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Jelly Bean update for AT&T's Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket now available
We've witnessed AT&T deliver a very fresh Android experience to a number of Samsung's galactic handsets in the past few months, but we definitely won't complain when others get the same treatment -- even if it is slightly overdue. Available now via Kies, this Jelly Bean upgrade will give Galaxy S II Skyrocket owners what will likely be a much welcomed boost, including new features such as Smart Stay, Direct Call and Pop Up Play. Of course, the aforementioned tidbits are only part of the bigger Mountain View picture, since the new version means automatic access to Google Now and overall under-the-hood enhancements thanks to things like Project Butter. It's here, it's real, and it's ready to rejuvenate your device -- all you have to do is pay our source link a visit, where you'll find specific instructions on how to get the goods.
Galaxy Note II (GT-N7100) getting Android 4.1.2 update
Everyone loves a software update right? Even better when it's an official one. So, Galaxy Note II owners will be pleased as punch to know that Android 4.1.2 is now finding its way to the international variant (GT-N7100) of the handset. You might not think a 0.0.1 refresh will be all that snazzy, but word is that there's actually a reasonable amount of newness going on. This includes the elements we'd expect from 4.1.2, but also some Samsung-specific bits, such as the ability to disable Multi-View, new items in the notification toggles, a customizable notification panel, a new ink effect on the lock screen, and Swype-style typing (without even waiting for 4.2). It's possible you might not see the update right away, but might not hurt to have Kies on hand all the same.
Samsung will update US Galaxy S III devices to Jelly Bean 'in the coming months'
The about screen on your US Samsung Galaxy S III may look a lot like the one above in the near future (albeit in English). Samsung has officially announced its intention to make an upgrade to Jelly Bean available to stateside versions of the company's flagship, though it left out one very important detail: the actual date. Instead, all we know at this point is that an upgrade to Android 4.1 will be offered OTA and via Kies sometime in the coming months. Why so vague? It's likely because Samsung is now at the mercy of each individual carrier to finish testing the new version of Android on the GS3 before unleashing it to the public. The refresh will deliver some TouchWiz-based enhancements like Blocking Mode, Easy Mode and a few new camera settings, as well as the usual suite of Jelly Bean improvements like Google Now and expandable notifications. Head below to check out the press release, which offers a more detailed list of what to expect.
AT&T upgrades Samsung Captivate Glide to Android 4.0, keeps the QWERTY habit going
Hardware keyboard fans must feel like they're part of an endangered species -- there's greater uncertainty these days about software updates, let alone new smartphones. If you're part of that persecuted group, AT&T and Samsung have your back: they've just started rolling out Android 4.0 for the Captivate Glide. All of the features will be familiar if you've borrowed someone's Galaxy S II in the past few months, although it's hard to object to the better multitasking and support for Chrome. About the only catch is the need to use Kies to grab the update, but that's a small sacrifice we're sure many are willing to make.
Samsung Galaxy Note for AT&T devours Ice Cream Sandwich and Premium Suite apps
Here it is, just as you'd expected: Android 4.0 and Samsung's Premium Suite of apps is now available for the Galaxy Note on AT&T. While the update won't be made available over-the-air, both PC and Mac users may download and install the latest OS from within Samsung Kies. As for the S Pen-enhanced apps within the Premium Suite, you'll find a new version of S-Note that sports integration with Wolphram Alpha, along with an S-Memo widget that syncs to both Evernote and Google Drive. Finally, the My Story app is available as an add-on download within Samsung Apps, which allows users to write letters, create cards and multimedia albums. For full installation instructions, just hit up the source link below. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
AT&T Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket gets updated to ICS
The Galaxy Note isn't the only device on AT&T getting the precious upgrade to Android 4.0 today, as the Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket is jumping on the bandwagon. Sadly, it's not an OTA update, which means you'll need to get into the Kies client on your computer to get your refresh on. If you've never done an update this way, head to the source link for plenty of details on how to propel your device to the next level. [Thanks, Horst]
ICS officially available for AT&T Samsung Galaxy S II beginning tomorrow
While it's true a few lucky AT&T Galaxy S II owners were able to get their hands on the official upgrade to Android 4.0 just a matter of days ago, the company wasn't ready to push it out to the masses quite just yet. The initial tests must've gone as well as hoped, however, because AT&T will be ready to make ICS publicly available tomorrow to anyone willing to go through Kies to grab it. Indeed, the one drawback to this wonderful news is the fact that ICS doesn't just come to you... you need to go to it. As in, no over-the-air capabilities. The silver lining to that, though, is that this may actually work out better for anyone that feels better off sticking with the tried-and-true Gingerbread TouchWiz experience. On a sidenote, AT&T also reaffirmed its commitment to bringing the next version of Android to more devices this summer, but refused to specify which ones we can look forward to. Head below (or check out the source link) to learn how to grab the update.
