I have a variety of handsets, which deliver updates in a variety of ways and I'm curious as to the model each of them use. Through reading articles and discussion groups, the following model is based on my understanding, anyone who knows better please contribute.

Inportant Note: this thread is about updates and not the initial handset operator customisation and distribution. I'm not indicating one model is better than another, I'm just wanting to determine what the models are. I also have an S2 and LG Android, the former I've not recieved an update for and the latter appears to be the same as the Xperia Ray.