android OS update possibility

[Guest Chris Sim]

Im a window mobile user and i've thinking for the past 2 month of switching to android phone and looking at the possible upcoming android phone from motorola and sony ericsson really excite me alot.

But I have a few questions which I cant seems to find in the web, is it possible for any android phone to upgrade their android OS version ourself whenever google release update without the needs to relies on the phone maker ??

Just this few month i have seen android 1.6 and suddenly 2.0 which have make HTC hero user in a awkward position. I dont wish to buy a phone when its OS is been update twice in few month and have to wait till my phone company to have their thumb up before i can update.