Android 4.0.3 now available for T-Mobile Galaxy S II, get it while it's cold
It may be late in the evening here in the States, but for T-Mobile users, your time in the sun has finally arrived -- Android 4.0.3 is now available via Samsung Kies for the Galaxy S II. According to the carrier, the update won't be made available via an OTA download, which means that if you don't have a PC, you'd best shake down a friend at this late hour -- or, at least give 'em a call in the morning. In addition to Ice Cream Sandwich, the update is said to bring WiFi calling improvements and enhancements to the voicemail system. It'd also be wise to ensure that your phone's software is up-to-date before you begin, as Android 2.3.6 is a prerequisite of the upgrade. Ready to dive in? Just hop the source link for the complete set of instructions.
T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S II getting ICS June 11th
If you've been waiting... and waiting... and waiting some more for Ice Cream Sandwich to show up on the US variants of the Galaxy S II, it looks like the upgrade is ready to begin trickling in. T-Mobile is the first to announce an official date for its flavor of last year's flagship device, with its version of the GSII rolling out on June 11th. Unfortunately, it's not an OTA refresh as we'd prefer -- you'll have to surrender yourself to the will of Kies, but at least it's going to be available. AT&T and Sprint, the move is now yours to make. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) now hitting unlocked Galaxy S II in America
See that? That's the sign that awoke yours truly this morning. And that just happens to be confirmation that the long-awaited Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) update is finally coming to unlocked (read: global, non-carrier branded) Galaxy S II smartphones situated in the United States. If you'll recall, said update started flowing to units in South Korea (among other locales) eons ago, but owners located in the US of A haven't been treated equally... until today. Head on into Settings and check for an update -- seeing anything intriguing?
Epic 4G Touch gets 'experimental' Windows-only root, overclockers and undervolters dance for joy
Since you can't upgrade the GPU or add more RAM to your smartphone, there's really only one way to improve upon an already impressive handset like the Epic 4G Touch -- root it. It hasn't been on the market for very long, but the crafty hackers over at XDA forums have already figured out how to open up the phone to your every whim. The crack is "experimental" at this point, so proceed with caution. You'll also need to have both Kies and Odin 3 up and running, which makes this a Windows-only treatment at the moment. Head on after the break for a pair of videos and hit up the source link for full instructions. Oh, and happy modding.
