A is the route Google takes (e.g. there have been 6 updates to Android since Feb 2009, with a 7th due out in a few months, but still not matching the polish of

A is the route Google takes (e.g. there have been 6 updates to Android since Feb 2009, with a 7th due out in a few months, but still not matching the polish of iPhone OS). Apple does B (e.g. one major update to iOS each year, even if it means trailing the industry with features like copy/paste, multitasking, video chat until they can do them the pretty "Apple way"). Microsoft these days seems to have found a choice C, which is longer and longer iterations and settling for good enough or worse. Just look at the following release dates for Windows Mobile and you can see longer intervals for smaller improvements: 5.0 5/2005 6.0 2/2007 6.1 4/2008 6.5 5/2009 6.5.3 2/2010 I personally would rather work for Google, so my answer is A. Rapid iteration gives you the satisfaction of seeing something you worked on "go live" vs seeing it die on the operating table after years of work and knowing you'll likely see Halley's comet before another project goes live.