Android’s fragmentation continues to recede with new data showing 28.5 percent of Google phones and tablets now running either Ice Cream Sandwich or Jelly Bean. The software’s pace of change has slowed and more devices are shipping with the newest software. Read more »
One of Google’s biggest Android challenges has been devices running various versions of the software. But two things have happened that are helping the issue disappear as 1 in 4 Android devices now run the Ice Cream Sandwich or Jelly Bean versions of Android. Read more »
Samsung’s “phamous phablet”, the 5.3-inch Galaxy Note, continues to improve thanks to an update to Android 4.0 for AT&T device owners. T-Mobile has Galaxy Note support documents on line, so it’s likely to get the device soon. Maybe there’s a market for extra-large phones after all? Read more »
We knew international roaming was coming to Verizon’s LTE phones, but on Friday Verizon is finally turning it on two of its devices, the Motorola Razr and the Razr Maxx, as part of the same update that upgrades those handsets to Ice Cream Sandwich. Read more »
Starting in July, eight different Samsung Galaxy Tab models will see a software upgrade to Google Android 4.0; a.k.a. Ice Cream Sandwich. The Touch Wiz user interface is surely part of the upgrade, but might some software features from the Galaxy S III be included too? Read more »
Toshiba is set to add another choice to the small slate market: the company will soon sell the Excite 7.7 tablet running on the latest version of Google Android. Here’s a first look video and early impressions of the 16 GB tablet with Wi-Fi. Read more »
The second U.S. operator to launch Samsung’s Galaxy S II last year appears to be the first to upgrade the smartphone to Android 4.0. T-Mobile tweeted the news, saying the software update for the Ice Cream Sandwich version of Android will be available on June 11. Read more »
The adoption of tablets, social media and new interfaces and the changing nature of the TV itself mean the digital living room will continue on its path of rapid change, thanks to new ways of creating, viewing, bundling, distributing and selling content. Read more at GigaOM Pro »
AT&T’s newest LTE phone, the HTC One X, is due to hit stores May 6 for $199. The phone is similar to T-Mobile’s One S, but has a larger screen Super LCD screen. Here are my first impressions after a day with the new handset. Read more »
For developers, consumers and even carriers, Android seems irreparably broken. But Google’s not likely to “fix” Android anytime soon, because despite the fragmentation problem, the company is getting what it wants: massive amounts of user data. Read more at GigaOM Pro »
AT&T’s first Android 4.0 smartphone arrives on May 6: The HTC One X will cost $199.99 with 2-year contract. The dual-core, 4.7-inch handset with Beats Audio supports AT&T’s new LTE network in 32 markets and falls back to HSPA+ where LTE coverage isn’t yet available. Read more »
Samsung Galaxy S II handsets not tied to a carrier no longer have to wait for their Android 4.0 upgrade. Unlocked Galaxy S II phones can now download and install the software, known as Ice Cream Sandwich, which also includes a fresh version of Samsung’s TouchWiz. Read more »
A trio of new Toshiba tablets are on the way ranging in size from 7.7-, 10- and 13-inches with the new Excite 13, With the large display, however, comes a large price: The Excite 13 will start at $649.99 when it arrives on June 10. Read more »
Lenovo released a video overview of its newest slate, the IdeaTab S2109. The 8.9 millimeter Android 4.0 tablet with 9.7-inch display doesn’t have an official price, but there are a few clues indicating that this IdeaPad will be priced at or below Apple’s $399 iPad 2. Read more »
The Google Nexus tablet rumor is closer to reality with reports that Google will sell hardware from Asus and Samsung directly to consumers. The stylus isn’t holding back Samsung’s Galaxy Note; it passed 5 million sales. And Opera Mini can save on your data plan usage. Read more »
The stylus for Samsung’s Galaxy Note may put some people off, but the company is trying to add value to the accessory with new software. AT&T has announced which phones will next see the Ice Cream Sandwich update, while Acer debuted a new Iconia Tab slate. Read more »
Google Voice on Android 4.0 devices gained a software update on Thursday, allowing users to listen to their Google voicemail directly in the native phone app. This type of integration is unlikely to appear on competing platforms, giving Android a potential differentiator. Read more »
Along with a promised upgrade to Android 4.0, Samsung is adding more functionality to the S Pen stylus used with the Galaxy Note. The 5.3-inch handset will gain more stylus-supported apps along with new software and better recognition of handwritten text from the S Pen. Read more »
Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus is a Verizon Wireless exclusive in the U.S. but Sprint customers may be able to get the device next month. Although Sprint’s 4G LTE network isn’t available yet, the phone will keep the LTE radio for future activation and likely support Google Wallet. Read more »
