The LG Optimus Black is now receiving the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich software update in India. The update which brings the Android 4.0.4 OS version can be downloaded through the LG support tool. With ICS you will get features like folders, smoother multitasking and improved performance along with some UI enhancements from LG including updated gesture features, smoother boot animation and the LG Quick Memo app.

The Optimus Black is a smartphone which features a 4 inch display, 5 megapixel camera, a secondary 2 megapixel camera for video calls, 2GB of internal storage which can be expanded through microSD and is powered by a 1GHz processor with 512MB of RAM.

It is quite a popular device in India even though it was released almost two years ago. Its brand name and affordability have gone a long way in keeping it relevant in the eyes of consumers. Even though the ICS update is coming much later than it should it will definitely be welcome by users. However it is very likely that several users would have looked for methods of updating to newer and faster versions of Android by rooting their device and flashing custom ROMs.

There is no information on whether the update will be offered OTA but you can check for OTA update availability by following these instructions.

Do you own a LG Optimus Black? Have you received your Android ICS update? If you have leave us a comment and let us know about your update experience.



source – AndroidOS

The dates should be valid for all unlocked handsets while the carrier branded devices may take a little longer to receive the update. Check out the full list of devices which will be updated below.

Model	Updating to Android	Update Date
Galaxy Ace 2 (GT-I8160)	Jelly Bean	22.04.2013
Galaxy S Advance (GT-I9070)	Jelly Bean	18.02.2013
Galaxy S2 (GT-I9100)	Jelly Bean	03.03.2013
Galaxy Note (GT-N7000)	Jelly Bean	01.03.2013
Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus (GT-P6200)	Jelly Bean	22.02.2013
Galaxy Tab 8.9 (GT-P7300)	Ice Cream Sandwich	24.01.2013

Do you own one of these devices which are eligible for an Android update? Leave us a comment on which model you own and what you are looking forward to most from the update.


source – Samsung Ukraine | Sam Mobile

The HTC Thunderbolt for Verizon is finally receiving its Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich software update. It’s a little disappointing that Verizon and HTC have taken so long to release the update, especially since two newer versions of Android have been released since ICS.

You should receive a notification when the update is available for your device (if you still have it around) at which point you can download and install the update. You can also manually check for the update under Settings.

The update was first expected to be released in August 2012, which itself was almost a year after ICS was released. Now Verizon customers have many new devices to choose from, and its likely that they have moved on from the Thunderbolt.

Software update delays are a common problem with manufacturers, but Android updates seems to be the slowest. This is greatly due to the customizations manufacturers include on their devices to give their users a unique experience over other Android devices. Ice Cream Sandwich seems to have been the worst update in recent history with many manufacturers facing huge delays before finally releasing the update.

The other fault is in the hand of carrier’s who in turn insist on taking several months to test these updates before rolling them out to their users. Verizon has been known as one of the worst even delaying the Google Galaxy Nexus updates for months even though the Nexus experience promises the device to be the first in line for updates.

The Thunderbolt users have had probably the worst experience and we don’t know if the fault is with the carrier, manufacturer or both. In any case it is extremely disappointing that customers who pay premium prices for their devices are left with a poor experience because of poor after sales support.

Google has been working hard to improve this issue, but sending their new software to manufacturers months before it is released to the public. However if this continues, Android customers will soon shift toward iOS or Windows Phone.





source – PhoneArena

The LG Optimus 2X is now receiving the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich software update. The Optimus 2X is a great device with a 4.0 inch display, 8GB of internal storage and an 8 megapixel camera capable of capturing video at 1080p HD. However the device was also the first modern smartphone to feature a dual-core processor which added to an already appealing handset. The only downside was that LG was very slow with releasing Android updates for the device.

Finally after months of campaigning by its users, LG has finally given into the demands and released the ICS update. The update is already rolling out to the Korean version of the device and is now being made available to Optimus 2X owners in Europe.

The update carries version v30a and includes the Optimus UI 3.0 along with all the features you can expect from Android 4.0.You can get the update on your device by connecting it to y computer using the LG syncing software.

The fact that LG released the update is a great testament to persistence and patience.



source:  XDA Developers

If you own a Nokia N9 and have been a fan of our website, you would already know that Android 4.0 and Android 4.1 have been ported for the N9 by developers. Up until now, developers have not released a method by which we can install these ports on our device, but it looks like that is about to change.

