Motorola Atrix 4G
Motorola Says When Some Devices Getting Android 4.0
Motorola has provided an update to its support forum pages, outlining when some devices can expect to see the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update. The RAZR and RAZR MAXX should see Android 4.0 during the second quarter, while the Atrix 2, Atrix 4G, Droid 4, and Bionic should see ICS during the third quarter. The Photon 4G is slated to receive ICS during the fourth quarter. Most other Motorola Android devices will remain at Android 2.3, 2.2, or 2.1.
AT&T Updates List of Phones Slated for Android 4.0
AT&T today published a list of devices that it plans to update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich in the coming months. The devices include the LG Nitro; the Motorola Atrix and Atrix 4G; the Pantech Burst and Element; and the Samsung Captivate Glide, Galaxy Note, Galaxy S II, Galaxy S II Skyrocket, and Galaxy Tab 8.9. These devices will all be updated in the coming months, according to AT&T, but more precise times weren't provided.
AT&T Says All 2011 Android Phones to Receive Gingerbread
AT&T today announced that all of the Android handsets it has released in 2011 will receive the Android 2.3 Gingerbread system update. The Motorola Atrix 4G will receive Gingerbread starting today, and the HTC Inspire 4G will have access to Gingerbread in the coming weeks. Other devices to receive the update include the LG Phoenix, Pantech Crossover, Samsung Captivate 4G, and Samsung Infuse 4G. AT&T will announce Gingerbread availability for these other devices closer to when the update is ready. AT&T said Gingerbread will be available for install over Wi-Fi, 3G, and via PC, depending on the device.
Motorola Offering Manual Gingerbread Update to Atrix 4G
Motorola has made Android 2.3 Gingerbread available to the Atrix 4G, which is sold by AT&T. This update must be first downloaded to a microSD card and then installed on the Atrix from the card rather than downloaded over the air. Motorola has provided detailed instructions on how to perform the update on its support pages, and recommends that the Atrix first be updated to the latest version of Blur (this can be done over the air) and be free of user modifications. Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread offers a number of key features, including support for NFC, SIP-based video calling, and better power management.
Hulu Plus Now Available to Select Androids
Hulu today announced that its Hulu Plus service is available to the Android platform for the first time with a new application. Hulu Plus for Android allows subscribers to browse through and stream the video content they want directly from their Android handset. The application works with just six handsets at launch (Nexus One, Nexus S, HTC Inspire 4G, Motorola Droid 2, Motorola Droid X, and the Motorola Atrix), though Hulu said it will add compatibility with more handsets throughout the year. The application is free to download, but Hulu Plus costs $7.99 per month.
AT&T to Provide HSUPA Update to Atrix/Inspire 4G in April
AT&T confirmed to CNet that it will enable the HSUPA radios in the HTC Inspire 4G and Motorola Atrix 4G via a software update to be distributed at some point in April. Both devices shipped with HSUPA disabled. HSUPA provides faster uploads (up to 5.76Mbps).
Motorola Acknowledges Atrix 4G Voice Issues
Responding to user complaints about voice quality degradation on the Atrix 4G smartphone, Motorola has acknowledged the issue and says the company is looking into the cause of the problem. It is asking for customers experiencing the problem to fill out a questionnaire in order to gain more insight into the issue. Motorola will provide more information once a fix/update is available. Motorola issued a statement regarding this issue this evening. "Motorola Mobility is aware of a very small number of ATRIX 4G users who have reported low audio issues when placing voice calls. Motorola ATRIX 4G is designed and tested to meet our high standards for audio quality. As part of our longstanding commitment to delivering high quality products that our customers love, we believe in reacting even when identified issues impact only a handful of users. Motorola is evaluating further optimization of audio levels in a future maintenance release. Any consumer who experiences this issue should contact a Motorola customer support center."
Hands-On: Motorola Atrix 4G
We go hands-on with "the world's most powerful smartphone," the Motorola Atrix 4G. The Atrix 4G packs killer hardware specs and Motorola's Motoblur interface on top of Android 2.2. Can it live up to the Moto hype machine?
