Users of the Samsung Nexus S and those who bought the Galaxy Nexus will start to see a new light at the end of the tunnel as the update for Android 4.0.4 ICS is being pushed to these devices. Also owners of the Motorola Xoom (Wifi – only) will also start to see a similar update for their tablets.
The Nexus S users who missed the 4.0 update before Google pulled it due to major concerns, will also be directly able o update to Android 4.0.4.
HTC has already begun to roll out ICS updates for their Global and unlocked flagship devices the Sensation and Sensation XE. Now the update may not be available to all immediately, But HTC has assured the owners that the update will be broadly available within the coming days.
There it is guys, Samsung has made it known that global and Carrier independent versions of the Samsung Galaxy S2 are getting the much awaited ICS update on 10th March. The update should be available through KIES and will be customized with Samsung’s own TouchWiz UI. However Samsung’s site specifies that because of “ICS OS feature,” Flash and Bluetooth 3.0 HS won’t be supported.
[Samsung]
Asus has pushed the dates for the ICS release for their Transformer tablet to end of FEB -March 2012. The update is however, happening and will be seeded via an OTA download directly on the transformer. As always we will have a hands on preview of the OS on the tablet.
HTC has just updated their Facebook to announce its ICS rollout plan. ICS or Ice Cream Sandwich is the most anticipated Android update since android Froyo. it brings a whole host of changes to the table, and it will be interesting to see how HTC updates their Sense UI to add to ICS. According to HTC’s announcement the HTC Sensation and Sensation XE will be the first to get the updates followed by HTC EVO 3D, HTC Incredible S, HTC Desire S and HTC Desire HD
HTC has been working hard to get its Ice Cream Sandwich upgrades ready, and we’re excited to announce that our first round of ICS upgrades will roll out by the end of March for the HTC Sensation and HTC Sensation XE, followed soon thereafter by the HTC Sensation XL.
In addition, we can confirm Ice Cream Sandwich upgrades will be coming later this year to the HTC EVO 3D, HTC Incredible S, HTC Desire S and HTC Desire HD. Stay tuned for more updates on Ice Cream Sandwich releases in the coming weeks
FOr those in the US HTC has announced ICS updates for the Rezound, Vivid, Amaze 4G and EVO Design 4G. The US devices will get updates by the end of 2012.
Apple has started seeding the next beta of iOS 5 to developers, the iOS 5.1 is meant to bring some major fixes to the OS. Many are also hoping for a fix to the major battery drain faced in the current version of the OS.
But thats not the only news surrounding this release, a new product iD has been found in the release dubbed “iPad 2,4”, which is hinting at the next generation of the iPad said to be coming in the next couple months. Rumors have been pointing at Retina/ high res display along with better cameras. The chipset may or may not be bumped up to the next revision. The product iD only increases chances for something like this showing up in the near future.
Microsoft has already started seeding the Mango 7.5 builds of Windows phone to existing device holders. The company’s eager to do a much more efficient job , considering they wern’t able to do it properly during the NoDo update.
As far as supported devices go, According to MS almost all phones are covered in their update schedule. The new update brings over 500 new features and additionally allows users to install apps from third party developers without the need of sideloading them. Microsoft confirmed that Internet Sharing — the long-awaited mobile hotspot functionality — will not be available for existing devices. Which may be a big deal breaker for some users.
According to Microsoft’s official Windows Phone Blog, the Windows Phone 7 Mango Update should be available to all existing WP7 devices within another week or two. The Windows Team indicates it won’t be pushed to your phone OTA when the time comes, so you’ll need updated versions of the Zune for PC or Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac installed on your computer.
Looks like this time around the Update may come out the same day, unlike with No-Do when it was over several weeks.
Sony has just announced that they will re-enable Playstation Network Services in Phases, and the first phase has been initiated. The online gaming, Music Unlimited, Netflix, Hulu, Vudu and MLB.TV should rolling out right now in Europe and North America.
PRESS RELEASE
Restoration of PlayStation®Network and Qriocity Services Begins
Increased Security Measures Implemented Before Service Restoration; Consumer Data Protection a Full-Time, Company-Wide Commitment
TOKYO, May 14, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — Sony Corporation and Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) announced that Sony Network Entertainment International (SNEI, the company) will today begin a phased restoration by region of PlayStation®Network and Qriocity Services. The phased restoration will be on a country by country basis beginning in the Americas, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Middle East.
The first phase of restored services for these countries and regions will include:
As the result of a criminal cyber attack on the company’s data-center located in San Diego, California, U.S.A., SNEI shut down the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services on April 20, in order for the company to undergo an investigation and make enhancements to the overall security of the network infrastructure. Working closely with several respected outside security firms, the company has implemented new and additional security measures that strengthen safeguards against unauthorized activity, and provide consumers with greater protection of their personal information.
The company has made considerable enhancements to the data security, including updating and adding advanced security technologies, additional software monitoring and penetration and vulnerability testing, and increased levels of encryption and additional firewalls. The company also added a variety of other measures to the network infrastructure including an early-warning system for unusual activity patterns that could signal an attempt to compromise the network.
“I’d like to send my sincere regret for the inconvenience this incident has caused you, and want to thank you all for the kind patience you’ve shown as we worked through the restoration process,” said Kazuo Hirai, Executive Deputy President, Sony Corporation. “I can’t thank you enough for your patience and support during this time. We know even the most loyal customers have been frustrated by this process and are anxious to use their Sony products and services again. We are taking aggressive action at all levels to address the concerns that were raised by this incident, and are making consumer data protection a full-time, company wide commitment.”
“During the past 18 months, we’ve seen a dramatic rise in the volume of cyber attacks, their sophistication and their impact on businesses. Thwarting cyber-crime requires an evolutionary approach to security that is well integrated, reduces risk exposure and improves efficiencies,” said Francis deSouza, Senior Vice President, Enterprise Security Group, Symantec. “Today’s cyber crime attacks are proving to be more covert, more targeted and better organized than those we’ve seen in years past. In working with Sony on the move of their data-center, it’s clear they’re implementing measures to reduce security risks moving forward.”
As an additional measure, Fumiaki Sakai, president of Sony Global Solutions Inc. (SGS), has been appointed acting Chief Information Security Officer of SNEI. In addition to his current role at SGS, Mr. Sakai, in his role at SNEI, will work to further reinforce overall information security across the company’s network infrastructure. Mr. Sakai will lead the recruiting effort in finding a new and permanent CISO for SNEI. As CISO, Mr. Sakai will report to Tim Schaaff, president, SNEI, as well as to Mr. Shinji Hasejima, CIO, Sony Corporation.
“While we understand the importance of getting our services back online, we did not rush to do so at the expense of extensively and aggressively testing our enhanced security measures. Our consumers’ safety remains our number one priority,” Hirai continued. “We want to assure our customers that their personal information is being protected with some of the best security technologies available today, so that everyone can feel comfortable enjoying all that PlayStation Network and Qriocity services have to offer.”
The restoration of the services across the Americas, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Middle East are beginning, and consumers will be able to enjoy some of the online functionality provided by both the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services. Phased restoration in Japan and other Asian countries and regions will be announced in due course. The company expects to have the services fully restored by the end of May 2011.
The company will be offering customers a “Welcome Back” package of services and premium content to all registered PlayStation Network and Qriocity account services. The details of this program will be announced in each region shortly.
For more information about the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services intrusion and restoration, please visit http://blog.us.playstation.com or http://blog.eu.playstation.com/