Android Tablet Update

Motorola’s first Android 4.0 updates have yet to roll out, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get an official look at what the Ice Cream Sandwich build for the Motorola RAZR will look like. Motorola Japan has put up an Android 4.0 page on its site, giving consumers a preview of Motorola’s Android 4.0 customizations and the new Webtop 3.0 UI.

We’ve seen several leaks of Moto’s ICS build in the past, and it doesn’t look like much has changed. Last time we checked, the Verizon DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX were scheduled to receive their Android 4.0 update before the end of Q2. That gives Motorola roughly five more weeks to deliver the update. Once the RAZR is updated to Android 4.0, updates for the BIONIC, ATRIX and DROID 4 should trickle out in quick succession.

Take a look at the videos below and let us know what you think of Motorola’s Android 4.0 customizations.

Today, HTC has released a detailed list of devices that will be updated to Android 4.0. Very few specifics are given about each device, but HTC did provide a two-month release window for each update. While there are no real surprises on the list, it’s nice to finally have specific time frames to look forward to. HTC hopes to be done with its Android 4.0 updates by the end of August, but we know there are unexpected issues that could push updates into the fall.

The target timeline for announced devices is below. Because of partner and network testing, and approval processes for device updates, it can take up to 45 days for all carriers and countries to get the update after a rollout has begun.HTC

Is your HTC phone on the official Android 4.0 update list? Will you be waiting patiently for the update, or do you plan to upgrade to a new phone within the next month or two?

Latest Android 4.0 update news from HTC

• 5/22/12 - T-Mobile HTC Amaze 4G Android 4.0 update now available
  T-Mobile releases the Android 4.0 update for the HTC Amaze 4G
• 5/16/12 -T-Mobile HTC Sensation 4G Android 4.0 update now available
  T-Mobile releases the Android 4.0 update for the HTC Sensation 4G
• 5/14/12 - Official: T-Mobile HTC Sensation 4.0 update coming May 16
  T-Mobile announces a May 16th HTC sensation 4G Android 4.0 update

Official HTC Android 4.0 handset update list

• HTC Sensation – March-June
• HTC Sensation XE – March-June
• HTC Velocity - March-June
• HTC Sensation XL  - April-June
• HTC EVO 4G+ - May-June
• HTC Rezound - June-July
• HTC Vivid  – March-June
• HTC Amaze 4G - May-June
• HTC EVO 3D - June-July
• HTC EVO Design 4G - June-July
• HTC Desire S - June-July
• HTC Incredible S - June-July
• DROID Incredible 2 - TBD (by the end of August)
• HTC Thunderbolt - July-August
• HTC Rhyme  - June-July
• HTC Desire HD - July-August

HTC handsets expected to receive the Android 4.0 update

• HTC Desire Z
• T-Mobile G2
• myTouch 4G
• myTouch 4G Slide
• HTC Hero S
• HTC Merge
• HTC EVO Shift 4G

It’s been a few months since we last checked in with the official Android 4.0 update list for Motorola, and in light of recent changes to that list (as well as comments from Motorola on the Android 4.0 update, which we will get to in a moment) it seemed like a good time for a status update.

Will my device be updated?

Motorola has perhaps been the most candid and comprehensive of the major manufacturers when it comes to their Android upgrade process. They outlined their 4-step updating process for everyone back in December and have pretty dutifully maintained the device update page found in their forums.

Unfortunately this has not translated into being the most expedient in actually delivering upgrades to their customers’ devices. To date, the only device that has received its update to Android 4.0 is the WiFi-only XOOM (and only the versions in the US or Canada at that). All other devices remain in either the Development, Evaluation & Planning or Testing phases.

Now, as previously mentioned, there was a blog post from Motorola in the last few days which was designed to make clear why some devices won’t be getting Android 4.0.

You may be wondering why all devices aren’t being upgraded to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). Here’s the deal. We work very closely with Google and cell phone carriers for every software update. And, obviously we want the new release to improve our devices. If we determine that can’t be done—well then, we’re not able to upgrade that particular device.Motorola

I know that statement has some people riled up and it’s always irritating to hear that your device won’t be upgraded, but I think it’s a fairly reasonable position. Now, if they start pulling the update plug on popular devices that have the specs to support the next OS, then I’ll pick up a torch and join the angry villagers.

