Verizon has released an update to their version of the Xperia Play bringing it to software version 4.02.E.0.57. Before you get too excited this is an Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread update and not Android 4 Ice Cream Sandwich. The update will bring some updated bloatware and camera improvements. See below for full feature list from the 4.02.E.0.57 update.

Verizon Xperia Play Android 2.3.4 Update Features:

• Verizon Wireless Video on Demand now comes preloaded.
• Improved user experience and new delivery method of preloaded games.
• When connected via Bluetooth®, the Music Player now supports
• Fast Forward and Rewind.
• VZ Navigator® has been updated with the latest 3D map improvements.
• Upgraded to Gingerbread 2.3.4 operating system.
• A long-press of the power button will successfully capture
• a screen shot.
• Charging issues forcing device to remain in landscape
• mode have been resolved.
• Recommended contacts now populate correctly when
• using the dialpad.
• Camera Improvements: Right trigger successfully captures a picture – Record video in 720p with continuous auto-focus.
• Device is now enabled with the Wireless Emergency Alerting System.
• Mobile Hotspot ID broadcast can be turned off to increase security.

It doesn’t look like Android 4 ICS is in the plans for Verizon to release to the device although you can hold your breath if you’d like. Let us know if you have received the update and what you think of it.

Verizon has announced the Official Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich update for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus bringing it to software version IMM76K. The update is rolling out in phases really slow so if you haven’t received the OTA (over the air) update yet don’t worry you will get it soon. You can however manually install it as well if your rooted and not in the business of being patient which covers me as well.

There have been custom ROM’s for the device for a while now to get the Android OS to the version being pushed out in this update although this one is official. If you want to go from the leaked version of the earlier IMM30B ROM then you will need to flash your Galaxy Nexus back to the stock ICL53F ROM before running the OTA update. Otherwise you can wait for an update to the IMM30b ROM to show up somewhere which should not be too far off. If you are rooted running the stock ROM then all you have to do is update the device and be done.

For full instructions to update your Samsung Galaxy Nexus with the Official ROM while not running the stock setup visit XDA and read carefully. You will need to use the file for your device specifically. Any questions of concerns can be added here in the comments.

With Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich being almost a requirement now when looking for a new phone Samsung is letting us know what devices they will update with the popular current Android OS. Samsung has been slow with their Android 4.0 updates although they have released a list of devices that will get the update by carrier. The following are confirmed ICS updates to come although not all devices that will get the update may be listed.

AT&T Samsung Android Phones Getting Android 4.0 ICS:

• Galaxy S2 (SGH-i777)
• Galaxy S2 Skyrocket (SGH-i727)
• Galaxy Note (SGH-i717)
• Captivate Glide (SGH-i927)
• Nexus S (SGH-i9020A)
• Galaxy Tab 8.9 (SGH-i957)

Sprint Samsung Android Phones Getting Android 4.0 ICS:

• Galaxy S2
• the Epic 4G Touch (SPH-d710)

Verizon Samsung Android Devices Getting Android 4.0 ICS:

• Galaxy Tab 10.1 (SCH-i905)
• Galaxy Tab 7.7 (SCH-i815)
• Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus Wi-Fi (P6210)
• Galaxy Tab 8.9 Wi-Fi (P7310)
• Galaxy Tab 10.1 Wi-Fi (P7510)

There has been no mention of T-Mobile updates although Samsung has stated that “We are in close communication with T-Mobile to ensure that eligible devices are upgraded to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich in the coming months and will provide updates as we have additional details to share.” We can assume such devices as their version of the Galaxy S2 will be getting the update although thats about all we can say for sure right now.

Source: Samsung

Verizon Wireless is almost ready to launch a new Droid Incredible called the Droid Incredible 4G. We haven’t heard anything about the device until it mysteriously showed up on the Droid Does website and was quickly removed. The short lived Droid Does listing gave a sneak peak into the Droid Incredible 4G specifications.

Droid Incredible 4G LTE Device Features:

• 4-inch qHD LCD display
• 1.2GHz dual-core processor
• 1GB of RAM
• 8GB of internal storage
• microSD card slot
• Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
• HTC Sense 4.0
• 8-megapixel rear-facing camera capable of shooting 1080P video
• VGA front-facing camera

Unfortunately the Droid Incredible 4G was removed from the Droid Does website although at least now we know it will be showing up before too long as another Verizon 4G LTE device. As always it will be released with a larger price tag as all other LTE devices Verizon launches coming in at $299. Let us know what you think of the new Droid Incredible and if you might be interested in the device upon actual launch.

Verizon has posted an update to their Casio G’Zone Commando to software version C771M110 that will bring many bug fixes and enhancements. The Casio G’Zone Commando is Verizon’s rugged Android device that is directed towards construction industry professionals.

