The most important thing to me about technology is that it functions. Over the last couple of years, most of the computing devices I use have gotten worse. Why? Updates. 50% of the time I switch them on I am informed I need to update software.
My Mac, Xbox, iPhone and PC at work are all victims, and they are stealing my precious time! I used to be excited about new versions of applications, but now I hardly ever even notice the difference after updating, and couldn’t care less.
I’m not against cool new developments or security fixes, but I can’t help feeling many of the updates I receive aren’t really for me, but for the developers. When I turn on a machine I want it to start, and when I open an application it’s because I want to use it: I don’t want to be told to update things. If I find the application doesn’t work properly for me, I’d be happy to look for an update. I don’t need reminding.
I have had iPhone apps update twice in a week, the Steam client seems to need attention every time I load it, 
My beloved browser Firefox is one of the worst offenders. Why should I update to 3.6? 3.5 works fine thanks, and until they add something that really looks great, they should stop bugging me! As of right now I am boycotting updates until Firefox 4 comes out, as I am sure I gain nothing from these dull incremental downloads. I don’t even want to get started on extensions. But that’s beside the point – mainly I just don’t want to be asked at all!
I propose some balance. Development is important and driven by competing companies, but for the sake of the users, why not limit app updates to about twice a year? Obviously security issues have to be dealt with when they arrive, but otherwise why not leave us alone?