Latest News from Motorola

• 04/06/12 - Android 4.0 update for the Motorola RAZR delayed as HTC Rezound update confirmed for today
  The Best Buy leak proved to be either false optimism from Best Buy or a poorly timed April Fools joke.
• 03/31/12 - Motorola DROID RAZR and HTC Rezound Android 4.0 update scheduled for next week
  A leaked screenshot from an internal Best Buy system pointed to the DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX receiving their update on April 4th.
• 03/22/12 - AT&T is the first US wireless carrier to issue an Android 4.0 update, 10 more devices to be upgraded
  AT&T issued their first official list of their devices that would be updated to Android 4.0. The Atrix 2 and the Atrix 4G were the two Motorola devices to make an appearance on that list.
• 02/20/12 - A closer look at Motorola’s Android 4.0.3 build for the Verizon DROID RAZR
  A leaked build of Android 4.0.3 for the DROID RAZR provides a tantalizing glimpse of the future for Moto handset owners.
• 01/18/12 - US Motorola XOOM WiFi-only tablets receive Android 4.0 update
  Becoming the first Motorola device with Android 4.0, the US XOOM WiFi-only tablet started receiving its delicious update during January. It is a bit simpler for Motorola to do this, as it has no UI overlay, and the manufacturer does not have to go through a carrier to get the updates out.
• 12/07/11 - Motorola details their 4-step updating process
  Soon after Google released the source code for Android 4.0, Motorola decided to go ahead and let us know how things work (on their side). This explains why updates can take a good amount of time before reaching the consumer, and is a great way to get an idea of how they make it to your devices.
• 10/24/11 - Motorola promises Android 4.0 updates to be released 6 weeks after Google’s release
  Aiming a bit too high, Motorola promises that updates would start being rolled out 6 weeks after Google releases the Android 4.0 OS. Most devices still haven’t received the update, and won’t for a while, so it is evident that Motorola was overestimating its abilities.

Motorola devices that have Android 4.0

• Motorola XOOM WiFi-Only (USA, Canada)

Motorola devices that will receive Android 4.0 during Q2

• Motorola XOOM WiFi-Only (Asia Pacific, China, EMEA, Japan & LATAM)
• Motorola XOOM (Verizon)
• Motorola RAZR (Asia Pacific, Canada, China, EMEA, Japan, Korea & LATAM)
• Motorola DROID RAZR (Verizon)
• Motorola DROID RAZR Maxx (Verizon)
• Motorola MT917 (China)
• Motorola XT928 (China)

Motorola devices that will receive Android 4.0 during Q3

• Motorola Atrix 4G (USA)
• Motorola Atrix 2 (Asia-Pacific, LATAM, USA, and selected other markets)
• Motorola XOOM Family Edition (USA)
• Motorola XOOM 2 (Asia Pacific, EMEA, and LATAM)
• Motorola XOOM 2 Media Edition (Asia Pacific, EMEA, and LATAM)
• Motorola Xyboard 8.2 (USA)
• Motorola Xyboard 10.1 (USA)
• Motorola DROID Bionic (Verizon)
• Motorola DROID 4 (Verizon)
• Motorola DROID Xyboard 8.2 (Verizon)
• Motorola DROID Xyboard 10.1 (Verizon)

Motorola devices that will receive Android 4.0 during Q4

• Motorola Photon 4G (USA)

Phones under evaluation and planning: Might or might not get update, no estimated dates

• Motorola Atrix/Atrix 4G (Asia Pacific, EMEA and LATAM)
• Motorola Electrify (USA)
• Motorola Photon 4G (Japan)
• Motorola XOOM WiFi + 3G (Asia Pacific, EMEA and LATAM)

Motorola devices that will NOT get updated to Android 4.0

• Motorola Admiral
• Motorola Charm
• Motorola DROID 3
• Motorola DROID X2
• Motorola Flipout
• Motorola Milestone A854/A953
• Motorola Milestone XT720/XT701/XT711
• Motorola XT605
• Motorola XT615 / XT685 / MOTOLUXE
• Motorola XT882
• Motorola MT870
• Motorola Milestone 3
• Motorola Milestone X2
• Motorola Pro+
• Motorola Devour
• Motorola Cliq XT
• Motorola i1
• Motorola Dext
• Motorola Quench MB501/XT5 XT502/XT3 XT502
• Motorola Defy Mini
• Motorola Defy MB525 (Europe & MEA)

Android 4.0 for the T-Mobile HTC Amaze 4G has arrived! To initiate the download, press Menu > Settings > About Phone > HTC Software Updates > Check and follow the instructions to download and install the new build. The HTC Amaze 4G’s Android 4.0 update can downloaded over T-Mobile’s 3G/HSPA+ network, but we’ll understand if you want to connect your phone over Wi-Fi to download the update just a little faster.