Refresh Roundup: week of August 15, 2011
Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging to get updated. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery from the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy! Official Android updates The HTC EVO 3D is now ready for a maintenance fix called 2.08.651.2, which offers some nice improvements like allowing more Sprint bloatware to be uninstallable by the user, contact transfer via bluetooth, fixes for the lock screen occasionally freezing, and GPS enhancements. This update is available through a manual install. [via SprintFeed] Speaking of the HTC EVO 3D, the bootloader unlock tool is now ready for your enjoyment on the company's fancy new dev site. Android 2.3.4 is finally rolling out on T-Mobile's HTC Sensation 4G, and all users should receive the OTA update by the end of September at the latest. Aside from the standard 2.3.4 enhancements, Sensation 4G owners can also expect better battery life, additional software stability, extra touchscreen responsiveness, and improved "device reboots." Curiously, the refresh also promises better screen and photo resolution. All in all, this is the kind of firmware boost we love to see. (Thanks, Anonymous) [via TmoNews] If you're using a Samsung Fascinate 3G on Telus, you'll be interested to know that you may now have Gingerbread bestowed upon your device. It'll involve a manual install using Samsung Kies, so go to the website to get all the instructions. [via MobileSyrup] The five people enjoying their Motorola Flipside can finally be treated to Android 2.2. Yes, that's Froyo. Go here to get the update manually. [via AndroidCentral] Some Motorola Droid X users complained about bugs after its bump up to Gingerbread, which should be resolved by installing version 4.5.602. It's a simple maintenance fix that throws in a couple additional enhancements at the same time. [via AndroidCentral] HTC Droid Incredible is inching closer to getting upgraded to Android 2.3.4, according to the support page Verizon recently set up on its site. [via Droid-Life] In time for today's launch, Samsung has released the source code for the Conquer 4G. Devs, head here to download it -- you'll know what to do after that. [via Android Police] For everyone who chooses to get the Conquer 4G, it's supposedly set to receive a device security enhancement today as well, according to some leaked screenshots. [via SprintFeed] Unofficial Android updates/custom ROMs/misc hackery This was fast -- the same bug fix update for the Droid X that we mentioned above has already been rooted. Go to the via for the full details on how to get it. As always, diving into these types of processes are more advanced, and you should follow the instructions to the letter. [via Droid-Life] The MIUI custom ROM is starting to gain a lot of momentum in the Android community, and if you're interested in checking it out on your device without going through the hassle of installing the full version (let alone rooting your phone or buying a MIUI-supported phone), an XDA developer has created a clone of the MIUI launcher and has made an APK available for your downloading pleasure. The via has a large screenshot gallery to check out. [via AddictiveTips] We've seen a lot of leaked Gingerbread ROMs surface for the HTC Thunderbolt, but this time an "official" update has made its ways to the Android dev world. It's been told that this is not yet the final build, so it's bound to get even better with time. Still, the impatient users may want to get this as soon as possible. [via RootzWiki and AndroidCentral] Another build of Gingerbread, EH06, has leaked for the Samsung Epic 4G. [via AndroidCentral] The HTC EVO 4G update to Android 2.3 can now be rooted, courtesy of Revolutionary. [via AndroidCentral]
Refresh Roundup: week of August 8, 2011
Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging to get updated. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery from the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy! Official Android updates Acer took to its Facebook page in Malaysia to announce that the Honeycomb 3.2 OTA update for the Iconia Tab A500 has been delayed until August 25. [via Phandroid] The LG G-Slate is starting to receive Honeycomb 3.1. [via AndroidCentral] We've also heard the HTC Flyer's on the receiving end of a 2.3.4 bump in Germany. [via HTC Inside (translated)] Motorola's announced that Honeycomb 3.1 has arrived on the Xoom in Europe, after several months of waiting. [via ITProPortal] Tomorrow, Sprint's pushing out a maintenance fix known as RD.00.02 for the Motorola Titanium. From a leaked screenshot, the main "enhancement" is correcting a bug that kept users from dialing from a meeting on the Exchange calendar. [via SprintFeed] Android 2.3.4 is making its way to unbranded HTC Sensation units in Europe this week as an OTA update, and will likely spread to carrier-branded devices over the next couple weeks. [via Phandroid] Both Bell and Virgin Mobile Canada are rolling out Gingerbread to its Galaxy S Vibrant. The download is available to any of its users by accessing Samsung Kies. [via MobileSyrup] HTC began pushing Gingerbread to the Inspire 4G on Monday. If you still haven't received your update OTA