If you own a Motorola ATRIX 2 you may be disappointed not to have received the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update. However there is some good news, as an official Android 4.1 ROM has leaked from Motorola China and the developers on XDA have put together a method of getting the leaked ROM installed on your device.

While the developers claim that the ROM is stable, it is important to remember that the ATRIX 2 does not have the required hardware to run this version of Android. Also it is important to note that flashing this ROM will void your device warranty and may cause you to permanently risk your device.

The ATRIX 2 features a 4.3 inch touch display, 8GB of internal storage which can be expanded through micro SD, an 8 megapixel camera capable of 1080p HD video capture, a secondary camera for video calls and is powered by a 1 GHz dual-core processor with 1GB of RAM. The Atrix 2 is available in the U.S. exclusively through AT&T.

If you are willing to take a chance on this ROM head over to the source link for instructions on how to install the Jelly Bean ROM on your ATRIX 2.


source – XDA Developers

Motorola has not been very generous with the ICS update recently but they have done one good thing, as they have started rolling out Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich for the Motorola Atrix 2.

The update will be offered OTA (Over-the-Air) and users will be offered a notification when the update is available for their devices. You can also manually check for the update by heading over to Settings > About Phone > System Updates.

The update brings all the features you would expect on ICS like the face-unlock, native ability to capture screenshots, and the swipe to dismiss notifications.

Motorola also brings its own set of customization with the update including the quick launch lock-screen which allows you to quickly get access to some of your favorite tasks. Motorola also introduces a new app called SMARTACTIONS, which “intelligently automates, routine everyday tasks and suggests ways to personalize your phone to make your life easier”. What this means is it takes care of actions like sending an automatic text to missed callers and would turn off certain features automatically when it notes that your battery maybe dropping.

All in all ICS is warmly welcome by Atrix 2 users and we hope that Motorola will loosen the noose with future Android updates, especially now under Google’s management.

source – AT&T

While initial reports suggested that the Motorola Atrix 2 may not receive the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update when it was put into a “further plans coming soon” list. However it looks like things are about to change as rumors are coming are suggesting that the Atrix 2 is undergoing a soak test.


A Motorola soak test generally indicates that the software has been tested by the manufacturer and is being rolled out to a select few devices for testing.  This final phase ensures the software is bug free and ready for public consumption.

A leaked screenshot which accompanied the reports shows the device running Android 4.0.4. We are still not certain if Motorola will extend the ICS courtesy to the other devices like the Motorola Atrix 4G and the Motorola Photon 4G which are also on this list.


source – Android Central

With several manufacturers providing the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update for their devices, it is now time for the carriers in the U.S. to start pushing ICS to their customers.

AT&T has stepped forward and released a list of their phones and tablets will be receiving the ICS update.



The HTC Vivid is the first in line for ICS and is already receiving the Android 4.0 update.
Other AT&T devices which will receive Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich are:

• LG Nitro HD
• Motorola Atrix 2
• Motorola Atrix 4G
• Pantech Burst
• Pantech Element
• Samsung Captivate Glide
• Samsung Galaxy Note
• Samsung Galaxy S II
• Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9

One of the devices we were disappointed to see missing was the HTC Inspire 4G which we recently reviewed. Its International variant – the HTC Desire HD is in line for ICS and there is no reason why this one should be ineligible. Another device which has the hardware but has been left out of the ICS update list is the Samsung Infuse.

PRESS RELEASE

ANDROID 4.0 NOW AVAILABLE TO HTC VIVID™ CUSTOMERS
AT&T the First U.S. Carrier to Issue Latest Android Version via Upgrade Update Includes Beats By Dr. Dre Audio™ and Updated HTC Sense™ Experience Android Upgrades for Several AT&T Devices to Follow
Dallas, Texas, March 22, 2012
AT&T today announced the availability of Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) for HTC Vivid™ customers. After installing the software update, customers can now enjoy the optimized audio experience of Beats by Dr. Dre Audio™ and new and improved HTC Sense™ experience. Information about these features and more can be found at http://www.att.com/vividupdate. HTC Vivid™ will be the first U.S. smartphone to receive Ice Cream Sandwich as an update and the first to be issued by a wireless carrier. It will be followed by several other AT&T devices in the coming months:

* LG Nitro Motorola
*  ATRIX 2 Motorola
*  ATRIX 4G Pantech
*  Burst Pantech Element
*  Samsung Captivate Glide
*  Samsung Galaxy Note
*  Samsung Galaxy S II
*  Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket
*  Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9

Focused on bringing the power of Android to the surface, Android 4.0 makes common actions more visible and lets you navigate with simple, intuitive gestures. Refined animations and feedback throughout the system make interactions engaging and interesting. An entirely new typeface optimized for high-resolution screens improves readability and brings a polished, modern feel to the user interface.

New User Features for HTC Vivid
Beats By Dr. Dre Audio™ - Enhance your music and video experience with Beats By Dr. Dre Audio. Whenever a media file is played using the media players or most third party applications, customers will experience richer, more authenic sound. AT&T recently debuted the Beats™ by Dr. Dre™ Beatbox Portable high performance wireless audio system. The superior portable system and Beats accessories are available at AT&T company-owned stores or online.
Face Unlock - Android 4.0 introduces a completely new approach to securing a device, making each person's device even more personal — Face Unlock is a new screen-lock option that lets you unlock your device using facial recognition. It takes advantage of the device’s front-facing camera and state-of-the-art facial recognition technology to register a face during setup and then to recognize it again when unlocking the device. Just hold your device in front of your face to unlock, or use a backup PIN or pattern.

How to Upgrade
Beginning today, customers can download the update via Wi-Fi by visiting http://www.att.com/vividupdate. If Wi-Fi is not available, you can download the software upgrade to a PC and install it via sideload. On March 23, HTC Vivid customers who have not downloaded the upgrade will begin receiving an SMS notification of upgrade availability.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T |DIRECTV brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.

The Motorola Atrix 2 is a smartphone which runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread. The device features a 4.3 inch touch display, 8GB of internal storage, a 2GB microSD card, an 8 megapixel camera capable of 1080p HD video capture and is powered by a 1GHz dual-core processor with 1GB of RAM.

The device is the successor to the Motorola Atrix and is available in the U.S. through AT&T.

Check out the following unboxing video courtesy of PhoneArena.



For more photos of the unboxing of the Atrix 2 head over to PhoneArena's post.