There’s a good reason why handset makers try to stay quiet about specific launch dates for software updates — and it’s not because they want each update to be a special little surprise. The reasoning, as we hear it from just about everyone in the industry: if they fail to meet their self-imposed deadlines, they look like jerks, and customers start raging.
Such is the case for Motorola right now. They’re just about the only manufacturer willing to put up a public timeline for their upcoming Android updates — and that just came back to bite them on the arse.
Up until this morning, that timeline has been promising that Android 2.1 would hit T-Mobile’s CLIQ and CLIQ XT by the time the second quarter was out. Take a glance at your calendar real quick. Yep, second quarter ends today. At the final hour, Motorola has pulled all mentions of Q2, instead just saying that “testing [is] in process”.
For anyone hoping for a last-minute surprise update from Motorola, remember: don’t shoot the messenger. Straight from Motorola’s mouth:
For those asking for an update regarding a software upgrade on CLIQ in the U.S., we’ve made a decision to take more time on the release to optimize the experience in some key areas. We will continue to work to deliver it as soon as possible and apologize that we have been unable to provide an upgrade to these users in Q2 as planned.
We are working hard to provide an upgrade to Android 2.1 as soon as we can. Our consumers’ experience is our first priority and we will provide an upgrade when we can deliver the best possible user experience.
So, they need a bit more time to make sure things go smooth. And really, given the recent EVO 4G bricked handset fiasco, we can’t blame them one bit.
[Thanks Jesus!]