yet, instructions can be found on how to do it manually via its website. [Thanks, Brian] Are you an HTC Desire owner that's been eagerly awaiting Gingerbread? It's here now, but the manufacturer isn't going to push it out OTA -- rather, you'll need to do it on your own, so head to the via for a video tutorial on how to do it step-by-step. [via PocketNow] T-Mobile has announced that its OTA Gingerbread rollout for the G2x is now officially over. If you missed your opportunity, you may still download it using the LG updater tool. [via TmoNews] This is definitely a rumor, but an HTC support rep apparently emailed a concerned Incredible user to assure them that Gingerbread was still indeed in the plans for the year-old device. No timeframe was given, however. [via Phandroid] AT&T took to its Twitter account to state that the Infuse 4G is on track to receive Gingerbread sometime this month. [via AndroidCentral] Unofficial Android updates / custom ROMs / misc. hackery We heard last week that the Motorola Photon 4G had been rooted, but it required the use of the phone's fancy (and expensive) HD dock. This obstacle has since been removed, and you can root your brand new phone without it. [via AndroidCentral] Speaking of the Photon 4G, a System Boot File (SBF) is now available for the device. The SBF is a backup that comes in handy if something goes awry and your phone ends up getting bricked. By using the SBF, your phone will be restored back to its original factory defaults. [via SprintFeed] A dev preview of CyanogenMod 7 for the HTC Sensation 4G is now being shown at a YouTube near you. Did someone say CyanogenMod 7? Well, this week also witnessed a user updating their Motorola Triumph to Android 2.3.5, but almost nothing works properly on it; since the kernel source hasn't been released for it yet, the update isn't quite up to par. CM7 is also said to be coming to the Motorola Atrix 4G and LG Optimus 3D soon as well. [via Phandroid] Other platforms The tools used to flash Windows Phone Mango's RTM version has been leaked, and you can find instructions on how to get it on this XDA thread. Remember that you do this at your own risk. [via WMPowerUser] A few rumors circulated the web this week that Mango would be released on September 1. WP7's own Joe Belfiore was the one responsible for shooting down that rumor via Twitter. [via WMPowerUser]
Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 now syncs with your Mac, updated Kies software to thank
You heard right -- Samsung's slimmest slate yet is now on speaking terms with OS X, well over a month after the first ones slipped out to developers at Google I/O. Oddly enough, it looks as if Android File Transfer is still stuck in yesteryear, with Samsung itself pushing out a revised build of Kies to enable Tab-to-Mac relations. If this discussion is relevant to your interests, the source links below will be as well.
Galaxy S Gingerbread update lands in the UK, better late than never (updated: it wasn't late)
So, Samsung missed that mid-May target date for the Galaxy S Gingerbread update... after already aborting an earlier push to Google's latest and greatest in mid-April. But, time for some cautious optimism -- it appears that Android 2.3 is finally here for Sammy's carrier-agnostic former flagship. A reader from the UK wrote in to let us know that he fired up Kies today and voilà -- firmware version 2.3.3. He was even kind enough to send us the photo above. We're not sure when to expect this as an OTA update here in the States, but we'd venture to guess it'll be soon. [Thanks, Lee] Update: Sammy actually started the Galaxy S Gingerbread update on time earlier this month, but it seems our tipster simply wasn't among the first to get in on the Android updating action.
Galaxy S II KE7 update brings better battery life, fixes "pink spot" camera bug
Galaxy S II owners, now is the time to load up Kies or to start impatiently tapping "system updates" -- Samsung is rolling out a new firmware for its flagship handsets dubbed KE7. Not everyone is seeing it yet but, according to users, you can expect better battery life, more accurate GPS readings, improved performance, a few upgraded apps, and a fix for the "pink spot" bug in the camera app. We appreciate Samsung making sure everything is just right and pushing a second update before bringing the Galaxy S II to America, but we think it's ready now -- hurry, before we change our minds about owning something called the Attain, Function, or Within.
Official: Samsung Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab getting Gingerbread update in mid-May
After encountering a little hitch with its mid-April Gingerbread delivery, Samsung is now ready to boot up Kies for another try. The company has this morning released word that it intends to update its entire Galaxy S family line, starting with models in the UK and Nordic countries from the middle of this month. The rest of the globe, including North America, will follow suit "according to the regional plan." Also benefiting from a Gingerbread upgrade will be the 7-inch Galaxy Tab, which already got a taste of Android 2.3 in Italy, and the company's bevy of budget Galaxy devices, the Ace, Gio, Fit and mini. Read the full PR after the break.
