The Verge - Android 4.1 Jelly Bean: everything you need to know

Android 4.1 headed to Droid RAZR M, Motorola launches Test Drive program for future updates

2012-11-09T20:54:07Z

Two months after release, Motorola's Droid RAZR M is set to receive a much-anticipated update to Android 4.1 in the coming weeks. The Jelly Bean rollout was announced by the Google-owned manufacturer via Twitter, with Verizon also posting a support document confirming the release. That's a faster turnaround time than what we've seen from other Android OEMs, no doubt aided by Motorola's relatively streamlined and inoffensive software skin. It's also likely that the company began working on this update even before the RAZR M disappointingly shipped with Android 4.0. But Motorola hasn't been able to maintain such a brisk update schedule for every device in its lineup: the Droid Bionic only recently made the jump to Android 4.0.

Samsung begins Galaxy S III Jelly Bean updates, 15 additional models scheduled

2012-09-24T10:46:53Z

In an email from Samsung to The Verge, the company has announced that it's updating its flagship Galaxy S III handset to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, starting today. Poland is the first market to receive the update, which brings Google Now, Project Butter, and other enhancements, but Samsung says Jelly Bean will "gradually" be introduced to other markets soon; how quickly you get it will "vary by market and wireless carriers' requirements." The update will also bring a few Samsung-specific enhancements, including improved 'Pop up play' functionality, a new 'Easy Mode' that offers easy-to-use widgets for favorites and recently-used applications, and a 'blocking mode' that sounds remarkably similar to Apple's 'Do Not Disturb' function.

As well...

Verizon finally rolling out Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean for the Galaxy Nexus

2012-09-21T15:04:36Z

Google announced Android 4.1 Jelly Bean back in June and released it for the unlocked GSM Galaxy Nexus a few weeks later, but Verizon's version has remained stuck on Ice Cream Sandwich. However, with very little fanfare, the carrier finally released the latest version of Android to Galaxy Nexus users. This comes just a few weeks after Sprint updated its own Galaxy Nexus and Nexus S hardware to the latest version of Android — Verizon's a little late, but the Galaxy Nexus is still getting Jelly Bean a lot faster than some handsets on the market. Verizon has put up a PDF with all the details on the 146MB update on its site, so check your phones now — the update should be rolling out any time now.

Sprint rolling out Android 4.1 update to Samsung Galaxy Nexus, Nexus S

2012-09-06T21:51:05Z

Some time after Android 4.1 Jelly bean came to the unlocked HSPA+ model of Samsung's Galaxy Nexus, Sprint has confirmed that it is rolling out the update to its own version of the phone. The latest update will add Google Now, some performance improvements, and other Jelly Bean features; it will also discontinue support for Adobe Flash Player. As of today, the update should start showing up as an over the air download. The Galaxy Nexus has been updated to Android 4.1 outside the US, but this marks the first time an American carrier has added Jelly Bean to one of its current phones.

According to Sprint's forums, Nexus S 4G owners are also in for a change. A Sprint employee has told users that Jelly Bean updates for the Nexus S will be a...

Asus rolling out Transformer Pad TF300T update with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean

2012-08-18T18:07:15Z

As promised, Asus looks to be rolling out Android 4.1 Jelly Bean for its Transformer Pad TF300T. According to Android Central, users have started receiving an over the air update to Jelly Bean over the past day. Installing it apparently disables Flash — which was recently discontinued for Android — and also makes Wi-Fi Direct unusable, but it adds support for Google Now and other standard Jelly Bean features. Eventually, the new firmware should show up on the Asus support page, but for now it's OTA-only. In late July, Asus promised timely updates to Android 4.1 for most of its Transformer line, so hopefully the Transformer Prime and Transformer Pad Infinity will see their own updates coming soon as well.

Sony corrects itself, says it hasn't ruled out Android 4.1 Jelly Bean on any 2011 phones

2012-07-31T13:53:01Z

Sony has backed off an earlier claim that some 2011 Xperia phones would not be getting Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. After a UK product manager posted on Facebook that the Xperia Arc S and Mini Pro weren't being upgraded to the newest Android version, a spokesperson posted a correction on the Sony blog:

A quick note – during a Q&A session last week on our Sony Mobile GB Facebook page, a local spokesperson gave information out in error on our Android 4.1 Jelly Bean software development and rollout for 2011 Xperia smartphones.

We are actively investigating Android OS upgrades for all devices, but in the meantime, our Ice Cream Sandwich rollout for Xperia S and 2011 Xperia smartphones continues as planned.

While this is pretty non-specific,...

Sony UK confirms Xperia Arc S and Mini Pro not getting Android 4.1 Jelly Bean

2012-07-28T01:17:03Z

Sony UK has confirmed that a couple Xperia handsets will not be receiving Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. John Cooper, UK product manager for Sony Mobile, responded to Facebook questions concerning Sony Mobile and the Xperia line by stating that the Arc S and Mini Pro won't be getting the latest version of the operating system. He also mentioned that Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich has been approved for the entire Xperia S line, but that the company has no announcements regarding a Jelly Bean update. Sony has yet to officially announce that any Xperia devices will get Android 4.1.

Motorola Xoom users receiving Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean (Update: Motorola confirms)

2012-07-27T04:05:55Z

The wait for Jelly Bean could be over for Google’s other Nexus device. Some owners of Motorola’s Xoom report having received OTA updates to Android 4.1.1, despite not being part of a Motorola feedback program that gives users early access to the software. There still hasn't been an official announcement from either Google or Motorola, so it’s possible that this is a limited rollout before the update gets pushed to the masses, but the news is encouraging nonetheless. After patiently waiting through OTA updates for the HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus and Nexus S, Xoom owners have to be glad to finally be joining the party.

Thanks, Lettershot!

Update: Motorola's Android 4.1 update is now official for Xoom Wi-Fi owners, and includes all the...