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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