Galaxy Tab 10.1 Limited Edition not seen in Android File Transfer, Windows usability is spotty
You know what's cool? Handing out 5,000 Android tablets to your most loyal developers at Google I/O. You know what's not cool? Handing out 5,000 Android tablets that can't have files loaded onto them. Believe or not, that's exactly what happened at this week's I/O conference, where hordes of developers were handed a Galaxy Tab 10.1 Limited Edition that cannot currently interface with OS X, and has a whale of a time doing so with Windows 7. During our initial preview of Music Beta, we noticed that our MacBook Pro (OS X 10.6) wouldn't actually recognize the tablet, even after installing Android File Transfer. Given that we didn't actually need that functionality for the purpose of said article, we threw it on the backburner. For those unaware, Android File Transfer is a small app that's required to transfer content between OS X and Android 3.0. Avid users of Froyo and Gingerbread may be appalled that any Honeycomb device they buy will require a piece of software to interface with it, but hey -- there it is. At any rate, it seems to us that the latest build of Android File Transfer doesn't include the device ID for Samsung's heretofore unreleased Tab 10.1; if you'll recall, the standard edition of this thing isn't slated to hit consumer hands until June 8th. Regardless of what tricks we tried (installing a Mac version of Kies Mini, for example), we couldn't get a single Apple in our stable to recognize the thing. In one instance, a Mac viewed the device as a "Samsung Modem" within the Networking pane -- that's as close as we could come to getting the two to mingle. AllThingsD's Ina Fried said her Tab 10.1 LE was merely recognized as a camera-like device within Aperture. Over on the Windows side, things are only marginally less awful. We've had a couple of Wintel boxes outright refuse to play nice with this "mysterious USB device," while others required multiple reboots and driver searchers to finally mount it as an external storage device -- and only with USB Debugging disabled. The upside is that those with patience (and a Windows 7 rig) can look forward to a single method of transfer, but it's certainly less than ideal. We're surmising that Google's cooking up a new version of Android File Transfer as we speak that'll take care of the compatibility issues, hopefully long before consumers start seeing these in early June. But for developers in the here and now? Stop wasting your afternoon trying to figure out why your Mac just won't cooperate, and give that Win7 system a little love. Update: After a bit of additional digging, we noticed that it's possible to access the Tab's file system from a Mac or Windows PC by using the Android SDK, putting the tablet in USB debugging mode, and running ddms. It's not the most convenient solution if you want to quickly and conveniently transfer some content to / from the device, but it should work until AFT sees an update. Alternatively, we're hearing that XNJB -- an older open source project originally built for Creative Nomads -- enables files to be transferred whenever it's in a good mood.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2.3.3 Gingerbread update begins international rollout
Look, we know all this Honeycomb and Ice Cream Sandwich talk can get you down original Galaxy Tab owners. Unfortunately, that's the risk of being an early adopter. Now chin up, Samsung has just started dribbling out the Gingerbread 2.3.3 update to Italian Tab owners. The update, when it arrives in your location, will be available in Kies as firmware/baseband version P1000XXJQ1/P1000XXJPZ. Those less patient can always jump into the forums of course, and take their chances with a manual download and install. We won't tell. [Thanks, Greg]
Galaxy S Gingerbread update now rolling out across Europe
Samsung said its Android 2.3 update for the Galaxy S would come in mid-April and, by golly, it meant it literally. Sometime during the night between the 15th and 16th days of this month, the Korean manufacturer's Kies servers started serving up a fresh portion of Gingerbread to Galaxy S owners in parts of Europe, and now reports are coming in of users successfully updating their Hummingbird-equipped handsets. It's a limited rollout, benefiting the Nordic countries, Holland and Germany first, but we doubt Samsung will hold out on the rest of Europe for much longer. If you want to try your luck, boot up your Kies updating utility and pray to your nearest tech deity. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] Update: Vodafone UK is now dishing out this update to its Galaxy S owners as well.
