Jelly Bean |

Google cleaning up Android with almost 50 percent running Jelly Bean

October 4, 2013 By Micheal Baptiste Leave a Comment

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Android has went through a lot of versions and for the past two years most have been stuck on the redundant Gingerbread 2.3, without a hope of grabbing an upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich or Jelly Bean.

The pace has started to move in the direction of new updates in the past year, with Google and partners making sure Android devices are upgraded every six months and users get a better experience even with an older device.

It has come to the point almost 50 percent of Android smartphones are running Jelly Bean, the latest name change on Android. The other fifty percent continue to use Gingerbread or Ice Cream Sandwich.

Jelly Bean is split into three main versions, 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3, with the next in line KitKat 4.4. The majority of users on Jelly Bean actually use 4.1 instead of the later versions, showing there is still some minor fragmentation on the OS.

The way we see it going is all Gingerbread smartphones will start slowly sliding away, like Windows XP machines. Once those are gone, smartphones running ICS will either be upgraded or dumped and Jelly Bean will become the new leader.

This does present some problems for the next versions of Android, especially KitKat that looks like a small upgrade but may be fundamental to Google’s plans of getting quick adoption across the board, on all devices high and low-end.

In the long term, Google is going to have to make Android updates quicker and easier across the board. With iOS, Apple pushes the update to all compatible devices, but with Android partners need to be informed and update their UI for every smartphone.

This makes it hard for all Android users to get a quick upgrade to the latest version, especially when some partners aren’t as fast at upgrading as others, like HTC were and still are with some devices.

Jelly Bean Continues to be on Top With 40 Percent Share

August 5, 2013 By David Crozier Leave a Comment

While there is a scuffle and a ruffle between which Android device rules the market, when it comes to the operating system that makes the Android device work, it is Jelly Bean that has emerged to be the single winner as on date. Research results published indicates that of all the Android devices in the market, 40 percent of them have Jelly Bean version running on them.

Ice Cream Sandwich, FroYo and Gingerbread are the other versions of Android that at one time had been running on devices but that is slowly turning to be history only. There is however a 33 percent market share that Gingerbread yet holds. While this is expected to fade out soon, what can’t be ignored is that it still maintains a considerable sway in the world Android landscape.

However, within the Jelly Bean realm, it is the slightly primitive Android 4.1 version that is still maintaining a lead over the Android 4.2.2 version. Then there is the Android 4.3 version that has been launched only recently but is yet to make it to the Android usage data as of now. it has only just begn to appear on the Nexus line of products. Manufacturers have already made it known they are working on the Android 4.3 update for their respective devices. Meanwhile, in an interesting turn of events, Android 4.2.2 seems to be losing out on its relevance now that the latest Android 4.3 version is out. This since manufacturers such as Samsung have adopted the policy of skipping the Android 4.2.2 update with plans to instead offer the latest Android 4.3 update. Not a bad idea for the end users as long as they are getting their updates on time.

Google Nexus 4 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean Update – Manual Downloads Available

July 27, 2013 By David Crozier Leave a Comment

Google’s Android head, Sunder Pichai had stated the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update for the Nexus devices will be out the same day the latest Android build was released. It was on Wednesday last and three days later, things obviously have not turned out the way it should have been. Instead, Google has resorted to using the ‘coming soon’ tag and has revised the schedule of the coming of the Android 4.3 to the Nexus 4 to the next few days. Other devices that are also awaiting the coming of the Android 4.3 update are the Nexus 7, Nexus 10 as well as the Google Nexus.

However, before it gets too disappointing, the above applies to the update being pushed over the air since the update has already emerged online and can be downloaded manually.

However, before beginning with the download process, users will have to ensure they have Android Android 4.2.2 (JDQ39) build running on their devices. Also of course, the usual pre installation guideline of creating a backup of the device is extremely necessary to prevent nasty surprises later on. The official intimation of the update is still being sent out and it be a couple of days more for the same to make it to every Nexus device out there.

As for the update itself, Android 4.3 Jelly Bean version might not be anything to get too excited about as it marks a rather small improvement over Android 4.2.2. Among the new features to look out for include better parental controls who can now restrict the usage of app or games they deem unfit for this kid’s use and so on. The Android 4.3 build will however be faster than the current version.

HTC One Gets Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean Update in Taiwan

July 3, 2013 By David Crozier Leave a Comment

Here is some exciting piece of news for owners of the latest HTC One in Taiwan. For the company has now come up with the much desired Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean update for the current flagship device. It was only recently that the said update was launched for the dual sim version of the smartphone and now it’s the single sim version of the device that is the recipient of the latest Android goodness. However, the latest update is only available for owners of the device in Taiwan though it is just a matter of time before it proliferates to other regions of the world. As for the update for the dual sim version of the HTC One, the update was released earlier in China and Russia, the only two countries where the device is available.

