Google Adds Gesture Search For Android Phones 2.0 and above

[engine]

Google Adds Gesture Search For Android Phones 2.0 and above [googlemobile.blogspot.com]

a new Google Labs application for Android-powered devices running Android 2.0 or above in the US. Gesture Search lets you quickly find a contact, an installed application, a bookmark or a music track from hundreds or thousands of items, by simply drawing alphabet gestures on the touch screen.

There's a serious problem developing: If you have an Android-based phone, you may be on an older platform, and won't get to use some of these newer Apps. That's not good for consumers, imho.

[Sierra_Dad]

There's a serious problem developing: If you have an Android-based phone, you may be on an older platform, and won't get to use some of these newer Apps. That's not good for consumers, imho.

You at least have the hope that your phone could be updated to later versions. Of course, this counts on your phone provider to offer the updates. And on the hardware manufacturer to see two years into the future and have designed the hardware for the new platform.

A vast majority of Android devices, except for the flagship G1 that I have, are likely to get an update to 2.x.

It is a problem, but not a new one. Windows 3.1 users are definitely missing out on some new features. WM2003 did not have a standard GPS library. I'm sure there are apps that run on IPhone 3GS that don't run on IPhone 3G.

I'm not sure how the problem could be solved:
1. Not put new features in new platforms.
2. Not take advantage of those features in new apps.
3. Force all cell phones to provide an upgrade to the new platform.

I vote for the third option, ;), but I'm sure it's more easier said than done.

[Harry]

That's what Palm forces with webOS. In fact the updates are compulsory after four or five tries by the system. Palm has released 11 updates since June. No one complains about the new features.

[Sierra_Dad]

That's what Palm forces with webOS. In fact the updates are compulsory after four or five tries by the system. Palm has released 11 updates since June. No one complains about the new features.

That's great! I wouldn't mind if Android did the same, especially as a developer. But I think carriers and hardware manufacturers have some influence.