Android update
Android 4.3 has been announced, meaning we finally have details on the next update for the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. Here's what it brings to the table.
Google announced Android 4.3 Jelly Bean last Wednesday and stated that it would immediately begin rolling out for the Nexus 4, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 devices. While this would make most device owners happy, it seems that the Nexus 4 Android 4.3 update comes with more problems than it's worth.
HTC One owners who can't decide whether they like HTC's Sense version of Android or stock Google AOSP can now switch between both on the fly with the custom firmware MoDaCo.Switch, which is now in its public beta phase.
With the release of Android 4.3, manufacturers have been scrambling to deal with consumers asking "When will we get it?" Some, like Sony, have given concrete answers, while others like Samsung have simply sidestepped the question, creating more frustration.
T-Mobile rolled out an update for its HTC One on Monday, July 22 that included improved LTE reception as well as some "processor enhancements." Unfortunately, the update seems to have removed the HDR camera option. Luckily, T-Mobile has a fix for that.
There's not much good news for HTC One X owners regarding Android 4.3 at this point in time.
Sony recently announced an upcoming Android update release schedule for its devices, and there's some good news for Sony Xperia Tablet Z owners: it looks like Android 4.2.2 will land in August.
Owners of the Google-branded Samsung Nexus 10 tablet can now count themselves among an elite group of Android users with an official Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update available starting Wednesday.
Despite Android 4.3 having been announced and already released on a few Nexus devices, owners of the HTC One Google Play edition will be disappointed to know that they will have to wait longer. All we know now is that the update should be coming "soon," according to Google.
Google announced Android 4.3 Wednesday, and the reveal has many OEMs scrambling to keep their lineups fresh and updated. While Sony has come out with an official statement regarding which devices will get Android 4.3, rival smartphone manufacturer Samsung has only sidestepped the question.
Google's Android 4.3 announcement has sent many developers and manufacturers rushing back to the coding table in order to whip up a new batch of firmwares to roll out. Google Nexus devices that run AOSP such as the Nexus 4, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 are all already receiving Android 4.3, and Google has even released factory images for all the firmwares - well almost all. Verizon's Galaxy Nexus variant seems to have been left out.
Sony's popular Xperia Z smartphone is still in the midst of receiving Android 4.2.2, but that hasn't stopped Sony from officially coming out and confirming Android 4.3 will land on the smartphone in the future.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play edition was created for one main reason: so that owners can receive Android updates far quicker than if they had to wait for Samsung to layer its own interface on top. Purchasing the Google Play edition instead of the Samsung-centric, carrier-tied variants is about to pay off, for Android 4.3 is set to land on the smartphone soon.
Good news owners of the Google-branded LG Nexus 4, there's a new version of Android in town, and it's currently rolling out for the handset.
T-Mobile rolled out a new update for HTC Ones on its network Monday, and while it isn't the highly desired Android 4.2.2 firmware everybody wants, it does bring some nifty fixes to the table.
