The Blame Game
So I have been waiting to find out if my Motorola Q is going to be upgraded to Windows Mobile 6, or if I will be stuck buying a new phone. When Microsoft released version 6 back in February, they made an announcement that phone carriers would get the software free of charge if they agreed to upgrade version 5 phones for existing customers. That was the first time there was a glimmer of hope for us. I can't remember any time in the past that you could upgrade your phone. Wireless phone companies are out of control, trying to squeeze every penny they can, just look at the iPhone contract, so I fully expected to be stuck with 5 or pay for 6.
So, we are getting close to the 6 month mark and Verizon has not made an announcement, nor have they released any version 6 phones. I took a shot and e-mailed customer support. This was the response to my questions, "When will the Motorola Q have an update to Windows Mobile 6? When will you have new Windows Mobile 6 phones available?"
Mr. Kuhl, according to my records the software update to a cellular phone is provided through the manufacturer. Currently Verizon Wireless has an agreement with Microsoft the developer of Windows. The equipment will be available as soon as the Microsoft Developer has it available. I am unable to provide information regarding which equipment is being considered or approximate release dates, as this may raise expectations that may not be met.
So, its Microsoft's fault that Verizon doesn't have any version 6 phones even though both Sprint and T-Mobile do. More likely it has something to do with Motorola, since the Q hasn't be updated for any carrier. You would think with the increased competition from the iPhone, Verizon would be scrambling to gets it hands on something like the HTC Touch.
Why place any blame? Just say you don't have them yet, your working on it, and your just a rep who doesn't have any more information.
The Shell Game
If you don't know what a shell game is, it's usually a con involving 3 shells and a pea or ball. You try to guess which shell the pea/ball is under after they are mixed up, often with the pea/ball not being under any due to some sort of slight of hand.
So the Verizon route didn't help, let's try Microsoft. Start with the Windows Mobile page on Microsoft's site. Front and center are Verizon phones.
They have them running a green background to look like version 6, but they are running version 5. They even mention Microsoft Office which didn't come on my Q, but I believe its standard on version 6. Maybe it's on the black one? Or is this version 6?
Now click through on the Version advertisement twice to get to the Verizon store, and once more to get past the opening page on Verizon's site. Now when you finally enter the Verizon store you see the same four phones from the Microsoft site with their standard blue version 5 background.
A little slight of hand, some misdirection, and if don't don't watch closely you just might end up with an empty shell.
Mobile Life is Hard for Early Adopters
It seems like every time Microsoft rolls out it's new OS a different phone company leads the way. And its always the company I am not using. Waiting 6 months to a year is hard when you are an early adopter. Just look at the iPhone launch. And with all these now standard 2 year contracts, you are at the mercy of your provider, or your dropping some serious cash. I'm glad Microsoft is trying to get companies to upgrade existing phones, but the plan doesn't seem to be working. Of course, it could be worse. I could live in a country that has to wait just to get the OS made available at all.