Apparently there are a whole slew of pissed off users because Google decided that the Nexus One will not be getting updated to Ice Cream Sandwich. As a result, an infographic was made to represent the fact that Apple can support its four devices better than manufacturers support their ump-teen Android devices. The infographic compares the all the iPhones of the past three years (so it excludes the 4S) to most Android devices of the same timeframe.

Let's have a look before we continue:

At first glance, it seems like a well put together graphic with attention to detail, right? For the most part -- yes. But, there are a few device that should've been included in the list, as they came out around the same time: namely, Droid X and Droid 2. I realize that is only two devices, but those two devices are running the newest version of Android and are still being supported. Granted, neither will probably see Android 4.0, but that's not the point. Those are two devices that are not present to represent the we're still getting updates crowd.

Also, throwing the Devour, BackFlip, Cliq XT, and Ally into the mix? Give me a break -- those phones were doomed before they hit shelves. iPhones are flagship devices. If you want to compare apples to apples, then bring out the Android big dogs to play the game, not the Chihuahuas that weren't intended to hold a candle to the competition in the first place.  This brings me to my next point...

So what if the lower end devices were never updated to Gingerbread, or even Froyo? That is still what was in the best interest of the end user. From a hardware standpoint, those devices were not capable of handling newer versions of Android, and while that's less than ideal, the manufacturers made the right choice. How many times have you heard an iPhone 3G owner complain about how awful iOS 4 is on their device? I don't know a single person who had good results with that upgrade -- proof that it shouldn't have been updated. If you want to make sure your device is going to get an update and be able to run it, then don't buy a low end device.

I'm not saying that fragmentation isn't still an issue in some Android devices. We're all aware that there is a problem with certain devices getting updated -- but that isn't Google's fault; it's the manufacturers. Should the Motorola Droid get Android 2.3? No. It runs like crap. Should the LG Revolution (not on this list, just an example) get Android 2.3? Yes -- it's fully capable, and LG should do something about that.

And, before I get called a fanboy, let me make one thing clear. Sure, I feel compelled to defend Android when it's justified. I'm no fanboy -- I pride myself on objectivity, and this infographic just ain't it.

[via the understatement]