Microsoft's Windows chief, Terry Myerson, isn't pulling any punches against Android this week. Speaking during a keynote appearance at Microsoft's Ignite conference in Chicago, Myerson knocked Google's Android update plans. "Google ships a big pile of… code, with no commitment to update your device," Myerson said, with an intentional pause that left the audience laughing. "Google takes no responsibility to update customer devices and refuses to take responsibility to update their devices, leaving end users and businesses increasingly exposed every day they use an Android device."

Distribution rings are the key to Windows 10 updates

While Myerson was quick to knock Android, he didn't really reveal how Microsoft plans to bypass carriers and deliver regular updates to its Windows 10 phones in future. Microsoft first unveiled a developer preview for Windows Phone back in 2013, but unless you sign up to this as a consumer then it's not a true way to deliver updates to devices. Updates have also been a mixed experience for Windows users. There were no upgrades from Windows Phone 7 to Windows Phone 8, and those stuck with Windows RT won't get Windows 10 in the future.

Microsoft might not have a perfect update history, but it's planning to fix some of that with Windows 10. "We’re not going to be delivering all of the updates to all consumers on one big day of the month," explained Myerson, noting that the software giant will continue to deliver updates to Windows 10 in distribution rings. Microsoft introduced the idea of slow and fast rings with its Windows 10 preview, allowing some users to get the latest bits and others to wait for stable releases without bugs.

Microsoft is also launching Windows Update for Business today, which is designed for businesses to get the latest updates for Windows 10. Similar to consumer updates, businesses will also be able to select distribution rings and maintenance windows to ensure not all machines take rapid updates to Windows 10.