The HTC Amaze 4G’s Android 4.0 update is nearly identical to the HTC Sensation 4G update which T-Mobile started pushing out last week – including improvements to multi-tasking, face unlock, new browser capabilities, and access to Android 4.0 applications like Google’s Chrome browser. Full details of the HTC Amaze 4G’s Android 4.0 update can be found on the T-Mobile’s support site.

New Android 4.0 features

• Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
• Sense 3.6
• System bar enhancements to easily view recent apps.
• Re-sizeable widgets
• Lock screen actions including pull down notifications and adjust volume while device is locked.
• Data usage controls.
• Face Unlock
• Home screen folders
• Improved battery life
• Improved text input and spell checking
• Improved menu structure

Before you start downloading the Android 4.0 update, make sure your handset has at least a 50% battery charge.  Let us know how the update process goes and how you like all the new features included in the Amaze 4G’s Ice Cream Sandwich update. We’re curious to know if the T-Mobile HTC Amaze 4G will benefit from the same performance improvements we’ve seen on other HTC devices which have been updated to Android 4.0.

Android 4.0 for the T-Mobile HTC Sensation 4G is finally here. To initiate the download, press Menu > Settings > About Phone > HTC Software Updates > Check and follow the instructions to download and install the new build. The HTC Sensation 4G’s Android 4.0 update can downloaded over T-Mobile’s 3G/HSPA+ network, but we suggest connecting your phone over Wi-Fi to download the update a little faster.

Additionally, the Android 4.0 update for the T-Mobile HTC Amaze 4G is expected to become available for download beginning May 21. This new bit of information comes directly from T-Mobile’s PR agency this morning and will most likely be reflected on the Amaze 4G support page later today.

As with the other Android 4.0 updates that HTC has been rolling out, users should expect quite a few new features in Ice Cream Sandwich with improvements to multi-tasking, face unlock, new browser capabilities, and access to Android 4.0 applications like Google’s Chrome browser.

New Android 4.0 features

• Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
• Sense 3.6
• System bar enhancements to easily view recent apps.
• Re-sizeable widgets
• Lock screen actions including pull down notifications and adjust volume while device is locked
• Data usage controls
• Face Unlock
• Home screen folders
• Improved battery life

The Android 4.0 update for the HTC Sensation is a lot later than what we were originally promised, but we’re sure T-Mobile’s HTC Sensation 4G owners are ecstatic to receive the Ice Cream Sandwich update with the new HTC Sense 3.6 UI improvements.

So what are you waiting for? Download the Android 4.0 update for the Sensation 4G and be sure to let us know how the process goes and what you think of all the new features. We’re curious to know if the T-Mobile HTC Sensation 4G will receive the same performance improvements we’ve seen on other HTC devices which have been updated to Android 4.0.

A little more than 24 hours after the introduction of the HTC Desire C, another HTC phone is making its debut. It may not be an official unveiling by HTC, but a leaked document and an unnamed source claim that HTC is working on a slightly cheaper version of the HTC One S. Currently known as the HTC Ville C, this new device is said to feature nearly all of the same internal components as the HTC One S.

The only difference we have been able to identify is the Qualcomm MSM8260 S3 processor (the same chip found inside the HTC Sensation) which replaces the MSM8260A S4 chip currently used to power the HTC One S. While the leaked document shows the MSM8260 processor clocked at 1.7GHz, the source claims that the HTC Ville C’s chip will be clocked at 1.2GHz.

On the software side, the HTC Ville C will be running on Android 4.0 paired with HTC Sense 4.5, giving it a leg up on HTC’s current HTC One series.

We’re not sure what to make of the HTC Ville C. The device looks to be identical to the HTC One S in nearly every aspect and we can’t really see HTC releasing this phone in Europe or the U.S. unless they manage to cut the handset’s price by at least $100. How much would you be willing to pay for an HTC One S if it was powered by last year’s Qualcomm MSM8260 S3 processor?

After months of delays and broken promises, T-Mobile has finally made it official! The Android 4.0.3 update for the HTC Sensation 4G will be available on May 16 – just two days from now. This new information comes from the HTC Sensation 4G’s support page on T-Mobile’s website, following news from the first week of May which claimed the Android 4.0 update would be available “very soon.”

Once Wednesday rolls around, you can manually check for the Android 4.0.3 update on the HTC Sensation 4G. From your home screen, press Menu > Settings > About Phone > Software Updates > Check. T-Mobile is recommending that you have at least a 50% charge on your device to make sure your battery does not deplete during the update process.

To add to the good news, T-Mobile has updated the HTC Amaze 4G support page, stating its Android 4.0 update will be available in the “coming weeks.” We’re not sure how much longer Amaze 4G owners will actually have to wait for their Ice Cream Sandwich update, but we’re hoping T-Mobile makes it available before the end of the month.

