Motorola Atrix 4G, Photon 4G and Electrify handsets will not receive Ice Cream Sandwich update

It’s a sad day for early adopters of Motorola’s first dual-core handsets. In a statement made on the company’s support forum, it’s been revealed that the Atrix 4G, Photon 4G and Electrify will not be receiving updates to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, and instead will remain on Gingerbread. This comes just days after Motorola revisited its update timeline, in which several devices had been given a new fate. The manufacturer is reiterating its $100 rebate program for owners of Motorola devices that won’t be updated to Jelly Bean. However, the offer is only good for those upgrading to new Motorola handsets, which we’re sure is very unlikely to happen at this point.

This is the worst possible news for owners of these select devices, though it’s not like we didn’t see it coming. Up until today I was the proud owner of an Atrix 4G, though as soon as I heard this unfortunate news I headed to my local AT&T store to pick up a Samsung Galaxy S III. And, while I may not be holding onto it for a long period of time (I’m hoping Google announces its new Nexus smartphone(s) soon), it will suffice as my daily driver in the meantime. I refuse to do business with a company who forgets about its customers.

Also, keep an eye out for some additional posts detailing the process for loading aftermarket Jelly Bean or Ice Cream Sandwich ROMs onto these devices. After all, we’re here to help.

Source: Motorola

Buzz Terms:

• at&t motorola atrix 2 update

Motorola to soon push ICS update to DROID XYBOARD 8.2 LTE

Just about anybody that has had a Motorola Android device will say that updates get delayed quite often. Look at the DROID RAZR for example. The infamous 4.0 ICS update was pushed back for months, leaving consumers anxious to receive some “tender, love, and care.”

Owners of the XYBOARD devices haven’t see too many updates besides 4.0 for Wi-Fi-only models. With a recent .PDF file showing up on the Verizon Wireless website, it looks like the DROID XYBOARD 8.2 (LTE Edition) will be getting some sweet Ice Cream Sandwich.

On the document, Big Red has decided to include a quick walthrough guide upon updating your device, as well as provide what is included with the latest 4.0.4 software. Here are some of the benefits that will be coming to a DROID XYBOARD 8.2 LTE near you:

• Includes the latest Motorola USB driver to allow XYBOARD to connect to a computer to transfer files. 
• Securely refresh your Corporate Email account with the native email client.
• Faster Browsing Experience
• Improved network connectivity

There is no “set” roll-out date for 4.0.4, but depending on Motorola it can either be days, or months. Hopefully in a couple days time, Ice Cream Sandwich will unite with all Xyboard devices.

Source: Verizon Wireless

Sony to rollout Ice Cream Sandwich for Xperia Go, Xperia U and Xperia Sola

Sony announced plans to rollout an over-the-air (OTA) update over the next few days for three devices to bring them up to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The devices include the Sony Xperia Go, Xperia U and Xperia Sola. This latest round of updates continues a trend of Sony’s to provide ICS to many of their devices, even older ones.

Along with the ICS update, the OTA will include some Sony specific additions like enhanced media, a better lock screen, and “extended standby mode” to help improve battery life for the devices. The Xperia Sola also gets “Glove Mode” which will let users operate the device while wearing gloves.

The OTA was scheduled to start rolling out today with unlocked devices first up to receive the improvements. Carrier-branded devices will take a little longer although Sony anticipates the updates to well underway by the middle of next week. Owners of the Sony devices can check the Sony update site at http://www.sonymobile.com/us/software/ for more information.

source: Phandroid

Sony to rollout Ice Cream Sandwich for Xperia Go, Xperia U and Xperia Sola

Sony announced plans to rollout an over-the-air (OTA) update over the next few days for three devices to bring them up to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The devices include the Sony Xperia Go, Xperia U and Xperia Sola. This latest round of updates continues a trend of Sony’s to provide ICS to many of their devices, even older ones.

Along with the ICS update, the OTA will include some Sony specific additions like enhanced media, a better lock screen, and “extended standby mode” to help improve battery life for the devices. The Xperia Sola also gets “Glove Mode” which will let users operate the device while wearing gloves.

The OTA was scheduled to start rolling out today with unlocked devices first up to receive the improvements. Carrier-branded devices will take a little longer although Sony anticipates the updates to well underway by the middle of next week. Owners of the Sony devices can check the Sony update site at http://www.sonymobile.com/us/software/ for more information.

source: Phandroid

Samsung Provides Updated Jelly Bean Update Roadmap To The Masses

In addition to the utter joy of the Jelly Bean update getting out to select Galaxy S III owners, Samsung has announced its latest roadmap highlighting which additional devices are slated for that buttery goodness. As of right now, Samsung has confirmed 15 of its popular devices will indeed receive the Android 4.1 update either “soon” or at some point in the future:

GALAXY Tab 2 7.0 & 10.1, GALAXY Note 10.1, GALAXY SII, GALAXY Note, GALAXY Tab 7.0 Plus, GALAXY S Advance, GALAXY SII LTE, GALAXY Music, GALAXY Chat, GALAXY Ace 2, GALAXY Beam, GALAXY Ace Plus, GALAXY mini II and GALAXY S DUOS

Most of the devices we see listed shouldn’t be after too much of a surprise. After all, Samsung did say that some devices would skip Ice Cream Sandwich and go straight to Jelly Bean, while other successful devices would without a doubt get the Jelly Bean update. Hopefully owners of some Sammy devices won’t be too scorned since Jelly Bean will not be pushed to those respective devices. But then again, all is not too bad in reality because after all– it could be a lot worse as other manufacturers can attest to.

