Android Tablet Update

It was four days ago now, December 16th, when Google first announced they’d be rolling out an update to Ice Cream Sandwich for the Samsung Nexus S. Due to various errors and problems being reported by users from all over the web, the update is being put on hold for some.

Problems associated with the update to Ice Cream Sandwich include everything from high spikes in CPU usage, to major battery drain. Because of this, even if you receive a notification to download the update to your device, doesn’t mean you will be able to apply it. In areas where Google is monitoring feedback, they have paused the update process. Once the update is cleared for those regions being monitored, a new notification to update will appear.

If you received an update notification a little while ago but the update isn’t currently available for your phone, this is likely the result of Google pausing the update in your area while we monitor feedback. The Android 4.0 update is continuing to roll out around the world so your phone will receive another update notification when it’s available again in your region.Paul WilcoxCommunity Manager, Google

Personally, I have seen great battery life on Ice Cream Sandwich, and no spikes in CPU usage. However, I am having my own set of problems with the camera app. At first, it would only force close after a minute or two of doing nothing. Then, I started seeing an error message saying that my phone can’t connect to the camera. That same error message also popped up when I tried using CameraFX. Now, the camera will load sometimes, but nothing works. The viewfinder area stays black. As you can imagine, this is seriously frustrating.

It’s incredibly disappointing to see the update play out this poorly, but I wouldn’t wish battery, CPU or camera problems (especially ones this bad) on my worst enemy. Hopefully, Google will have the update figured out before too long.

Google promised that the Nexus S would be updated to Android 4.0 shortly after the Galaxy Nexus was released. Sure enough, just one day after the Verizon Nexus hit shelves across the nation, Ice Cream Sandwich for the Nexus S has hit the air.

As for how the update will play out, it will be rolled out in waves (much like every other update has), with GSM devices first in line. Sprint’s Nexus S 4G will come later on. It may take around a month for the update to be completely deployed, but rest assured you shouldn’t have to wait that long. Once the update is out there, developers usually release a flashable update file that doesn’t require root to use.

When it comes to the changes in store for Nexus S users, Google has published a “Tips for Android 2.3 Users” page that offers some words of advice on making the upgrade. The page features information like how to change the wallpaper, create a folder and view recent apps. There’s also information on the new lock screen, the gestures found throughout Ice Cream Sandwich and app upgrades.

I’m still waiting for the update to hit my handset, but once it does, I’ll be sure to share my experiences. If you feel up to it, you can do the same in the comments below.

Update:

The manual update file for the T-Mobile (not sure about AT&T) Nexus S is live. I have successfully update my Nexus S, but keep in mind that this is a download at your own risk situation. Famed Android developer JBQ has put out some release notes on the update, saying that this is the first AOSP build that supports three devices: the Nexus S, Galaxy Nexus and Motorola Xoom. To download the update, I recommend visiting this Google+ post where you can also find instructions. Good luck!

Throughout the madness that has become the US launch of the Galaxy Nexus, it’s been easy to forget that Samsung’s latest device won’t be the only US phone to run stock Android before the year is over. Some time ago, Google made an announcement that Android 4.0 would be rolled out to Nexus S devices just as soon as the Galaxy Nexus was released. Well, as that time inches ever closer, Google is taking the proper measures to make sure Nexus S owners get their dose of ICS right on schedule.

According to some Google+ posts from AdSense Policy Applications and Signals Developer Adel Saoud, Google employees are already receiving test builds of Ice Cream Sandwich for the Nexus S. The purpose of updating Google employee’s devices before consumer’s is so that developers can help iron out any kinks before the update goes live. The Google+ posts revealing this information doesn’t give away any details on the update, just that it’s not ready for prime time.

If previous updates are any indication of how this one will roll out, it shouldn’t be long before anyone still holding onto a Nexus S gets brought up to speed. I’ll still be using my Nexus S for quite some time to come, so once the update is live, we’ll be sure to bring you plenty of in-depth coverage on what Android 4.0 brings to the device.