> The reason for the hold out is the carriers, not
  > Google. Google is very good at pushing updates to
  > phones when it's not limited by the carriers

I didn't imply it had to be a technical solution. If users can't update their phones that run Google's operating system because Google isn't leaning hard enough on the carriers, then Google needs to fix that.

Apple has managed to strong-arm the carriers into letting it supports its customers, and Google's market position isn't too much weaker than Apple.

  > iPhones still require cables to be updated).

iOS has supported OTA updates since iOS 5, which was released almost two years ago.

Just to add data to those wondering, iOS 5 released 16 months ago (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IOS_version_history)

Google is responsible for pushing updates to some other company's customers against that company's will?

Google's customers get updates just fine.

I haven't required a cable for an iOS update for a while.

iPhones have not required tethered updating for a year and a half now. OTA updating arrived in iOS 5.

> The reason for the hold out is the carriers, not Google

For a Google SVP, much of the role is external. If getting partners on board is important and it hasn't happened, then you're out.

Andy's previous company implemented over the air updates years before anyone had even thought of Android or iOS. :-)

"iPhones still require cables to be updated"

Only for power and it's just a recommendation...

Updating a firmware while on battery is a pretty bad idea, so I can see why it's recommended.

>iPhones still require cables to be updated

This simply isn't true.