OS updates

The Android version of the Google Play Store will get yet another makeover, according to details hitting the Internet this week. Italian Android site HDblog (translate) obtained an image, which appears to show a new look for the app store that borrows from previous versions yet still resembles its desktop counterpart.

Appearing cleaner and clutter-free, the Google Play Store experience appears to offer quick access to the various types of content such as games, music, and books. The color-coded icons across the bottom mimic those found on the desktop version and the top left has what looks to be a … Read more

With Google's annual developer conference, Google I/O, fast approaching, it's time to once again predict some of the Android-related items that I expect out of the three-day event. As usual, there's no shortage of Android rumors to ponder, but this year seems to be just a little bit different. For the first time since Android was announced, we're expecting to see an Android device officially launch at the conference. Exciting? Sure, but there's much more. … Read more

Google appears to have, um, spilled the beans about which Android device will be the first smartphone to get Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

As first caught by Droid Life, a small Google Play product listing identifies the unlocked Galaxy Nexus as the lucky handset. … Read more

Sony is rolling out the latest flavor of Android 4.0 to its Xperia S customers starting today.

Users can update their phones over the air via a mobile network or WiFi, or sync their phones with their PCs using Sony's Xperia Update Web site, PC Companion, or Bridge for Mac software.

The update weighs in at around 200MB, so using Wi-Fi directly or syncing with your PC are better options than updating over your carrier's cell network.

Xperia S owners will receive a notice when the update is ready. The rollout will run over the next few … Read more

A number of Samsung tablets are anticipating a cool serving of Ice Cream Sandwich come July and August, according to details posted on SamMobile. Among those expected to see Android 4.0 in the coming weeks are Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi/3G iterations of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Galaxy Tab 8.9, Galaxy Tab 7.7, and Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus.

It's unclear exactly when each model will see the Android 4.0 update update, though the source advises most will arrive in August. Not only will these tablets get the standard suite of 4.0 features … Read more

Whenever Apple introduces a new version of iOS, it's guaranteed that Android fans will protest that Google's operating system has long had most of the new features. Apple is late again, they'll say, and only following Google down the smartphone innovation trail.

Truth is, I don't really blame them for making that case. Indeed, I've done the same when reviewing iOS updates (most recently with CNET's iOS 6 First Take) so I understand where their fervor is coming from. But as right they may be, Android fans forget one important thing. Apple may be … Read more

Samsung Galaxy S II owners on T-Mobile can update to Android 4.0.3, but they may have to jump through a few hoops first.

The latest flavor of Ice Cream Sandwich launched as of yesterday evening for Samsung's Galaxy S II. Owners of the phone can learn how to install it via a T-Mobile support page. But be forewarned -- the update isn't available over the air (OTA), meaning you can't download it directly to your phone.

Instead, you have to install it via Samsung's Kies software, which requires you to download and install the … Read more

Samsung Galaxy Nexus owners are getting a taste of the latest flavor of Ice Cream Sandwich, aka Android 4.0.4.

Verizon has already approved the latest Android update to start rolling out. The Verizon Web site indicates that the update is coming soon, though a fellow CNET reporter with a Verizon Galaxy Nexus confirmed that he has already received it.

The 4G LTE Galaxy Nexus came equipped with Android 4.0 out of the box, so the new update brings it up the latest version, namely Android 4.0.4. A Verizon spokesman told CNET that the update also … Read more

Some LG smartphone owners will be receiving the latest version of Android early next month.

An LG Korean news item (English translation) points to the Optimus LTE Tag and the Optimus Vu as getting a dollop of Ice Cream Sandwich -- aka Android 4.0 -- starting on June 4.

As Engadget points out, it's a bit tough to decipher the Google translation. But the update appears to include LG's Optimus UI 3.0, which runs on top of Android 4.0. Owners of the Optimus Vu will also receive "additional features."

CNET contacted LG for … Read more