Would You Pay More for a Device - If it Offered an OS Upgrade?

Mike Temporale

Mauricio has posted a nice rant over at GeekZone about the upgradability (is that even a word?) of our devices. He brings up a lot of good points, and as we are all aware, the operators don't seem to like to go down the upgrade path. This brings up an interesting thought that I've had tumbling around in my head while I was on vacation last week. I would gladly pay a premium for a device if I was assured that it would get at least 1 OS upgrade. Would you? Here’s a hypothetical situation for you. Think about it and vote Yes or No in the poll. Be sure to share your thoughts on it in the forums too.

Let’s say you could buy a Windows Mobile Smartphone that had all the bells and whistles you could ask for. In fact it was more than the average device on the market. Let’s say it’s 128/256MB RAM/ROM, with Bluetooth 2.0, a 2 MP camera, WiFi, and Quad-Band radio with 3G. From a hardware view, it’s the best of the BlackJack and the Excalibur. In fact, it’s better than those devices. Let’s say that this device would sell for $599 – no contract, no carrier. That price is a little more than what you would expect, but then again, this is a bleeding edge device and along with that price comes at least 1 OS upgrade at a cost of $40 when it’s released. The real advantage here is that the user doesn’t have to part ways with their device every year or so, and the manufacturer can still make a little money off the upgrades so they don’t feel like they are forced into anything. If they can manage 2 or 3 OS upgrades, then everyone is happy. I would buy a device like this in an instant. What do you think?
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"I have no special talents, I am only passionately curious" - Albert Einstein

dstrauss · Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 1:11 pm Post subject:

I voted Yes on the assumption it would be a real OS upgrade, and not just a .1 or .2 in the disguise of a new name.

freitasm · Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 1:31 pm Post subject:

Same here. I voted yes for a real thing, not an AKU.
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Mauricio Freitas
Microsoft MVP Mobile Devices
http://www.geekzone.co.nz | http://www.geekzone.co.nz/freitasm

kerrins · Smartphone Pupil Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 22

I tend to think of my mobile device just like a computer. I expect to be able to upgrade to a new OS and I expect to be able to download third party applications. I know that my first PC was a whopping 33Mhz, and 64M of memory. Most Mobiles do better than that, and even back then I could upgrade the OS on my PC.

Rocco Augusto · Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 2:50 pm Post subject:

i understand things work a little bit different with Standard phones (I'll never get use to calling them that Sad

) but if I could pay a little bit extra knowing that the carrier would program an upgrade for my brand spanking new device, I would happily do so.

if I would have known that WM6 would have been released this soon I would have passed up the Blackjack completely and would have waited for a WM6 device. That way I would have at least gotten 6 months out of it before the next latest and greatest thing came out Sad

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Mike Temporale · Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 3:22 pm Post subject:

KiLLiN-TiMe · Smartphone Neophyte Joined: 09 Jan 2007 Posts: 7

Maybe I am stupid for thinking this way....

But I voted no.

Here's why.

A vender who continues to push his device to it's limitations (providing updates until his device will no longer support them) is going to sell more devices of that form factor than those who don't.

So, should I have to pay extra so that the manufacture can sell "X" number of units more? I think not.

I believe it is in the best interest of the manufacture to try and make his product viable for as long as possible. Now... it that helps me, as an early adopter, see a product that has a much longer life span. It helps them by reducing production cost and have more users on the same form factor.

Honestly I believe this is what the manufactures are after now. The problem is that the market is so cut throat that as soon as someone has an edge… they are sending it to market.

How do you make a device that will stand up to that?

IMHO
KT

Rocco Augusto · Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 4:45 pm Post subject:

sven · Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 4:53 pm Post subject:

Well, I'm surprised at the results so far, 4-1 for paying more. Guess that's why I'm an engineer instead of in marketing, I don't understand people. I voted no. At least the way it is worded. I see no reason to pay more for the privelege of buying an upgrade. Tell me I will get an upgrade when it comes out and I might pick that model over another that doesn't have that commitment, even for a little more money. I think though, if you are going to charge me extra for the promise of an upgrade, the upgrade should be a given, not an option for purchase.

What if I don't want the upgrade guarantee. I plan to get a new device when the new OS comes out. Do I get a discount on the current one?

For phone systems, I've always wondered why Carriers dodn't consider offerring an OS upgrade with a service commitment. It's obvious service is what they are selling, they subsidize the heck out of hardware to entice us. I would think they could retain customers, with less outlay.
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Some days you are the anteater, some days you are the ant.

Jerry Raia · Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 5:55 pm Post subject:

I voted no. I've gotten to the point where the new devices are always so compelling, I'd rather just get a new device.
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[BlackJack] [8525]