Now we have a working port for Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich for your Nokia N9 and you can follow our step-by-step guide to install it on your device to dual-boot with Meego.

[NOTE] This process should not affect your Meego setup, however we recommend that you backup your data before you proceed.

[NOTE] You will require a Windows computer to follow this guide.

[NOTE] This guide requires knowledge in using command prompt (CMD)

[NOTE] This guide requires that you have the Nokia N9 PR 1.3 update installed on your device.

[DISCLAIMER] Do not proceed with the guide unless you are aware of the consequences of modifying your device. We are not responsible for any loss of data or device malfunction which may occur from following this guide, so please proceed at your own risk.


Flash the dual-boot kernel

1. On your device go to Settings > Security > Device Lock > Autolock and turn it OFF
   -
2. Download the flasher program to flash your device (WinFlasher-3.12.1.exe)
   -
3. Install it to your computer to the C:\Program Files\Nokia\Flasher\ folder when prompted.
   -
4. Switch off your device and make sure it is not plugged to your computer.
   -
5. Download and extract Navifirm and install it to your computer.
   -
6. Open Navifirm and select Nokia N9 from the first list on the left, then select 30.2012.7.1 from the second list, finally select your N9 model from the final list.
   [NOTE] You can find the 7 character model number by looking under the SIM tray, which you can type into the last list to help find your device.
   -
7. After it is selected, click unmark on the top, then look through the list and only select the one which starts with DFL61 AND has the word LEGACY in it.
   -
8. The select ‘Browse’ next to ‘Save to’ on the right and select the C:\Program Files\Nokia\Flasher\ folder
   -
9. Uncheck ‘Use product code as final path’ and click Download.
10. Download the kernel file (select the zImage with the latest date to the right of it) and save it inside the C:\Program Files\Nokia\Flasher\ folder.
    -
11. Open command prompt on your computer by pressing ‘Windows key’ + ‘R’ and typing CMD and pressing enter and type the following: cd C:\Program Files\Nokia\Flasher flasher -a DFL61_HARMATTAN_30.2012.07-1_PR_LEGACY_005-OEM1-958_ARM.bin -k zImage –flash-only=kernel -f -R
    [NOTE] Please make not it is 005 not 001 after LEGACY and that there are two hyphens before flash (–).
    -
12. After pressing enter at the last line, connect the USB cable to your device first and then plug it to your computer and wait a few seconds for it to flash the device

Installing Sillyboot

1. Unplug your device from the computer and turn it on if it isn't switched on already.
   -
2. On your device, head over to Settings > Security > Developer Mode and turn it ON. This will restart the device and download some apps, say Yes when you are prompted.
   -
3. Plug the device back to your computer using the USB cable and select USB storage mode in order to transfer files to it.
   -
4. Download Sillyboot and save it to your computer.
   -
5. Copy Sillyboot to the N9 to the MyDocs folder.
   -
6. Once the file is copied unplug your device from your computer.
   -
7. Open terminal on the Nokia N9 and type the following into it: devel-su tar xjvf /home/user/MyDocs/sillyboot.tar.bz2 -C /press enter,
   [NOTE] If you are asked for a password enter rootme.

Installing Android Ice Cream Sandwich

1. Download the ICS ROM and save it to your computer. (source)
   -
2. Remove the NITDroid if you have installed it. To remove it, open Terminal on your N9 and type the following: devel-su rm -rf /home/nitdroid
   [NOTE] If you are asked for a password enter rootme.
   -
3. Connect your N9 to your computer and copy the fules you downloaded earlier to the MyDocs folder on your device.
   -
4. Open Terminal on your N9 and type the following command (Press Enter after you type each line) devel-su mkdir /home/nitdroid tar xjvf /home/user/MyDocs/nitdroid_n9_jellybean_alpha5.tar.bz2 -C /home/nitdroid/
   [NOTE] If you are asked for a password enter rootme.
   -
5. Once you have entered the commands turn off your device
   -
6. Switch on your device and when you see Press VolUp to boot alternative OS, Press the Volume Up button.

You device will now boot into Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

All credit to this port goes to the nitDroid developers. You can help the continuous development by donating to the nitdroid project


source – Nitdroid

Its hard to believe that Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich updated have still not been completed. Especially now that Android 4.2 Jelly Bean has been released. Users of the LG Viper 4G LTE will be happy to know that they wont be kept waiting too much longer as the ICS update is reported to be heading to the device sometime in the next two weeks.

