Android Fragmentation Exists. [Chart]

Oh no! The dreaded “F” word — fragmentation. Despite claims to the contrary, Android fragmentation is alive and well today. While all platforms have at least a small degree in fragmentation — the original iPhone is now trailing OS versions — Android’s problem is far more pronounced.

After seeing Google’s announcement that the Nexus One would not be receiving any official Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update, blogger Michael DeGusta set out and tracked down every single Android phone and update since the original G1. The results as you can see are pretty astounding (if not pretty to look at in color).

(It’s worth pointing out that the iPhone 2G doesn’t have access to the latest version of iOS. Then again…it’s four and a half years old.

A few points to take away:

• 7 of the 18 Android phones never ran a current version of the OS.

• 12 of 18 only ran a current version of the OS for a matter of weeks or less.

• 10 of 18 were at least two major versions behind well within their two year contract period.

Be sure to stop by Michael’s blog “The Understatement” for the full story…

Sony Absorbs Ericsson’s 50% Stake For $1.45 Billion

The days of Sony and Sony Ericsson will now just by “Sony”. The consumer electronics giant has announced that they have succeeded in acquired the necessary regulatory approval to go ahead with a $1.45 billion buyout of Ericsson’s 50% share in the Sony Ericsson venture. Sony CEO Howard Stringer said the acquisition would allow (Sony) to “more rapidly and more widely offer consumers smartphones, laptops, tablets and televisions that seamlessly connect with one another and open up new worlds of online entertainment”.

We certainly hope the “speed” at which Sony can bring new phones to market while also providing a healthy amount of support for older devices by way of software update is handled better than when the two were separate. At least in regards to Android devices, Sony’s handsets were never all that great if the latest Android OS versions was of any importance.

The acquisition should also give Sony a loaded suite of patents with which to protect itself from the sue first/innovate later mantra that’s taken the consumer electronics world by storm over the last couple of years. On that note, it’ll be interesting to see how Sony competes with not only other Android manufacturers — or whether or not they explore Windows Phone 7 — but also competitors such as Apple, RIM, and if their ducks every get aligned, HP.

Review: Franklin Anybook Reader.

We adults always have all the fun. Late bed times, ability to swear without fear of eating soap, and alcohol. Oh, gadgets too. But every once in a while a kid-friendly gadget comes along that makes the little gadgeteur in training feel like they’re scooping the next big thing.

Hop past the break as we show you Franklin’s handy Anybook Reader…

GS After Hours: iTunes Match Dev Accounts And iPad 3 Displays.

Hey! It’s late and news is slow. Introducing: Gadgetsteria “After Hours”. We’ll be honest. The news will be pretty much the same tech focused fodder you’re used to but classified “after hours” simply because…well…it’s late. (And it gives us an excuse to use the nifty logo above.)

Tonight’s attractions — iTunes Match and the iPad 3. If your eyes are already glazing over, move along. Otherwise, hop inside…

Buy A Nokia Lumia 800 On Orange UK And Get A Free Xbox 360.

There are all kinds of lengths smartphone manufacturers and cellular providers will go to to score an exclusive monthly deal with your wallet. But this latest attempt by UK carrier Orange is one of the more enticing ones we’ve heard of — ever.

Renew or sign up for a new 2-year contract and purchase Nokia’s new Lumia 800 WP7 smartphone and score yourself a free Xbox 360. Yes. A complete Xbox 360. Even if it’s probably the 4 GB “starter” version a free 360 is a free 360.

Any UK readers going to take up Orange (and Microsoft/Nokia) on the deal?

Canon: “Flooding In Thailand Will Cause Production Delays On Select Cameras/Printers.”

The ongoing floods in Thailand are some of the country’s worst ever, so much so that it is now trickling into the world of consumer electronics. As many of you know, there are a boatload of manufacturing facilities throughout Thailand and other parts of Asia. Back in March when Japan had the devastating earthquake and tsunami, several consumer electronics manufacturers had issues then, too. But today it is Canon who is in the news.

The flooding is apparently bad enough in parts of Thailand that production of Canon printers (specifically the newly released Pixma Pro-1) and various cameras will be affected. Canon is quick to note that while the company doesn’t actually manufacturer any cameras in Thailand, parts supplies are sprinkles around the country.

If a Canon printer/camera is on the high end of your priority list, now would be a good time to snatch one (or ten) up.

More Alleged BlackBerry Colt Specs Trickle Out.

RIM’s first BBX phone, the BlackBerry Colt, is looking to be quite the performer on paper. Based on new information obtained by BlackBerry site N4BB, the Colt will usher in a new era for RIM thanks to a Storm-like, all-touchscreen design. According to the rumor, we’re looking at a 4″+ display with resolution north of 900 pixels on its longest side — perhaps sharing resolution with the PlayBook — as well as a dual-core processor. Other perks gleaned today include a touch-sensitive/gesture activated bezel area similar to the PlayBook, a stainless shell outer body (Bold 9900/30), front face void of any physical buttons,and front/rear-facing cameras with “enhanced focus”.

The image above is merely a render of what the Colt could look like. Though as we’ve said all along RIM doesn’t really have an issue building good looking hardware. Its the software that’s sorely lacking. QNX (and now BBX) is the saving grace. But if RIM can’t actually meet deadlines in a timely fashion — Hello PlayBook OS 2.0 — then nothing can help them.