3 ms·

However, a large number of people on HN are software engineers who make their living writing software for these devices; it would seem like a crowd that loves t

However, a large number of people on HN are software engineers who make their living writing software for these devices; it would seem like a crowd that loves tech like React “Native” might consider the latest devices somewhat important to their business. If developers are running old devices and old OSes, then it follows that they aren’t developing around the latest capabilities because they themselves don’t use the latest capabilities. For a “progressive” crowd, it sure seems like there are quite a few reactionaries. This “keep my older device” argument makes perfect sense if you are an end-consumer but it makes no sense if your business is building software. Software developers ought to consider it a minimum requirement to be on the cutting edge. We should be leading the way and not doggedly hanging on to older tech. If we were house painters, then running a 5 year old device makes no difference, but if we are supposed to be building the future, it’s illogical to be obsessed, almost to a hipster-degree with running outdated equipment. It’s Jay-Z rocking an 8-track.

pjmlp 9y ago
Just because I am a software engineer, doesn’t mean I am willing to spend more than 600 euros every three years for the privilege of having an updated device. That are more important things in life. If Google wants us to actually use the latest features, then they should force OEM to upgrade to Treble and push to their devices. Not to force us to buy an Oreo device, hoping that this time around OEMs will actually push updates on ALL devices.
vetinari 9y ago
> If developers are running old devices and old OSes, then it follows that they aren’t developing around the latest capabilities because they themselves don’t use the latest capabilities. And what are these latest capabilities? As an user, the only difference between Android 6 and 7 that I noticed are redesigned notifications. Between Android 7 and 8, I don't even have an idea. I don't care for the latest Google or Apple assistant; so this all is not enough of reason to drop 600-100 EUR on a new phone. Hand-waving about "latest capabilities" is even less of a reason.

pjmlp 9y ago

Just because I am a software engineer, doesn’t mean I am willing to spend more than 600 euros every three years for the privilege of having an updated device. That are more important things in life. If Google wants us to actually use the latest features, then they should force OEM to upgrade to Treble and push to their devices. Not to force us to buy an Oreo device, hoping that this time around OEMs will actually push updates on ALL devices.

vetinari 9y ago

> If developers are running old devices and old OSes, then it follows that they aren’t developing around the latest capabilities because they themselves don’t use the latest capabilities. And what are these latest capabilities? As an user, the only difference between Android 6 and 7 that I noticed are redesigned notifications. Between Android 7 and 8, I don't even have an idea. I don't care for the latest Google or Apple assistant; so this all is not enough of reason to drop 600-100 EUR on a new phone. Hand-waving about "latest capabilities" is even less of a reason.