Also, both the dual sim and single versions of the current HTC flagship device share a similar change log. This includes launcher bar enhancements, enhanced home button behavior, battery level indicator in the status bar, widget panel rearrangement, to name just a few. The update will also introduce new settings options within the notification area which will save users from delving into settings mode for every minor adjustment. Then there are also some enhancements for the camera along with the gallery as well. Plus, the latest update also introduces the new Zoe file format to the device.

The update has been pushed out over the air and notifications should already have reached or is in the process of reaching users of the smartphone in Taiwan. Or users can also try and download the update manually by checking ‘Software Update’ section under ‘About Phone’ and ‘Settings’.

Galaxy S4 Mini with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean 4.3 inch Screen Released by Samsung

June 1, 2013 By Micheal Baptiste Leave a Comment

The official launch of the Galaxy S4 Mini is well in accord with rumors and predictions about the existence of the device. The surprise element is that the announcement comes a bit earlier than expected – most predictions pointed to a June 20^th launch at the London event.

As expected, the Galaxy S4 Mini is a miniature version of the flagship Galaxy S4, and the launch pattern is similar to that of last year’s Galaxy S3 and Galaxy S3 Mini. The S4 Mini is a budget-friendly option yet harmonious with the high-end design and features of the Galaxy S4. It will be available in black and white colors, and pricing has yet to be announced.

The Galaxy S4 Mini measures 124.6 x 61.3 x 8.94 mm and boasts a 4.3-inch screen compared to the 4.99-inch screen of the Galaxy S4. It is still larger than the iPhone 5’s 4-inch screen. Its resolution is qHD 960 x 540 compared to Full HD 1920 x 1080 of the Galaxy S4.

The Galaxy S4 Mini is powered by a 1.7GHz dual-core processor, most probably Snapdragon 400 SoC, and 1.5 GB RAM. The 8GB internal storage is expandable to 64GB via microSD. Camera features are impressive – 8MP rear camera and 1.9MP front-facing camera. The 1,900mAh battery is removable.

The S4 Mini runs on Android 4.2.2 OS and comes loaded with many of the features of the S4, such as TouchWiz Nature UI. Android 4.2.2 has a good number of enhancements including better interface and speed. Pre-loaded apps include S Travel, ChatOn, Group Play, S Health and S Translator, among others.

The device will come in three versions namely, a 3G version, 4G LTE version and 3G dual-SIM version. Connectivity features include dual-band Wi-Fi a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GLONASS and GPS. Will the other Galaxy S4 models wait till June 20^th or make it earlier?

Motorola X Phone Release Date Rumors to Feature Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean

May 31, 2013 By Micheal Baptiste Leave a Comment

Rumors regarding the new Motorola X Phone do not show any signs of cooling down. There have been different rumors regarding this upcoming flagship of Motorola and few images have been leaked as well. But recently an upsetting rumor hit the forums that said that Google has abandoned its project of Android v5.0 Key Lime Pie with Motorola X Phone, which hopefully will not tend to be true.

Motorola X Phone’s key attraction was Google’s newest and to-be-released Android version. But reportedly Google has shifted the project to a second thought. Even if it is true, Motorola X Phone may release much before Google’s launch of new Android version. Possibly, if not Key Lime Pie, the phone will run on Android v.4.1 or v.4.2.

A tipster has released a leaked image of Motorola X Phone, which shows the device’s settings menu. The image also indicates that X Phone will possess a spec dubbed as ‘Droid Blast’ that seems to provide new ways of sharing photos and videos between flagships utilizing gestures. Sources reveal that X Phone will be launched in two different models, one of which will be similar to RAZR M model of Verizon.

The other rumored pattern of Motorola X Phone would feature 4.8 inches HD display, run on Android Jelly Bean v.4.2.2 and possess 2GB of RAM. Many Motorola fans are expecting the flagship to be unveiled at next I/O conference of Google.

All these rumors seem quite reasonable. Rumors surrounding the Motorola X Phone might come true but nothing can be confirmed unless some official statement is released by the manufacturer itself.

There are also rumors about the new carrier of Motorola X Phone. Sources suggest that Verizon will be carrying the device from July. Fans need to await confirmation from either the carrier or the American tech itself.

Google Nexus 5 to Come with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean?

May 28, 2013 By Brandi McCants Leave a Comment

A set of pictures and a video from the Thailand Mobile Expo have revealed the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean on a Nexus 4 device. Said to have appeared on the Galaxy Nexus Facebook page, the photos and video pertain to the Nexus 4 device at the TG Fone Shop booth at the expo. XDA-Developers have displayed the snapshots that seem to provide solid proof of the iteration.

The build date is May 14^th, the day before Google’s I/O conference which did not feature Android 4.3 despite high expectation that it would. Google issued a press release after the event hinting the appearance of a new Android version with support for Bluetooth Smart. Recent rumors point to a June 10^th release of Android 4.3, coinciding with the WWDC event, where Apple’s iOS 7 is likely to be released.

The “About Phone” screen shown in one of the photos confirms that the software is Android 4.3 and the Easter egg menu indicates that it is Jelly Bean and not Key Lime Pie. The build number – JWR45B – and baseband string info show that the build has not been used before. Among the notable features, the new Android iteration has a new Camera app boasting new camera control features.