Are any of you excited for the official Android 4.0.3 update for the HTC Sensation 4G? Did any of you give up and buy a new phone or flash an unofficial Ice Cream Sandwich ROM to your Sensation?

HTC Sensation and Amaze 4G update features

• Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
• Sense 3.6
• System bar enhancements to easily view recent apps.
• Re-sizeable widgets
• Lock screen actions including pull down notifications and adjust volume while device is locked.
• Data usage controls.
• Face Unlock
• Home screen folders
• Improved battery life
• Note: HTC Sensation 4G will be required to add Wi-Fi Mobile Hotspot feature in order to use the service after completing this update.

Lets be honest, phone unboxing videos can get a bit boring, but we doubt any of you will be bored while watching a 17 minute video unboxing of the ASUS Padfone and its tablet and keyboard docking extensions.

On its own, the ASUS Padfone is a fairly powerful device, featuring a 4.3-inch qHD Super AMOLED display, 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm S4 processor paired with an Adreno 225 GPU, 8 megapizel camera and comes with a 1,520mAh battery. From the look of it, the Padfone is running on a stock Android build, though ti does have quite a few pre-installed applications to enhance its phone/tablet experience. The tablet dock features a 10.1-inch display with a 1080 x 800 pixel screen resolution, stereo speakers and a docking port which allows it to connect to a keyboard which is very similar to the keyboard dock of the ASUS Transformer Prime.

ASUS has also developed its own Bluetooth Stylus Phone which can be used phone phone calls while the Padfone docked inside the tablet. The Bluetooth stylus phone features a volume rocker, power buttons and a capacitive tip which can be used to control the tablet.

Be sure to check out the video below and let us know what you think of the new ASUS Padfone and its many accessories. Would you rather have a dedicated phone, tablet and netbook or one device which can work as all three?

The international Galaxy S II has already received the update to Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, leaving the sized-up Galaxy Note behind on Android 2.3. Today, several European users are reporting that their devices have received an OTA update notification that brings their phone-tablet hybrid into 2012 with the Android 4.0 update.

Of course, this is a Samsung device, and Samsung has revamped their Touchwiz UI overlay for the Note, which looks a lot more like its Gingerbread variant. Other features in the upgrade include a new and improved S Note application, a new S Memo widget, and the Premium Suite Shape Match and My Story applications. Of course, you’ll get the performance improvements that come with ICS as well.

Owners of the AT&T-branded Galaxy Note will have to wait for the update to pass through carrier testing, which tends to add 1-3 months to the process. Hopefully that process has already begun, and AT&T Note owners will be getting their own taste of Ice Cream Sandwich very soon. We’re leaning towards the update coming sooner than later, as an AT&T-branded Galaxy Note was spotted at CTIA this week.

Any non-US readers out there getting the Android 4 update on your Galaxy Note?

On May 31, Virgin Mobile will launch the HTC EVO V 4G. The new HTC device is essentially last year’s HTC EVO 3D without Sprint’s branding. Virgin has kept the 3D display, dual cameras and the phone’s awkward design. While Sprint’s HTC EVO 3D is still running on Android 2.3, the EVO V 4G will debut with Android 4.0 and HTC Sense 3.6 – similar to what HTC’s been delivering to its older devices as they are updated to Ice Cream Sandwich. Virgin Mobile and HTC have not released details about the phone’s processor, but we assume the EVO V 4G is powered by a dual-core 1.2 GHz Qaulcomm S3 chip.

HTC EVO V 4G specifications

• 5MP camera with video and 3D HD imaging, and 1.3MP front-facing camera
• 4.3-inch qHD touchscreen
• 1730 mAh battery (up to six hours of talk time)
• 1GB RAM/4GB ROM
• External micro SD memory card slot up to 32GB (8GB card included)
• HDMI and Bluetooth-capable
• Dual microphones for noise suppression
• Digital compass, G-Sensor, Light sensor, GPS/AGPS
• 4G WiMAX technology

The HTC EVO V 4G will cost $299.99 and can be used with Virgin’s Beyond Talk plans which start at just $35 a month for 300 minutes, unlimited messaging and 2.5GB of data at 4G speeds. According to Virgin, the launch of the HTC EVO V 4G proves ”that customers don’t have to sacrifice technology to choose a prepaid smartphone that keeps them connected.”

Virgin Mobile’s lineup may not include any true flagship Android devices, but the HTC EVO V 4G is certainly a great option if you don’t mind living with last year’s technology.