On Mac every OS-bundled program do update through a central utility found on the Apple dropdown menu. 90% of other programs use the Sparkle framework (~100% if the program is Mac-only) which provide an unobtrusive way of updating.
The engadget article has been written by a real journalist. The dailytech article instead has been written by a person who doesn't know that in "modern" China 100% of factories are like Foxconn.
It's just another pathetic way to attack Apple. "Only Escape From _Hellish Apple iPhone Factory_ Was Suicide". Oh come on. Foxconn is the largest manufacturer of electronics and computer components worldwide and they don't make just iDevices. According to Wikipedia Foxconn make these products:
1) Mac mini, iPod, iPad, and the iPhone for Apple
2) Intel-branded motherboards for Intel
3) various orders for Dell and Hewlett-Packard
4) motherboards for Zoostorm
5) PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3 for Sony
6) Wii for Nintendo
7) Xbox 360 for Microsoft
8) cell phones for Motorola
9) Amazon Kindle
10) Cisco equipment
It's a news only cause it's cool to attack Apple. I bet you to find a single electronics product around you that isn't "Made in China". And we all know that work conditions in China are terrible and what has happened in the last 30 years.