Users will receive another notification when the update is ready for their device, at which point they can download the update Over-the-Air (OTA) which will carry the software version ZVI.

Facebook will bring several new features and improvements to the Viper including Face Unlock, resizable widgets, camera improvements, an improved stock browser, home-screen folders, and an improved lockscreen.

The LG Viper features a 4.0 inch touch display, 5 megapixel camera, a secondary camera for video calls, 4GB internal storage which can be expanded through microSD and is powered by a 1.2GHz processor with 1GB of RAM.

We have seen similar hardware strain after being updated to ICS and we hope that this wont be the last update for the device. We are sure it will greatly benefit from the feature and performance improvements from Jelly Bean.


source – Phandroid

The LG Spectrum for Verizon is now receiving the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich software update which brings Android to version 4.0.4 and offers software version VS920ZV7 on the device. The update is around 384MB in size, so be sure to connect to your Wi-Fi network to avoid excessive data charges. Given LG’s general lapse on providing timely updates, owners of the device will be happy to be getting their hands on the latest version of Android on their device.

With the update you will receive a refreshed UI similar to the one on the LG Optimus G, with a new customizable lock screen and a large clock. The update also has the following features and improvements along with the enhancements and security from Ice Cream Sandwich.

Software Enhancements

• Firmware Over The Air (FOTA) is now supported.
• Watch & Learn videos are supported via streaming.
• Improved voice clarity during voice calls.
• Power button turns on LCD backlight while on a voice call.
• Added Viewdini app

The following apps have been upgraded for improved performance:

• Play Store
• Gmail
• Talk
• YouTube

You can review more details on the update along with instructions by following the source link. If you have updated your device, please share your experience with the ICS update with us the following comments section.



source – Verizon

The LG Lucid for Verizon is now receiving the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich software update which brings Android to version 4.0.4 and offers software version VS840ZV7 on the device. The update is around 384MB in size, so be sure to connect to your Wi-Fi network to avoid excessive data charges. Given LG’s general lapse on providing timely updates, owners of the device will be happy to be getting their hands on the latest version of Android on their device.

With the update you will receive a refreshed UI similar to the one on the LG Optimus G, with a new customizable lock screen and a large clock. The update also has the following features and improvements along with the enhancements and security from Ice Cream Sandwich.

• The device will now feature Verizon Remote Diagnostics Tool (VRD) which is a new customer care solution to improve customer service experience. When a customer calls into Verizon Wireless customer care, this solution, with the customer’s permission, allows support personnel to remotely view the user’s device for device training, application demonstrations and troubleshooting.
• File Manager will manage the online files on the online storage.
• Google Talk (GTalk) video chat has been updated for better stability.

Software Enhancement

• Firmware Over The Air (FOTA) is supported.
• Watch & Learn videos are supported via streaming.
• Adobe Flash Player (v11) has been updated for compatibility with Ice Cream Sandwich
  device and performance improvements.
• Improved voice clarity during voice calls.
• Power button turns on LCD backlight while on a voice call.

You can review more details on the update along with instructions by following the source link. If you have updated your device, please share your experience with the ICS update with us the following comments section.


source – Verizon

Last we heard from the Motorola Droid Bionic it was undergoing a soak test for Android ICS. Now Motorola has announced the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update for the Droid Bionic. Motorola first announced the ICS update for the Bionic in October last year and it is great to see the update finally roll out for the device. The update will roll out in phases and users should start receiving notifications of the update availability starting October 19th. If you haven't received the notification you can manually check for the update after the 19th by heading over to the Settings.

With this rollout Motorola would have completed their ICS updates for their devices according to the Android ICS roadmap they laid out last month.

The ICS update will bring all the features you would expect from Android 4.0 and will also include Motorola SMARTACTIONS, Amazon Kindle, GoTo Meetings among others. AOL email, SMS and Visual Voicemail are also reported to be improved. The update will also improve synchronization with Google Calendar and better connectivity with Mobile Hotspot.





source – Verizon Wireless | Verizon Software Bulletin

Motorola Droid Bionic users have been waiting for almost a year for Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and it looks like that time may have arrived. A select group of Motorola users are reported to have received invitations to take part in a soak test for the device and we assume this could be for Android 4.0.