Despite predictions that the I/O event will feature the next Android version and the next Nexus phone, Google chose to unveil a Nexus Edition of the Samsung Galaxy S4. Now, rumors that Google will reveal both on June 10^th have sparked off.

Many are expecting the next Nexus phone to be an upgrade to the LG-made Nexus 4. Sources have also revealed that Motorola is also building a nexus device. Google seems to be working on a new Nexus tablet PC while upgrading its current Nexus 7. However, they are all guesses and more solid info has yet to come.

Android Jelly Bean Update For Sony Xperia S Appears on the Company Support Page

May 24, 2013 By David Crozier Leave a Comment

The Jelly Bean update for the Sony Xperia S is slated to arrive towards the end of May itself. Sony had confirmed this in April while the update too was well on track. It was reported to have been accorded the necessary certification for an official roll out on schedule, which is when a rumor broke out claiming things to have gone off track a bit and hence things could get delayed to June.

That’s bad news for sure though there have been no further confirmation of this, which means the Android Jelly Bean update can well be considered to be on time. Thankfully, things are also seemingly shaping up that way, with the update reported to have made an appearance on the company’s support page for the Xperia S smartphone. It was first noticed by the folks at XperiaBlog that mentioned the latest firmware version to be made available being 6.2.A.0.200.

However, what is strange is that the date that the support page mentioned is April 24^th. Needless to say we are already well past it which means the only logical explanation could be that it was a mistake and should have been May 24 instead

So as things stand right now, the much awaited Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update should reach Xperia S owners well on time. Not only does the Jelly Bean version will make the device perform remarkably better, there also are a host of feaures to be availaed of as part of the Jelly Bean package.

Google Nexus 4 White, Android Jelly Bean 4.3 Release dated for June 10

May 20, 2013 By Micheal Baptiste Leave a Comment

Google I/O Conference was held on May 15. Alongside, a number of rumors regarding the unveiling of Google Nexus 7 2, announcement of Android Key Lime Pie v.5.0 and a lot more were simply shattered. Google hinted nothing over a white variant of Nexus 4 and Android 4.3. However, it is almost unfeasible for some rumors to cool down. Rumors on the white variant of Nexus 4 and Android v.4.3 are still swirling in the pool.

The white variant of Nexus 4 will obviously be a ditto of the black one, with a light upgrade in its OS. Rumors reveal that white Nexus 4 will be available at Google Play Store from June 10 onwards. A tech forum says that it was able to lay hands on the white Nexus 4 at I/O. Nexus 4 originally runs on Android v.4.2. It seems that Android 4.3 will just be a minor update with slight specifications.

Possibly, the developer AVI plane would be augmented to version 18, enabling sturdy support for Bluetooth Smart and likely OpenGL ES 3.0 as well. It is also highly probable that Android v.4.3 Jelly Bean will be rolled out to rest of the Nexus devices like Nexus 10 and 7. White variant of Nexus 4 would be available at a commencing price of $299.

Meanwhile, Nexus 4 endorses a 4.7 inches display with a screen resolution of 768*1280 p at a pixel density of 318 ppi. An 8 MP camera and 2 GB RAM are other notable specs of the Nexus 4. It is available in two variants of 8 and 16 GB. Nexus 4 operates on a Qualcomm APQ8064 Snapdragon, Quad Core Krait 1.5 GHz and Adreno 320. Recently, Nexus 4’s Android v.4.2 was upgraded to v.4.2.2. If the white variant of Nexus 4 runs on Android 4.3, most likely, the black model would be upgraded to the same.

Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean update Ready

May 17, 2013 By Micheal Baptiste 1 Comment

Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 users can start enjoying additional features on their phones by updating to the Android 4.1.2 OS. Samsung’s update offer pertains to model number GT-I8160P. The jelly bean update will be first available to users in Germany and will be rolling out to other countries in about a week’s time.

The update, which was created on May 1^st 2013, is the first Jelly Bean upgrade for the Galaxy Ace 2. The upgrade will bring new features to your Galaxy Ace 2, including Project Butter and Google Now. Project Butter is supposed to provide more fluidity for a smoother performance. With Samsung’s new Tough-Wiz UX interface integrated to the OS, your device will feel totally new with higher speed and better battery.

Additional enhancements from the update include Smart Stay, Direct Call, Pop-up-play and Smart Alert. You can also expect an improved keyboard and offline voice recognition. The notification area will feature customizable scrollable toggles.

The official update is for NFC incorporated devices and can be done via Samsung’s OTA services. Once you receive the OTA update notification, it takes just a tap or two to download and install the necessary files. In case you don’t receive the OTA notification, you can connect to the KIES server through a computer and avail Samsung’s automatic update process. Or, manually check the settings option to proceed with the software update.

After the release of Samsung Galaxy S4, Samsung seems to be offering the Jelly Bean upgrade to more of its older smartphones. The Korean giant is doing all it can to draw new customers and satisfy its existing customers. The big plus is that these updates are bringing a new leash of life to Samsung’s entry-level smartphones.