[jere]

>I'd guess (nothing to back this up) that you're going to see a sharp dropoff of Android 2.3 marketshare as people replace their old phones... Kill it with fire. I don't take much issue with making Android 2.3 a second-class citizen at this point.

You could very well be right, but I think you have the wrong impression of the users.

We view IE6 users as a completely technology inept minority. They could upgrade to a better browser in seconds (not including the enterprise).

Android users on the other hand? I've been an Android user for 4 years. I got tired of getting gouged by Verizon and just switched to Republic wireless. So I have a brand new phone and I'm on 2.3.

Even leaving the percentages out of it, I don't think it's appropriate.

[MAGZine]

I'm not going to lie--I think buying any device running 2.3 at this point is a giant waste of money, comparable to buying a laptop with Windows XP on it. There is no reason. Nexus 4s are recently out of stock at $200, and the Nexus 5 will probably compete in that area too.

It's a shame that republic wireless is handing out 2.3 devices--that really should stop.

[jere]

It seems like there is some backstory behind the phone and the versioning (this is the only phone currently offered until the Moto X next month, which has 4.2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_Defy#Manufacturer_crit...

Sorry you think it's a "giant waste of money." I need a phone and I'm now saving something like $40/month over my previous plan.