The Launch of the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS
Today, Wednesday, October 19, 2011, the Android Ice Cream Sandwich Os (Android 4.0) was launched alongside the Samsung Galaxy Nexus smartphone in Hong Kong. The new operating system is very different from its predecessors, with many new functions and updates.
What’s New
Android Beam – The first new mention is the addition of the Android Beam application. This software allows users to “Bump” (yeah I said it) to transfer maps, photos, videos, and other content.
Gmail and Google Calendar – Have had completely cool new looks, with full integration into the new operating system.
Multitasking – Apparently, you can multitask on your phone with the new OS, and review your recent application, as much as one can multitask on a phone (other than talk and search).
Nonphysical Navigational Buttons – Some phones like the Droid X had navigational buttons, and Google has not explained how this will go together with the nonphysical ones.
New Tabbed Browser – The new Web Browser will have tabs for multiple page access. Oh, how I have waited (and paid) for an browser that can do this on my phone.
Speech-To-Tech Software – You talk and the phone texts; now you don’t have to type.
Who Gets the Software
The first phone to get the OS will be the Galaxy Nexus, as mentioned earlier, and that will be released in the United States in November. Google says that theoretically the new OS will work on any 2.3 enabled Android devices.
An Alphabetical List of Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) Devices
- Atrix 4G (Motorolla)
- Desire (HTC)
- Desire HD (HTC)
- Desire Z (HTC)
- Droid 2 (Motorolla)
- Droid Incredible (HTC)
- Droid Incredible 2 (HTC)
- Droid Pro (Motorolla)
- Droid X (Motorolla)
- Evo 4G (HTC)
- G2 (T-Mobile)
- Galaxy S (Samsung)
- Incredible S (HTC)
- MyTouch 4G (T-Mobile)
- Nexus One (Google)
- Nexus S (Google)
- Optimus 2X (LG)
- Optimus One (LG)
- Thunderbolt (HTC)
- Xperia X10 (Sony)
When Will The Ice Cream Sandwich Arrive?
Currently, the Developer can download the Andriod 4.0 Development Kit (SDK) here. As for the OS for end users release, if you live in Hong Kong, the answer is: Now; For American users: sometime in November. Hopefully Google will come out with more specific details soon.
Update – November 7, 2011
Ice Cream Sandwich Coming to Several HTC Smartphones in Early 2012
HTC announced on their Facebook Page that they will be providing the Google Android OS 4.0 or “Ice Cream Sandwich” to some of their phones in early 2012.
“HTC knows how excited our fans are to get their hands on Google’s latest version of Android, Ice Cream Sandwich, so we’re thrilled today to announce the first wave of HTC phones that will receive upgrades.”
“Ice Cream Sandwich is coming in early 2012 to a variety of devices including the HTC Sensation, HTC Sensation XL and HTC Sensation XE, as well as the HTC Rezound*, HTC EVO 3D, HTC EVO Design 4G* and HTC Amaze 4G* through close integration with our carrier partners.”
Update – November 17, 2011
Samsung Galaxy S2 is Getting Ice Cream Sandwich
Samsung has announced that the Galaxy S2 smartphone will get the Android 4.0 OS on their Twitter feed today. However, the company has not confirmed a date as of yet.
“Hi, good news – the Galaxy S II will be receiving ICS, but there are no dates confirmed as yet. We will keep you posted.”
