting older phones.
It's not something that's easy for a bedroom developer to do but, at the same time, it's not the hardest thing in the world if you're an experienced smartphone developer.
The biggest problem is testing. But again, it's not a major problem for professional programmers with access to test houses and multiple devices.
Currently it's set to be in June - and that's if it is provided by the network operator. Gah! At least it is meant to be Android 2.1.