Sprint is slowly becoming a force to be reckoned with its newer lineup of Android devices. Shortly after they got the Galaxy Nexus they now have announced the LG Viper 4G LTE that comes with Android 2.3 Gingerbread and NFC support.

Sprint LG Viper 4G LTE Features:

• 4G LTE Data
• Android 2.3 Gingerbread
• 5MP rear camera
• Front facing VGA camera
• VGA quality front-facing camera
• 1.2GHz dual-core processor
• NFC (Near Field Communication) w/ Google Wallet
• HotSpot capability
• 4-inch WVGA NOVA display

While there is no word on whether or not the device will get an official Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update at some point. We can almost guarantee that it will since its specs seem to support it and most devices get at least one Android OS upgrade in its life.

Finally T-Mobile and HTC are releasing an OTA (over the air) update for the HTC Sensation to fix known issues since its release. The update will bring the software up to version 1.50.531.1 and Android Gingerbread 2.3.4 to the device.

HTC Sensation Fixes and Improvements:

• Increased Stability
• Improved Battery Life
• Improved Trace Dictionary
• More Responsive Screen
• Smoother Icons
• Improved WiFi Connection

If you haven’t received the update in the form of an OTA you can always manually check for it. Go to “Settings -> About Phone -> HTC Software Update -> Check Now”. Please let us know what you notice in the update good or bad.

Some Motorola Droid users that are a member of the Motorola Feedback Network have been contacted to test the next update. Don’t get too excited yet as the update is not a Gingerbread or Ice Cream Sandwich update but a security update.

The update that will be pushed OTA after the testing phase is over will not even be noticed by Droid users as its all background items that fix minor security holes and bugs.

It looks like Sony now has the Xperia arc S available for order on their website. From what we have found you will be able to get this unlocked version of the arc S this week in the US.

The Sony Xperia arc S is a 4.2 inch Android 2.3 Gingerbread device with a Mobile Bravia Engine display. It sports a 1.4 GHz Qualcomm processor and 8 MP camera coming in 4 different colors. If your interested in the device it will set you back $499 to buy unlocked directly from Sony. If you plan on waiting for a carrier discounted price there is no date right now that we can find.

If you get your hands on one of these Sony Xperia arc S phones let us know what you think. Check out Sony’spress release below for more information:

XPERIA arc S AND XPERIA neo V FROM SONY ERICSSON ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE U.S.

The Xperia™ arc S and Xperia™ neo V from Sony Ericsson are now available for purchase in the U.S. at the Sony Store. The Xperia™ arc S and Xperia™ neo V showcase an enhanced entertainment experience with the latest Sony technology and Android™ operating system, version 2.3.4 (Gingerbread).

The Xperia™ arc S and Xperia™ neo V feature Sony’s groundbreaking 3D sweep panorama technology, which enables image capture and viewing in 3D by connecting the phone to a 3D TV using the HDMI output, so you can show off those amazing pictures from your last vacation or that video of the flash mob you saw today to your friends and family.

This version of Android™ Gingerbread includes new functionality and features that allow you to benefit from improvements to Sony Ericsson’s unique Facebook inside Xperia™. Share, see, like and comment on all your favorite stuff – from tracks on your music player to photos from your gallery and even apps and games downloaded on your phone.

Xperia™ arc S Key Features and Pricing:

• Android™ 2.3.4 operating system
• 1.4 GHz processor
• 8.1 megapixel camera with Exmor R™ for mobile image sensor
• 4.2″ Reality display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine® Engine
• 3D and 2D sweep panorama photography
• Available in Pure White, Gloss Black, Midnight Blue, and Misty Silver
• MSRP $549.99, unlocked

Xperia™ neo V Key Features and Pricing:

• Android™ 2.3.4 operating system
• 3.7″ capacitive, multi-touch screen
• 5 megapixel camera with 16x digital zoom
• Front-facing camera
• Available in Pearl White, Silver, and Blue Gradient
• MSRP $349.99, unlocked

Android™ 2.3.4 – At a Glance*

• Xperia™ smartphones introducing world’s first 3D sweep panorama functionality powered by Sony
• Updated Facebook inside Xperia™ functionality for enhanced like, share and discover abilities
• Gesture input – text input by swiping the finger from one letter to the next
• New features including Google™ Talk with Video Chat for smartphones with front-facing cameras

Availability:
The Sony Ericsson Xperia™ arc S and Xperia™ neo V are available unlocked, at Sony Store. Additional availability can be found at other retailers such as Newegg.com starting early December. Check for pricing and availability.

According to LG they have began rolling out the Android 2.3 Gingerbread update to all Optimus devices starting with the Optimus X2. It looks like the start of the OTA (over the air) rollout will be be the X2 in Europe. The Gingerbread update will be staggered as always and since the update will be for all Optimus devices we can assume it will be a long term rollout.

The update started yesterday with the Optimus 3D update starting November 21st according to LG’s Facebook page. The Optimus Black is also said to start rolling out November 28th after the 3D. Some users have stated that they haven’t received the update OTA or manually yet so be patient and it will get to you in the coming days.

With LG recently promising an update to Ice Cream Sandwich users of the device shouldn’t get too comfortable with the Gingerbread OS since we would guess Q1 next year there will be the new update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. At any event let us know how the update goes and when you get it.

