OS updates

Android 4.2 adds multiple users and panoramic photos, copies Swype and AirPlay

While Google's big press event scheduled for today in New York may have been canceled, the company still decided to move forward with a slew of announcements via blog post. Among them was the release of Android 4.2, an updated version of Jelly Bean to come preinstalled on the new line of Nexus devices.

Swype fans will be pleased to hear that Android 4.2 includes a keyboard that lets users input text via gliding gestures. Not only that, it offers predictions based on common strings of word combinations for "smarter" typing. While the news is … Read more

U.S. Galaxy S3 owners, your wait for Android 4.1 is almost over

The Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update will wend its way to Galaxy S3 smartphones in the United States in "coming months," Samsung announced in a press release (see below). The specific launch dates will be revealed by each of the carriers, including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, and U.S. Cellular.

S3 owners will potentially be able to grab Android 4.1 either over the air or through Samsung's Kies software, which downloads the update to a computer and then syncs it with the smartphone. Each carrier will announce its own update method.

Beyond … Read more

Galaxy S3 Android 4.1 update continues trek through Europe

Android 4.1 continues to reach more Samsung Galaxy S3 owners throughout the world.

France, Spain, Romania, and Austria are the latest spots in Europe to receive the Jelly Bean update for the S3, according to blog site SamMobile. Users in those countries can actually grab the new version from SamMobile. But the site advises people to use Samsung's own Kies software, which downloads updates to a computer and then syncs them with the phone.

CNET has contacted Samsung for comment and will update the story if we receive any information.

So far, the Android 4.1 update has … Read more

LG details Jelly Bean upgrade timeline

Though the LG Optimus G is set to arrive at AT&T stores on November 2 (and later to Sprint), LG isn't still hedging on when it will get an Android 4.1 Jelly Bean upgrade.

Yet, for the Optimus G's international brethren, LG is being more forthcoming. A press release (translated) on LG's Web site today detailed the expected time frame for an Android 4.1 update for a select few Optimus models.

Things get started in November with the Optimus LTE II, followed in December by the international Optimus G. Then, the first quarter … Read more

LG Nexus 4 outed in new photo dump, report says

A Web site in Belarus has posted images of what it claims is the upcoming LG Nexus 4.

The site, Onliner (translate), today said it has obtained an LG Nexus 4 unit and released several pictures to prove it. The image appears to show a device that looks similar to the LG Optimus G, but not exactly the same. According to the site, the handset comes with a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 2GB of RAM, and an 8-megapixel camera. The display measures 4.7 inches.

Nearly all the specs mentioned in the post follow earlier rumors surrounding the Nexus 4. … Read more

Android 4.1 reaches Samsung Galaxy S3 owners in Korea

Samsung Galaxy S3 owners in Korea are finally getting a taste of Jelly Bean.

The rollout of Android 4.1 for the S3 starts today in Korea, a Samsung representative confirmed to CNET.

Reaching the 3G and LTE editions of the S3, the Jelly Bean update adds such features as Google Now and new widgets for the home screen.

Samsung has posted a page for Korean users on how to update their S3 phones to the latest Android version.

Android 4.1 landed in Europe late last month for Galaxy S3 owners. Samsung has so far been mum as to … Read more

Google, LG to debut Android 4.2 next month, report says

Google will announce a new Android version next month, according to a new report.

At some point in November, Google will co-host an event with LG where it will unveil Android 4.2, according to blog Android And Me, citing a source. The Android tracker says that LG will take the opportunity to show off its Optimus G Nexus, a device that will be based on the previously announced Optimus G, but will run the latest operating system.

LG unveiled the Optimus G last month. The device comes with a host of impressive specs, including a 4.7-inch WXGA screen, … Read more

Gingerbread most popular Android flavor at 56 percent market share

Despite its elderly status in the Android world, Gingerbread is still the man.

Google yesterday updated its Android developers page, revealing that Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) is running on 55.8 percent of all Android devices. Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) came in second place with 23.7 percent share. Interestingly, the latest Android version, Jelly Bean, was only able to muster 1.8 percent share, while the outdated Android 2.2 (Froyo) came in at 12.9 percent market ownership.

That Gingerbread is still dominant is rather surprising, considering that this version of the operating system arrived on … Read more

Motorola won't update three 4G phones to Ice Cream Sandwich

Bad news for owners of some Motorola Mobility smartphones released in 2011: the company will not upgrade them to the 2011 version of Android.

According to a post in the Google-owned company's forums, three smartphones from last year will not be upgraded to Ice Cream Sandwich:

Motorola Mobility continues to review how each device can deliver the very best experience possible, and at times, this can mean making tough choices - especially as it relates to Android software upgrades. Today, we need to let you know about some tough choices related to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich upgrades. … Read more

Android 4.1.1 rolls out to Galaxy Nexus, Nexus S 4G via Sprint

Galaxy Nexus and Nexus S 4G owners on Sprint's network are now getting a bite of Jelly Bean.

As of yesterday, Android 4.1.1, aka Jelly Bean, has been available for Nexus users through an over-the-air update. Owners of the Samsung phone can follow the steps on Sprint's Galaxy Nexus update page to download and install the latest version if they don't already have it.

The Nexus S 4G is also getting the Jelly Bean treatment over Sprint's network. Like the update for the Galaxy Nexus, this one is available over the air. Users will … Read more