A soak test is generally performed by Motorola on a small number of handsets, before the official release of the update. The soak tests are meant to ensure the update is fully ready for public consumption. In order to be eligible to partake in soak tests you have to own a Motorola device and be a part of the Motorola Feedback Network. The content of the soak tests are generally confidential and users are not allowed to share information about the ongoing tests with the public.

Considering the time it took Motorola to bring Android 4.0 to the Bionic, it is unlikely that the device will be upgraded to a newer version of the software.


source – Droid Life

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

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 is set to receive the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich software update. The Motorola Xyboard 8.2 also started receiving the ICS update earlier this week, so it seams that Verizon is on a role. While the update for the Galaxy Tab 7.7 has still not started rolling out, the support documents have already been posted on the Verizon website, which can only indicate the update is not far off.

The update carriers the version PL10 is 238MB in size, so be sure you are connected to a Wi-Fi connection to avoid high data costs. You will be receiving all the updates you can expect with Ice Cream Sandwich including  face unlock, pinch to zoom in the home screen and main menu, Google+ integration, an updated music app and a desktop view option for the included web browser.

The new software also brings a new home screen layout, video calling which works over 4G LTE or Wi-Fi, improved settings layout, data usage monitor and a new calculator for portrait and landscape mode.


Other improvements include advanced email search, updated quick panel with power savings, driving mode and sync, undo and redo options when composing an email, read receipt and delivery receipt for email, quick response for messages, meeting invitation in Exchange and a redesigned gallery with a photo editor.


source – Verizon

The Pantech Element for AT&T is now receiving the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich software update. In order to update the device you will have to download and install the updater application to perform a manual update. Users are warned that the update will remove all user data and they should backup any personal data before proceeding with the update.

You can also use the AT&T Locker to store, sync and share your content.

[NOTE] Make sure your device is running the stock version of Android before your proceed.

[NOTE] You will require a Windows computer in order to perform the update.

Follow our step-by-step guide on How to Install Android 4.0 ICS on the Pantech Element.

• Download and install the Android 4.0 ICS update tool for the Pantech Element.
• Once the setup is complete select the option to launch the Upgrade tool and click Finish.
• Connect your device to your computer using the provided USB cable and wait for the upgrade tool to detect it.
• Follow the onscreen instructions and wait for the device to be upgraded from HoneyComb to Ice Cream Sandwich.

The ICS update for the Pantech Element now allows you to organize your apps into folders, and you have up to five home screens to place your favorite apps and widgets.
The official change log of the ICS update for the Pantech Element follows:

• Enhanced Home screen canvas switcher edit functionality(In the preview of home screen panels, users can change a main home screen panel).
• Enhanced Multitasking and Notifications functionality.
• Enhanced User Interface : Virtual buttons in System bar, contextual options in Action Bar.
• Support for Face Unlock.
• Improved text input and spell-checking (Android keyboard)
• Control over Network data and Powerful web browsing
• New! Self mode and Panorama capture mode in camera.
• New! Time-Lapse recording function in video camera.

The update also has the following UI improvements

• Improved user interface design with GL library.
• Support for Native Sync of AT&T Address Book.
• Improved lock screen.
• Improved Quick Settings and Detail Settings.
• Additional Improvement UI interfaces.

The Pantech Burst for AT&T is now receiving the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich software update. In order to update the device you will have to download and install the updater application to perform a manual update. Users are warned that the update will remove all user data and they should backup any personal data before proceeding with the update.

You can also use the AT&T Locker to store, sync and share your content.

[NOTE] Make sure your device is running the stock version of Android before your proceed.

[NOTE] You will require a Windows computer in order to install the update.

Follow our step-by-step guide on How to Install Android 4.0 ICS on the Pantech Burst.

• Download and install the Android 4.0 ICS update tool for the Pantech Burst.
• Once the setup is complete select the option to launch the Upgrade tool and click Finish.
• Connect your device to your computer using the provided USB cable and wait for the upgrade tool to detect it.
• Follow the onscreen instructions and wait for the device to be upgraded from Gingerbread to Ice Cream Sandwich.