source: Android Central

Archos 101 XS now available in Europe

Last month, Archos announced their new Gen10 XS line of tablets which offer a sweet, built-in magnetic “Coverboard” that acts as a stand and also a protective case. Today, it looks like one of the Gen10 tablets, the 101 XS, is available for purchase online in Europe. As a little refresher, the 101 XS is the Gen10 XS lineup’s flagship model and comes with a 10.1″ (1280×800) display, a 1.2GHz dual-core OMAP 4470 processor, 16GB of storage and a near-stock Ice Cream Sandwich experience. Nothing about those specs will blow you away, but Archos is hoping that the “Coverboard” feature will set it apart from other tablets out there. The 10″ 101 XS will run you £300. If you pick one up, give us your opinion of this one-of-a-kind tablet.

source: ARCHOS

T-Mobile Confirms Snapdragon S4 Chip In Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G

We previously thought that the Galaxy S Relay 4G would have the Qualcomm Snapdragon S3 chip, but T-Mobile confirmed that it will actually have the Snapdragon S4 chip. The improved technology should make the phone more appealing to T-Mobile customers looking for something in Samsung’s Galaxy line. The rest of the specs are the same as previously reported with a 4-inch display, Ice Cream Sandwich and NFC capabilities.

The Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G will be in stores on September 19 for $150 after the rebate. Does the improved technology make you want this phone more? Does it even make a difference?

Source: TmoNews

Samsung Bulgaria Claims The Galaxy Ace 2 And Galaxy S Advance Smartphones Will Not Get Android 4.0 Update… Will Go Straight To Jelly Bean Instead

Samsung Bulgaria has just provided an interesting tidbit of news for owners of the Galaxy Ace 2 and Galaxy S Advance smartphones. According to the gang at GSM Arena, when asked if both devices would get Android 4.0 on its Facebook page, Samsung Bulgaria surprised all and confirmed both devices would not be getting Ice Cream Sandwich— instead both would be updated to Jelly Bean. Of course there’s the understandable speculation that Samsung Bulgaria may be out of its mind and is providing incorrect information. However if this is true (and that’s a BIG if), then Samsung is confirming its intentions of being the top Android manufacturer when it comes to updating and providing support for its devices.

While this is exciting and all, first things’ first— we need to see Samsung roll out the Jelly Bean update for its flagship device first. Once that’s done, then we’ll wait and see if or when Samsung rolls out the Jelly Bean update for the Galaxy Ace 2 and Galaxy S Advance smartphones.

source: GSM Arena

Kobo to release Arc 7″ tablet featuring Ice Cream Sandwich and Tapestries

Even though Kobo’s last attempt in the 7″ tablet market didn’t go so well, it isn’t stopping them from going after that two-headed monster – the Nexus 7 and the new Kindle Fire. Last November Kobo released the Vox tablet to very little fanfare and while it wasn’t a terrible tablet, it just didn’t offer anything special to separate it from the Kindle Fire or Nook. Well this year is a new year, so maybe they’ll have better luck this year beginning with a name change from Vox to Arc.

The Arc, which is due to arrive in November in 8GB ($199.99) and 16GB ($249.99) versions will be somewhat comparable to the Nexus 7 in some aspects. The Arc 7″ tablet will run on Android 4.0 and sport a 1280 x 800 display. It’ll also come with a front-facing camera and 1GB of RAM, however it will not have 3G capability or GPS. Additionally, the tablet will not have its own app store, but it will provide access to the Google Play Store. While none of these features are particularly cutting edge, Kobo is hanging its hat on one exclusive selling point in what they’re calling “Tapestries.” This feature builds a library of recommended apps, books, and games based on your habits. We’ve obviously seen features like this before on other products as well as third-party apps so we’ll have to wait for a hands-on before any further judgment is passed. Although, the first impression is that it’s not providing anything too revolutionary here.

We aren’t quite sure where this tablet will fit into the hot 7″ tablet market. With the Nexus 7 coming out of the gates strong and the announcement of a cheaper new Kindle Fire today, it’ll be tough sledding for Kobo and their Arc to get a foothold in this market. However, we will find out for sure come November. What are your thoughts on this piece of hardware and it will fit into this crowded market?

source:  gigaom

Kobo to release Arc 7″ tablet featuring Ice Cream Sandwich and Tapestries

Even though Kobo’s last attempt in the 7″ tablet market didn’t go so well, it isn’t stopping them from going after that two-headed monster – the Nexus 7 and the new Kindle Fire. Last November Kobo released the Vox tablet to very little fanfare and while it wasn’t a terrible tablet, it just didn’t offer anything special to separate it from the Kindle Fire or Nook. Well this year is a new year, so maybe they’ll have better luck this year beginning with a name change from Vox to Arc.

The Arc, which is due to arrive in November in 8GB ($199.99) and 16GB ($249.99) versions will be somewhat comparable to the Nexus 7 in some aspects. The Arc 7″ tablet will run on Android 4.0 and sport a 1280 x 800 display. It’ll also come with a front-facing camera and 1GB of RAM, however it will not have 3G capability or GPS. Additionally, the tablet will not have its own app store, but it will provide access to the Google Play Store. While none of these features are particularly cutting edge, Kobo is hanging its hat on one exclusive selling point in what they’re calling “Tapestries.” This feature builds a library of recommended apps, books, and games based on your habits. We’ve obviously seen features like this before on other products as well as third-party apps so we’ll have to wait for a hands-on before any further judgment is passed. Although, the first impression is that it’s not providing anything too revolutionary here.

We aren’t quite sure where this tablet will fit into the hot 7″ tablet market. With the Nexus 7 coming out of the gates strong and the announcement of a cheaper new Kindle Fire today, it’ll be tough sledding for Kobo and their Arc to get a foothold in this market. However, we will find out for sure come November. What are your thoughts on this piece of hardware and it will fit into this crowded market?

source:  gigaom