Written by Google has announced Android 4.0 Ice-cream Sandwich – the latest Android version. Unlike previous Android versions, it is a common OS for both phones and tablets. The new Android version have refined lock screen, widgets, notifications and multi-tasking features. Face unlock, Panoramic camera, improved NFC technology and built-in Google+ support are some of its additional features.
Galaxy Nexus by Samsung and Google is the first phone with Android ICS. It was announced along with the OS itself. We can expect a phone and tablet manufacturers to announce phones and tablets built-in with Android ICS. Google has stated that theoretically any device running Android 2.3 can be updated to Android 4.0. Some manufactures may not make the updates available for their current Android 2.3 phones.
I have here listed the manufacturers and their possible new Android 4.0 phones as well as those upgradable to Android 4.0 :
Samsung’s Android 4.0 ICS phones / tablets
New Samsung phones / tablets : Galaxy Nexus is the first phone manufactured by Samsung featuring Android 4.0. Samsung Galaxy S3 will be featuring Android 4.0 and is expected to be released on 2012 with quad-core processor. Samsung hasn’t announced any new tablets running Android 4.0 but we can expect new version of Galaxy Tab featuring Android ICS to be released in 2012.
Current Samsung phones that can be upgraded to 4.0 : Samsung has already confirmed that its two high-end phones Galaxy S2 and Galaxy Note will get Android ICS update soon. Google has confirmed that Nexus S manufactured by Samsung will also get the update. Not confirmed but we can expect that Samsung’s tablets Galaxy Tab 10.1, Galaxy Tab 8.9, Galaxy Tab 7.7 and Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus which currently run Android 3.0 Honeycomb will get Android 4.0 update soon.
LG’s Android 4.0 phones / tablets :
New LG phones/ tablets : According to GSMArena, LG Optimus U1 may be the first LG phone with Android ICS releasing on 2012 though it is not officially announced by LG. For tablets, we can expect new upgraded version of LG Optimus Pad with Android ICS to be released on 2012.
Current LG phones / Tablets that can be upgraded: Its is still not confirmed if LG Optimus 2X will get the Android 4.0 update. According to GSMArena, LG initially stated that it will not release ICS update for Optimus 2X. Later, LG replied saying they are working on it. Similarly, official Android 4.0 update is not confirmed for LG Optimus pad.
Motorola’s Android 4.0 phones / tablets:
New Motorola phones / Tablets : Motorola have announced that it will release Android 4.0 devices 6 weeks after Google releasing the final version of the OS. So, we can expect Motorola devices with Android 4.0 to be released around January 2012.
Motorola phones/tabled that can be updated: Motorola have confirmed that it will update Motorola DROID RAZR, Motorola RAZR, Motorola XOOM and DROID BIONIC to Android ICS soon.
HTC’s Android 4.0 Phones / Tablets
New HTC Phones: HTC hasn’t announced any Android 4.0 phone yet but they were OEMs to speak up on the matter by declaring that they’re already looking into the new features and enhancements to determine their upgrade path. So, we can expect new HTC phones with Android 4.0 being announced on early 2012.
Android 4.0 update for current HTC phones : As hinted by HTC, they are looking at Android 4.0 for upgrade. Their challenge may be to modify the stock Ice Cream Sandwich experience with their Sense UI. Though not officially announced, it can be confirmed that HTC’s dual core phones Sensation and EVO 3D as well as their variants will get ICS update. It is still not clear about the other phones.
Sony Ericsson’s Android 4.0 phones / tablets:
Sony Ericsson will roll out Ice Cream Sandwich update to all 2011 Xperia handsets. Phones that should receive the update include the Xperia Play, Xperia neo and neo V, Mini Pro, Xperia Ray, and the Xperia arc. New phones with Android ICS are not still announced by Sony Ericsson.