We all love updates, right? Well, of course we do, we live in a world filled with constant notifications that chime “updates are ready”. A lot of time though, these are just for apps and when we really want an over-the-air update to fix, enhance or update the software on our smartphones, we’re left waiting. When they finally do come around though, they’re easy to miss, especially if you’ve been waiting for what seems like forever. Not only that but, we all like to know if there’s an update coming, and when. Well, starting with this week we’re going to be putting together all off the OTA updates that have hit the airwaves and slipped through the Android news net.
ASUS PadFone Gets Jelly Bean Treat; PadFone 2 Gets Tweaks and Improvements
While we might not be able to get our hands on the PadFone over here in the west, they are out there and the original PadFone has just gotten the update to Android 4.1.1, finally bringing it into the Jelly Bean club. The update to firmware version V10.2.1.9 also improves the dictionary, camera performance, scrapbook app, the file manager app and also fixes some issues with the volume controls.
The PadFone 2 meanwhile, gets a little bit of TLC in the form of the V10.4.12.24 firmware. There are improvements to WiFi, camera performance is better and there are added brightness controls to the camera app.
LG Optimus G Getting Android 4.1.2 Update in Canada
For our Canadian readers, there is some good news in that the Optimus G should be getting the Jelly Bean update any moment now. It should be available for download on Bell, Rogers, and TELUS. SaskTel have been lagging a little behind and was listed as coming “late March”, which is about now so it could well be rolling out any day now. The update list includes the following headlining enhancements:
- Touch performance improvement
- A simpler user interface for complex features such as WiFi-Direct and Miracast combined
- Multimedia file transfer through Android Beam
- Lock front key feature for QuickMemo
- A memo scribble feature
- Notification bar enhancements
- Google Now support
- Offline Voice recognition and typing
- Quick Translator
- Exchange task sync support
Kobo Arc Gets Jelly Bean Update to Android 4.1
The budget-minded tablet come eReader that is the Kobo Arc has now been updated to Android 4.1. That means that Project Butter and Google Now all come along for the ride. With the Kobo Arc being a device aimed at those on a budget, there isn’t much in the way of extras, this is essentially an update to a later version of Android, and good on them for doing it. The update is rolling out automatically to the tablet but, if you haven’t got it yet, head over to the usual place to see if you can download it manually: Settings – About Device – Software Update.
Motorola RAZR to Receive Android 4.1 on Rogers come “Late April”
There’s not a lot to go on here – as if there ever is when Rogers is involved? – but, all signs are pointing to the original RAZR getting its Jelly Bean update come “late April” on Rogers, we certainly hope so, this is one update long overdue, especially where networks are selling 36 month contracts.
Xperia Tablet S Getting Jelly Bean in May; Fixes for Long-Standing Bugs Too?
Users of Sony’s Xperia Tablet S will be able to tell you us tales of a poor user experience to say the least. Even now, folks are still reporting reboots and glitches all over the place. Well, Sony might not have abandoned the tablet just yet, as they’re promising an update to Android 4.1.2 which should hit all the tablets out there by May. Whether or not this does come with bugfixes hasn’t been confirmed by Sony but, we’d hazard a guess that they’d be included.
T-Mobile Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 Finally Getting Android 4.1 Update
The Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 might not be the most popular tablet out there today but, it’s certainly got its uses, in that it’s available on all major carriers with wireless coverage. If you’re on T-Mobile though you’ll feel a little left out as the rest of the big four have already updated their Galaxy Tabs. There’s a leaked screenshot doing the rounds of an update to Android 4.1.2 coming to the device but, without a confirmation from T-Mobile there could well be a long wait ahead, they are after all, a little busy right now.
Three UK Rolling Out Jelly Bean Update for Galaxy S II
If you’re still using a Galaxy S II, we won’t judge you by any means. Those on the Three network in the UK should be getting the update to Android 4.1 right about now. That means you’ll be finally getting your hands on Project Butter and at long last access to that Google Now thing, whatever that is. If you haven’t got the update yet, you could always try going through Kies, as Three explains here.
Samsung Galaxy Express Getting Android 4.1 Update
You can be forgiven for never having heard of the Galaxy Express, but for users of the budget-minded 4.5-inch smartphone there’s good news afoot. There’s an update for the AT&T 4G smartphone that brings with it Android 4.1, if you haven’t gotten the update try to check for it manually by doing the following: Settings>About device>Software update>Check for updates.
Droid BIONIC to See Jelly Bean Update
That’s right, you read correctly, I’m not leading you on or executing a bad joke at Verizon’s expense, although that would be easy enough. The Bionic is apparently getting an update to Android 4.1 some time in Q2 of this year. That doesn’t all that great but let’s face it, Bionic users that haven’t thrown the phone in the trash are going to take anything at this point
Verizon To Treat Samsung Stratosphere II Owners to Jelly Bean Any Moment Now
If you’ve never heard of the Stratosphere II then have no fear – not many of us have either – but, if you’re one of the few that own this phone then you’re going to be getting a treat in the form of Android 4.1 any moment now. Verizon have approved the update to Android 4.1 for the device and it should be rolling out right about now. If you’re unsure how to update your device then take a look at Verizon’s instructions.
Sony Updating The Xperia TX to Jelly Bean
As they promised Sony are now pushing out the Jelly Bean update to Xperia TX devices; but you’re going to have to download through their online PC Companion Software which is, nto all that great. However it will bring you Jelly Bean at long last so maybe it’s worth it. Take a look at the changelog:
- Updated, more intuitive versions of Sony Media apps: WALKMAN, Album and Movies
- Lets you view and access all your photos, videos and tunes in one place.
- Increased options for personalization
- A revamped home screen experience for handling widgets, apps and shortcuts… With up to 7 desktop panes, widgets that auto-resize and actionable notifications, you have complete flexibility to create the interface you want / need with a few simple touches!
- Improved app organization and search
- Application tray sorting is that bit breezier – just press and hold on any app – move, add it to your desktop or create a folder within the tray by dropping it on top of another! We’ve also added a new search function within the application tray that makes it easy to locate your local apps.
- Improved camera functionality
- More intuitive viewfinder with the addition of auto scene setting, and the option to switch between front and back camera with a single touch.
- Google Now
- Combining the power of Google search and user profiling, Google Now helps you accomplish daily tasks more efficiently. Click here to know even more.