As Android users know all too well, the inevitable advance of a platform means those with older handsets often find any new fixtures and fittings aren't compatible with their device.

While Apple was initially able to stave off such fragmentation, the release of iPhone 4 has triggered a split in the platform's userbase, with iOS 4 already unavailable to those with an original iPhone or iPod touch.

Now it would appear Game Center, Apple's attempt to serve up a stable online gaming network for iOS, may not make it onto iPhone 3G or 2nd generation iPod touch handsets, either.

Beta blocker

The news comes following the release of the latest iOS 4.1 beta, which was pushed out to developers last night.

It's reported Game Center is now no longer available on older devices, with the network only running on iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and 3rd generation iPod touch handsets.

In the notes that accompany its release, Apple simply states Game Center is no longer supported on older devices, leading to speculation that the service has been removed due to poor performance.

Some users have reportedly had issues with Apple's implementation of iOS 4 on iPhone 3G handsets, with the suggestion being the giant may be looking to avoid inevitable complaints if Game Center is slow or sluggish on older handsets.

If so it will be good news for the likes of rival social networks such as OpenFeint and Scoreloop enabling them to act as a filler to those unsupported devices. 

In general though, it makes a mockery of Apple's claim that Game Center will provide a unified online platform, as this sort of fragmentation was exactly what it was supposed to be fixing. 

[source: ElectricPig.co.uk]