As everyone is trying to guess whether the next big Android update is going to be Key Lime Pie or not, and whether the release will be Android 5.X or 4.X, we have yet to hear anything concrete. After getting a tip from an eagle-eyed reader (thanks, deepayan!) and digging deeper, I can definitively tell you that Google is currently working on Android 4.3, and it is still Jelly Bean.
QWERTY phones might be few and far between but they haven't died out completely. If you have a Motorola Photon Q and you're on C Spire, you might want to open your Settings menu and check for updates. The round sugary goodness of Jelly Bean is on its way.
The update brings a bunch of improvements in its wake:
Enhancements:
- Google Now
Added feature that generates real-time notifications throughout the day with relevant, contextual information such as weather, traffic, calendar. To access Google Now, press and hold the phone's search key.- Voice Search
Enhanced Voice Search to recognize questions asked in colloquial language, such as "Do I need an umbrella today?" Some questions may receive a spoken answer, while others will trigger a Google Search.
I know a few people who just love QWERTY phones, despite the fact that they're a dying breed. For those among you who happen to love QWERTYs and are on Sprint, there's a chance you're holding a Motorola Photon Q in your hand right now. And if that's the case, you should probably head into the Settings menu and check for updates – Jelly Bean is coming your way. Get excited.
The update brings a slew of enhancements along for the ride:
Enhancements/Fixes
- Google OS upgrade to Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)
- Google Now
- Voice search enhancements
- Camera includes improved image quality and more intuitive panorama mode
- Ability to zoom out to filmstrip mode in the Gallery
- Keyboard includes improved dictionary and text to speech capabilities
- Notification enhancements
- resolved Quick Office closing when reviewing a document
- Improved GSM roaming connectivity for global use
- Improved streaming of Sprint TV when location services are turned off
- Enhanced security and ease of use on the face unlock feature
- Removed Quick Views, Speed Dial, and MOTOPRINT applications
- Improved accuracy and response of voice to text for texting, emailing, and web search
So, what are you waiting for?
It's been a long time coming, guys – we've definitely seen our fair share of upset Xperia P owners who've been waiting for this update. But, the good news is that it's finally here, and the P is joined by the go and E Dual.
According to the Sony blog, the 4.1 update not only brings Jelly Bean, but also a slew of new enhancements that Sony has been working to "blend" with the OS. Among these new features, you'll find updated versions of WALKMAN, Album, and movies; a way to make your battery last longer with "Battery STAMINA Mode," a more customizable launcher, more home screens, and more.
Looks like Verizon's on a roll – two OTAs in the same day! Earlier today, it updated the support docs for the original Stratosphere with details of an upcoming incremental update, and now it looks like Jelly Bean is getting ready to hit the airwaves on its way to the LG Spectrum 2.
Aside from Jelly Bean goodies, the update also packs a few fixes and tweaks:
+ Weather application and widget have been updated
+ NFC LG Tag+ help has been improved
+ Brightness option has been moved to notification panel for global access
+ Browser now loads Google account bookmarks
+ Improved readability for email conversation
+ Optimized Bluetooth® connect/disconnect and audio stream switching implementations
+ User can back up contacts when the SIM is swapped to a new device
+ Preloaded widgets including Social+, Today+, Finance, News and Power Control have been removed
Once Big Red updates its support docs, that usually means an OTA is imminent – this one should likely start heading out sometime this week.
Over the past few days, ASUS has begun rolling out a treat to MeMO Pad Smart 10 owners, distributing Android 4.2.1 in an update to build number V10.6.1.15. The update, which rings in at about 500MB, brings the MeMO to 4.2.1 from 4.1, delivering on ASUS' "Q2 2013" promises noted in our review.
Of course, the headlining feature with this update is 4.2's multi-user support, which we already saw on an ASUS slate back when the manufacturer brought 4.2 to the TF300T in the US, beating other OEMs to the update punch. Otherwise, users can likely expect the same performance and stability enhancements found in the TF300T's 4.2.1 build.
Even though HTC is now focusing on its new baby (and possible savior) the HTC One, that doesn't mean the company has completely forgotten about the last generation. AT&T's HTC One X+ has just gotten an update to v1.19.502.1. Sadly, this is still Android 4.1.1, but it does fix a few nagging issues.
The full change log is straight to the point. HTC is fixing bugs, and not much else:
- AT&T Address Book Fixes
- Bluetooth fixes
- Wi-Fi fixes
- Other minor bug fixes
One X+ owners can pull the update down manually, or wait for the OTA to show up on its own.
Let's get one thing out of the way first: if you've never heard of BLU Products, it's a company to keep an eye on moving forward. Why? Because we all love affordable unlocked devices, which happens to be what BLU specializes in. And today, the company announced the Jelly Bean (4.1.x) update for the Vivo 4.3. So, not only does it provide crazy-affordable devices (the Vivo is $199 off contract), but it also supports them. Good Guy Blu.
Customers who already have the Vivo 4.3 are encouraged to "call customer service [...] for more information on how to update their device."
Aside from the bump in Android version, the company also announced that the device will be available in three new colors beginning today: Energy Neon Yellow, Pearl White, and Glimmer Pink.



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