Droid 2 and Droid Global Gingerbread Update

So emails have been sent out by Verizon stating that the Motorola Droid Pro and Motorola Droid 2 are now ready for the Android 2.3 Gingerbread update. If you have either of these devices and haven’t seen the update push yet you can go to “Settings -> About Phone -> System Updates” and manually find the update.

Droid 2 and Droid Pro Global Update Features:

• Download Manager App: New App to manage all of your downloads from web browsing, email attachments and other apps.
• App and Power Management Details: Under Manage Applications, a new “Running” tab displays a list of active applications and the storage and memory being used by each.
• Multi-Touch Key-Chording: New ability to enter numbers and symbols with keyboard shortcut combos, instead of having to change to the numeric keyboard mode.
• Improved Word Selection and Copy Functionality: New capability to select a word via press-hold. A second press of the selected word copies the selected characters.
• New User Interface and Color Scheme: New widgets, icons and screens with refreshed colors.
• Dock Icons: Static Phone, App Launcher and Contacts icons are replaced within a customizable dock. Three swappable icons and the App Launcher icon are fixed to the dock at the bottom of all home screen panels for easy and instant access.
• App Groups: New App Menu allows creation of custom app groups, in addition to 3 default groups: All Apps, Recent and Downloaded.

We saw the Face unlock feature introduced with the announcement of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. While we wait for the day that Ice Cream Sandwich is available on each of our devices, there is no need to wait for some of the features. Themes and Apps have been hitting the market that mimic Android 4.0 and with this comes FaceLOCK.

FaceLOCK is an app developed by ACM Apps made to mimic the face recognition unlock feature in Ice Cream Sandwich. After you download the app there are a few steps to get it setup properly.

1. Click configure to get the configure page
2. Click the save button and capture your face. This will automatically save your face. (be patient its based on network speed)
3. Click the “Test” button to check the confidence level of your image
4. Click the “Next” button
5. Use the slider to adjust sensitivity. (Recommend – Medium)
6. Enter a 4 digit pin
7. Click “Save and Exit” button

This app does not require that you have a front facing camera, although would be a little odd the other way a round. The app will cost you $1.99 if your interested and can be downloaded via the Android Market by searching for “FaceLOCK”.

Those of you who didn’t get the update fast enough when it started rolling out before have no fear it will be back within a week. Last month the Droid 2 Gingerbread update was pulled because of a Microsoft Exchange encryption issue that was found at the last minute. ITs ok though because you will finally have Gingerbread soon.

A support document floating around Verizon shows a new build version 4.5.608 has already been approved for release and that it will be coming within a week. The update will be an OTA (over the air) update and will push globally when available. To get the update just go to “settings -> software update -> check now“.

When you get the update please let us know how it goes and if there are any additional bugs that are noticed.

On October 7th we let you all know about an update Verizon mentioned for the Droid X2 (Droid X2 1.3.380.MB870 Update) and it seems the time is here. There have been reports that the update will start pushing OTA (over the air) today. Go ahead and check for it throughout the day via “Settings -> About Phone -> System Updates“.

Droid X2 Update Features:

• Keyboard remains visible during text input.
• Input characters are properly displayed during text entry.
• Device will no longer lockup or reset when using the keyboard.
• Charging indicator will display only when the device is plugged into a charger.
• Home key functions correctly while the device is in the desktop cradle.
• Successfully use the camera after unlocking the device.
• Video quality has been improved for video recording and playback.
• Mobile Hotspot password can now exceed 63 characters.
• Improvement to the device stability limits resets and lockups.
• The Magic Smoke live wallpaper animation now works properly.
• Enjoy improved audio when streaming music.

Cricket announced the newest phone in their Android lineup called the Samsung Transfix. Its a QWERTY slider with a 3.2 inch display running Android 2.3 Gingerbread available for $179 right now. The Transfix has an 800 MHz processor and 3.2 MP rear facing camera. For more information read the official press release below.

Cricket and Samsung Introduce New Android Messaging Smartphone

Running Android™ Gingerbread the Samsung Transfix features full slide out QWERTY keyboard

San Diego and Dallas – October 11, 2011 – Cricket Communications, Inc., a leading provider of innovative and value-driven wireless services and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Leap Wireless International, Inc. (NASDAQ: LEAP) and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the United States1 today announced the launch of the Samsung Transfix™ (SCH-R730). The Transfix is the latest in Cricket’s line up of Android smartphones and is packed with many great features in a sleek design.

With a full slide out QWERTY keyboard, the Samsung Transfix is an easy-to-navigate messaging device for Cricket customers who are texting and surfing the web on the go. The Transfix is powered by Android 2.3 Gingerbread and features an 800MHz processor with a 3.2-inch touchscreen. The smartphone also features a 3.2-megapixel camera with camcorder and microSD slot with up to 32-gigabyte expandable memory. The Transfix includes all of the popular Android apps like Gmail, YouTube and Google Search, plus the Android market that now features more than 200,000 applications and games.

“We are very pleased to bring the Samsung Transfix to Cricket customers,” said Matt Stoiber, vice president and general manager, devices for Cricket.  “The Transfix features an easy-to-use slide out keyboard that makes messaging a breeze.  Combined with its affordable price we believe the Transfix will be attractive to our customers looking for an Android device.”

“We are excited to offer another Android Gingerbread smartphone, the Samsung Transfix, to Cricket’s network,” said Todd Pendleton, chief marketing officer of Samsung Mobile. “We continue to work with Cricket to provide customers devices to fit their needs, and the Transfix is an outstanding messaging device.”