HTC Desire (CDMA)
HTC Confirms Android 4.0 Headed to 16 Smartphones
HTC today published in a blog post a list of 16 smartphones that will be updated to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The devices include the Amaze 4G, Desire S, Desire HD, EVO 3D, EVO Design 4G, Incredible S, Sensation, Sensation XL, Sensation 4G, Sensation XE, Raider, Rezound, Rhyme, Thunderbolt, and Vivid. HTC said that it is still in the early stages of rolling out Android 4.0 to the Sensation and Sensation XE. The next phones in line for Android 4.0 updates are the Sensation 4G and the Sensation XL. HTC cautions that wireless network operators play a role in the update process, so it can't lock down firm timelines with respect to the exact availability of updates.
HTC Details Android 4.0 Roll-Out Plans
HTC today provided more details via its Facebook page on when it will update its existing smartphones to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The first batch includes the Sensation, Sensation 4G and Sensation XE by the end of March, with the Sensation XL soon after. HTC says that owners of the Rezound, Vivid, Amaze 4G, EVO 3D, EVO Design 4G, Incredible S, Desire S, and Desire HD will receive Android 4.0 later this year. HTC will provide more specific details about the upgrades in the coming weeks.
HTC Offers More Bootloader Unlocking Tools
HTC recently made the tools that allow users to unlock their device's bootloader available to more smartphones via its developer web side. The new handsets include the Desire HD, Wildfire, Desire Z, T-Mobile G2, Aria, ChaCha, and Status. HTC has already made the same tools available for most of its Android smartphones released since September 2011. Once unlocked, owners will have more freedom to install custom software on their Android smartphones.
Skype Expands Video Chat Feature to More Androids
Skype has provided an update to its Android application that adds the video chatting feature to a large number of new Android handsets. Skype notes that Gingerbread is required to use the video chat feature, so owners of the following phones are encouraged to make sure their system is up to date. The new handsets are: the Acer A5; the HTC Desire, Thunderbolt, Sensation, EVO 4G, EVO 3D, Incredible S, Desire HD, Flyer; the LG Revolution; the Samsung Galaxy S, Galaxy S II, Droid Charge, Galaxy Tab; and the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, Xperia ray, and Xperia mini pro. The update is free to install.
