4.0

Updating your system's drivers is important in keeping your computer running safe and smooth, but too many users neglect this vital maintenance task. DriverIdentifier is a free tool that scans your system, identifies all its drivers and versions, and compares the results to an online database. The app then presents the results as a Web page on which you can click on any driver to download an update to install.

Since nearly every driver is different, DriverIdentifier doesn't automatically install drivers; it just directs you to them and downloads them for you, if you tell it to, though … Read more

Huawei and "premium" don't often appear in the same sentence when you're looking at the company's smartphone history in the U.S. Yet, the unlocked, global version of the Huawei Ascend P1 offers a glimmer of hope in its eye-catching black-on-white design, its 4.3-inch Super AMOLED screen, and higher-reaching camera specs.

While the P1 is a good step, Huawei will still face plenty of competition at this level, including from the HTC One X and Samsung Galaxy S III, global front-runners with quad-core chips in their international models, excellent screens, and highly competitive cameras.… Read more

An "Alvin and the Chipmunks"-themed tablet just for kids? Sounds great, but the skeptic in me says it'll be underpowered and overpriced.

At $129.99, the Archos ChildPad definitely isn't overpriced, especially when you consider that "adult" tablets (like the Kindle Fire and Nook Tablet) start at around $200.

As for power, one could argue that younger kids don't need much. But the ChildPad has decent specs, including a 1GHz ARM Cortex processor, 7-inch screen, front-facing camera, and Android 4.0.

In other words, it's more than adequately equipped for the likes of Angry Birds, educational apps, music, movies, and other kid-oriented stuff. Plus, it's modeled in kid-friendly blue and white, and it comes with exclusive "Alvin and the Chipmunks 3" content (consisting of clips, pictures, wallpaper, and an online game).… Read more

I know it's starting to feel like Tablet Central around here, but hear me out.

On many occasions I've warned against buying cheap, off-brand tablets. That's because most of the models I've tried were terrible. They had slow processors, resistive (as opposed to capacitive, which is what you want) touch screens, old versions of Android, and crummy app stores.

But something is starting to change. Yesterday, Ematic announced the eGlide Steal, a 7-inch Android 4.0 tablet priced at $119. (Stay tuned: I'm working on getting a unit in for review.)

And today only, Geeks.… 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

Sony is giving all of its 2011 smartphone owners a taste of Ice Cream Sandwich.

The electronics giant revealed today via a user forum that the latest Android update has started rolling out for all its remaining 2011 smartphones. The models specifically cited by Sony include the Xperia Ray, Xperia Arc S, Xperia Neo V, Xperia Neo, Xperia Arc, Xperia Pro, Xperia Mini Pro, Xperia Mini, Xperia Active, and the Live with Walkman.

The company provided details for each of the phones showing that the rollout kicked off yesterday. As usual, the Android 4.0.4 updates are being released … Read more

Fresh leaks indicate that Sprint and LG are poised to deliver one of the first Android 4.0 smartphones with a sliding QWERTY keyboard. In addition to its few preliminary specifications, BriefMobile has also obtained the first glimpse of the new LS860 handset. … Read more

If you thought Nvidia was just a little too ambitious when it indicated that we'd have $199 Tegra 3 tablets by the second half of the year, this next bit might surprise you. Nvidia's Vice President Rob Csongor, speaking with investors last week, revealed that such an animal is already in production.

To be clear, I'm not talking about one particular tablet or piece of hardware expected to come to market. Called Kai, Nvidia's initiative should be considered more of a platform or strategy at this point.

Though product specifics haven't been fleshed out completely, Nvidia believes it can potentially deliver quad-core Tegra 3 tablets at the all-important $199 price point later this year. Fully realized, this would give consumers a variety of high-powered Android 4.0 tablets with Kindle Fire price tags. … Read more