newbee question about updating phones

[Frank]

I see so many Android phones for sale and wonder how easy they are to update the operating system.

I understand that only the Nexus One will get an OTA update from Google.

If I buy another unlocked phone can I get an operating system update from the manufacturer? My problem is that I am in China and have no contract with a telecom company.

If I bought an HTC phone unlocked can I later go to their company sire and update it to 2.2 or later 3?

 

[mkeath]

The Nexus One is the only phone 100% controlled by Google on the software side, so they can offer OTA updates whenever they want. This also means that the updates come fater since it's stock Android. Other manufacturers have to develop and test the updates for their custom UI and then the carriers have to test the updates before it's rolled out. Carriers and manufacturers are getting better at streamlining the process now, but updates are still slow at this point.

 

[Frank]

I just wonder if I buy an unlocked Android phone and use a pre-paid telecom service in China can I go to the manufacturer and update the phone software? Most people who use this site are likely in the US and have service contracts with a telecom company. I use prepaid cards and have no contract. I would be disappointed to buy a phone and then not be able to update it. I guess I could have it rooted but I am not capable of this sort of thing.