The ICS update for the Pantech Burst brings several new features, including improved text input, improved spell-checking which allows faster and more accurate messaging, an updated browser which offers a more powerful browsing experience with customizable zoom levels and font sizes and an updated camera app which allows panorama and time lapse video modes.

The official change log of the ICS update for the Pantech Burst follows:

• Enhanced Home screen canvas switcher edit functionality(In the preview of home screen panels, users can change a main home screen panel).
• Enhanced Multitasking and Notifications functionality.
• Enhanced User Interface : Virtual buttons in System bar, contextual options in Action Bar.
• Support for Face Unlock.
• Improved text input and spell-checking (Android keyboard)
• Control over Network data and Powerful web browsing
• New! Self mode and Panorama capture mode in camera.
• New! Time-Lapse recording function in video camera.

The update also has the following UI improvements

• Improved user interface design with GL library.
• Support for Native Sync of AT&T Address Book.
• Improved lock screen.
• Improved Quick Settings and Detail Settings.
• Additional Improvement UI interfaces.

The Motorola Droid Xyboard 8.2 for Verizon is now receiving the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich software update. This tablet was released around ten months and came with Android Honeycomb at a time markets were welcoming ICS tablets.

The larger Motorola Droid Xyboard 10.1 received its ICS update back in August and its good the 8.2 inch version has joined in finally.

Last Week Motorola made some updates to its list of devices which will receive the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update and four devices were put on a ‘further plans coming soon’ list. Now Motorola has officially confirmed that the Motorola Atrix 4G, Motorola Electrify and the Motorola Photon 4G.

The other device on the list was the Motorola Atrix 2 which is now set to receive ICS in the fourth quarter of 2012. The update may end up coming earlier than that as Motorola is reportedly conducting a soak test for the Atrix 2.

We were hopeful that Motorola will be much better with their software updates under Google management. Hopefully they will be much better with their Android 4.1 Jelly Bean roll-out.

You can check out Motorola’s full ICS update list by following the source link. You can also check our recently updated list on which devices will receive Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

source – Motorola

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

Motorola have revealed a revised timeline for their Android software updates and it unfortunately doesn't bring much good news. The Motorola Atrix 4G and the Motorola Atrix 2 both or which are expected to receive Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich are now listed as ‘further plans coming soon’. We hope this doesn't indicate that ICS plans have been cancelled for these two devices.


The Motorola Photon 4G and the Motorola Electrify also carry the same listing next to their names which indicates a similar future for those devices as well.

The Motorola Droid Bionic and the Motorola tablets are confirmed to be receiving Android Ice 4.0 Cream Sandwich by the fourth quarter of this year.

While devices like the Motorola Droid 3, Motorola CLIQ 2, Motorola Admiral, Motorola Droid 2 Global, Motorola Droid 2, Motorola Droid Pro and the Motorola Droid X2 will remain on Android 2.3 Gingerbread.

Now we can understand why some of these devices aren't eligible for ICS even though some of them are more than capable of handling it. We hoped that under Google, Motorola would be much better at providing their users with Android updates, but that really doesn't seam to be the case. It really becomes frustrating when devices which are less than a year old are left out of an update.

Motorola is currently focusing on their Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update for the Motorola Droid RAZR HD and the Motorola Droid RAZR MAXX HD, which could be the reason for the lesser attention on ICS.

You can see the full list of Motorola devices and the update plans by following the source link or check out our updated list of which devices will receive Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.


source – Motorola

Sony is now rolling out the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich  update for the Sony Xperia ion for AT&T. You can download the update using the Sony PC Companion software. The device will receive Android 4.0.4 with software version 6.1.c.1.105 on the LT28AT model.


If you have not received the update notification, you can manually check for the update availability through settings. Sony has still not released a change-log for this update, but we will have it up for you as soon as they do.


source – XDA Developers

Several manufacturers have now starting rolling out the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update to their flagship devices. But many users are envying the Nexus series which is being treated to the newer Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

Jelly Bean is faster and ads some great new features like Google Now and the Samsung Galaxy S III will be one of the early devices to get the update. Check out the following video which shows what's new in Android 4.1 Jelly Bean on the Samsung Galaxy S III compared to Ice Cream Sandwich.




Remember that Jelly Bean is still not available to all Galaxy S III devices. Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean along with an updated version of Samsung’s TouchWiz will be available for the Samsung Galaxy S III in the near future.


source – PocketNow