This week saw an advanced 7-inch tablet that could become a low-cost Google Nexus slate, plus a $99, no-contract Android phone for first-time smartphone buyers. Android 4.0 is finally rolling out to some handsets, but will consumers still be happy with custom user interface skins? Read more »
Samsung’s Android 4.0 update for the Galaxy S II smartphone shows few visible differences. As expected, the company’s TouchWiz interface appears in the update, but it completely hides the visual improvements that Google made with Android 4.0, also known as Ice Cream Sandwich. Read more »
HTC expanded its list of devices that will see the Ice Cream Sandwich software, which now totals 16 smartphones. Noticeably absent from the list is the HTC Flyer, the company’s 7-inch slate. Why is that? It’s likely due to the dual-digitizer and meager sales. Read more »
Verizon published the list of devices it plans to upgrade to Android 4.0, and all but one share a common feature: LTE. Verizon is likely trying to get more consumers on its LTE network as these phones will offer a better experience to new smartphone customers. Read more »
Mobile World Congress took place this week, and aside from a few Microsoft-related announcements, the show was all about Android. We saw new phones from all but Samsung, with many slated for Android 4.0. OnLive Desktop launched for Android, bringing Windows to tablets and smartphones. Read more »
Broadcom claims that all of that hardware and functionality found in high-end devices smartphones like the the Galaxy Nexus can be had for half of the cost. On Monday at Mobile World Congress it’s unveiling the silicon component of that low-cost equation. Read more »
With a new phone line called the One, HTC is hoping to reinvigorate sales. AT&T will be selling the HTC One X variant this spring: a 4.7-inch, 1280 x 720 resolution Android 4.0 handset with HTC Sense 4.0 and support for AT&T’s LTE network. Read more »
What’s that wedding rhyme: “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”? Samsung has taken it to heart with its Galaxy Tab 2. The 7-inch slate borrows the Galaxy Tab 7 Plus form-factor and display and adds Android 4.0, Google’s Ice Cream Sandwich software for tablets. Read more »
After two weeks of using the Asus Transformer Prime, I’m convinced that it’s best large Android tablet available today for several reasons. Android 4.0 devices all got a better browser this week, thanks to the Chrome beta. Meanwhile HTC announced its Android 4.0 upgrade plans. Read more »
The Asus Transformer Prime has several “firsts” for 2012. It’s the first tablet to use Google’s Android 4.0 software. And it’s the first tablet to run on Nvidia’s Tegra 3 quad-core chip. So does first equal best? In this case, yes for those who like Android. Read more »
I took a look at Rdio’s new Android client and it’s a vast improvement. The application is a full re-write, rather than an update, and better supports Android 4.0 smartphones and tablets, allowing the app to be controlled on a device’s lock screen. Read more »
Asus kicked things up a notch at CES with the Transformer Prime and Nvidia’s Tegra 3 processor, making for the best tablet gaming I’ve seen yet. The Transformer Prime with keyboard dock should run for at least 18 hours; here’s a look at this potent portable. Read more »
Motorola officially announced on Wednesday that it’s now upgrading its Xoom Wi-Fi tablets to the Ice Cream Sandwich version of Android, effective immediately. Google Android version 4.0.3 will be an over-the-air software upgrade, starting today, in stages, for all Xoom tablet owners. Read more »
In October, Google debuted Android 4.0, also known as Ice Cream Sandwich, to unify tablets and smartphones. But does it really accomplish that? It’s too early to tell, but the current version has some inconsistencies noted by Jason Perlow, and I can’t disagree with him. Read more »
This week had me running around the CES event, where Android 4.0 was everywhere. New tablets with multicore chips impressed me — and could even be notebook replacements — plus a few smartphones looked incredible. Apps may start looking better to due to a Google initiative. Read more »
I was playing the Elder Scrolls: Skyrim video game today at CES; a game I play often at home on my Xbox 360 and large-screened HDTV. But I wasn’t playing on my Xbox. I was playing on an Nvidia Tegra 3 powered Android 4.0 tablet. Read more »
Google (NSDQ: GOOG) today took one more step towards getting its device partners and developers in line when it comes to using its Android o… Read more at paidContent »
Given my love for 7-inch tablets, I had to swing by Huawei’s booth at the Consumer Electronics Show. The Chinese company is showing off its MediaPad tablet with Android 4.0 and beautiful IPS display. Here’s a look at the light, thin and capable 7-inch slate. Read more »
Prior to Huawei’s CES scheduled press event on Monday, the company took a shot at high-end handset makers with the Ascend P1 S. Just 6.68 millimeters thin, the phone runs Android 4.0 on a Texas Instruments dual-core OMAP chip and 4.3-inch high-resolution Super AMOLED display. Read more »
Rivaling Asus’s Transformer Prime, Lenovo is showing off its own tablet with keyboard dock at the Consumer Electronics Show. The dual-core IdeaPad S2 weighs just 1.1 pounds, runs Google Android 4.0 out of the box and lasts for 20 hours with an optional keyboard dock. Read more »