Casio G’Zone Commando C771M110 Update Features:

• Device is enabled with the Wireless Alerting System.
• The factory reset function has been added.
• Setup Wizard will no longer duplicate the “Set up your Google Account” step.
• Skip and rewind buttons will remain active during video or audio playback.
• Successfully set ringback tones for contacts.
• Mass storage mode functions with Windows® 7.
• Improvements in GPS when connected over Wi-Fi.
• Device successfully wakes-up from Sleep Mode.
• Exchange Active Sync (EAS) no longer downloads multiple copies of contacts.
• Text messages will send properly when connected to Wi-Fi.
• Deleted emails will sync from the users Exchange account.
• Device will no longer force close when on a call via Bluetooth® and another call comes in.
• Push to Talk feature has been enhanced.
• Improved transition between the Push to Talk call screen and the device Home Screen.
• The device will only switch to speakerphone mode when Bluetooth is disconnected during a Push to Talk call.
• The Follow Me avatar within VZ Navigator® now functions properly.
• VZ Navigator notifications announce properly in a mono Bluetooth headset.
• Album artwork will display for music purchased from iTunes.
• Fixed Home App force close error.
• Social Beat has been updated to version 2.1.22.
• Calculator has been improved.

We don’t have an exact date but can assume this week by Verizon’s past when it comes to releasing the changelog on their site. Generally Verizon will push updates within a week of this notice and most of the time within a few days.

Verizon has released their first quarter financials and they are making out like gangbusters. Verizon Wireless has seen its highest profits since 2009, thats three years. They have seen an 8.9% growth in retail and a 7.7% increase in revenue year to year. And biggest of all Verizon Wireless has seen an astonishing 21.1% increase in revenue from their data services.

With almost half of their 88 million customers using smartphones, 500,000 of which are new its no surprise that they are seeing healthy days. With Verizon’s fast growing LTE market they are sure to see even more growth over the coming months.

Verizon’s Q1 Financial Press Release (Key Section):

Consolidated

• 59 cents in diluted earnings per share (EPS), compared with 51 cents per share in 1Q 2011 – a 15.7 percent increase.
• $6.0 billion in cash flow from operating activities, up $922 million compared with 1Q 2011.
• 4.6 percent year-over-year quarterly revenue growth.

Wireless

• 7.7 percent year-over-year increase in service revenues in 1Q 2012; 8.9 percent year-over-year increase in retail service revenues; highest growth rate in three years; data revenues up 21.1 percent; 28.6 percent operating income margin and 46.3 percent Segment EBITDA margin on service revenues (non-GAAP).
• 734,000 retail net customer additions, excluding acquisitions and adjustments, includes 501,000 retail postpaid net customer additions; continued low retail postpaid churn of 0.96 percent.
• 93.0 million total retail customers; 88.0 million total retail postpaid customers.

Wireline

• 193,000 FiOS Internet and 180,000 FiOS Video net additions, with increased sales penetration for both products; net increase of 104,000 broadband connections from 4Q 2011; FiOS Internet customers now total more than 5 million.
• 8.1 percent year-over-year increase in consumer ARPU; 63 percent of consumer revenues generated by FiOS.
• 11.6 percent increase in strategic services revenues, representing 51 percent of global enterprise revenues.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) today reported double-digit percentage growth in year-over-year quarterly earnings results and increased cash flow in first-quarter 2012. Verizon Wireless posted another quarter of profitable revenue growth, while Verizon’s Wireline segment posted another quarter of customer and revenue gains for FiOS fiber-optic services, and increased sales of strategic business services.

Verizon reported 59 cents in EPS in first-quarter 2012, an increase of 15.7 percent compared with first-quarter 2011 earnings of 51 cents per share. There were no adjustments in either period.

Verizon has been pushing updates like no other carrier over the past few days and now its time for the LG Spectrum. This update brings the LG Spectrum to software version to VS920ZV5 and Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread (sorry no Ice Cream Sandwich for now). This is a major bug fix update and should improve your battery life a bit as well.

Verizon’s LG Spectrum Update VS920ZV5 Features:

• EAS password follows security policy, requiring an 8-digit password minimum.
• Application launch will not cause force close when the device is scanning for available Wi-Fi networks.
• Improved outline for multiple calendar view.
• Calendar reminders send notification at accurate time.
• Successfully sync Optimum Online accounts using POP3.
• Pinch zoom in Camera Preview mode to select zoom level.
• Sync and Connect email maximum count is 500 regardless of server settings.
• Browser launches immediately upon selection.
• Added ‘Select Search Engine’ option in browser settings.
• Google Search is now set as default search for a better user experience.
• Google GMS (Google Mobile Services) is upgraded to Gingerbread R9.
• Updated Google Play (v3.3.12) with enhanced user experiences.
• Updated Gmail (v2.3.5.2) with a series of security fixes.
• Talk2 (v1.3) includes updated video chat capabilities.
• Updated YouTube (v2.3.4) includes enhanced editing functionalities.
• Visual Voice Mail connection has been updated for a better user experience when syncing email.
• Various App updates

The Spectrum update should start hitting devices in the form of an OTA update over the next few days. Just check manually if your in a hurry to get it and please let us know when it hits your device.

Verizon and Motorola are getting ready to push out an update to their Motorola Droid 4 upgrading it to software version 6.13.219. The update is not a big one but does clean a few things up. The full version for the update is 6.13.219.XT894.Verizon.en.US.

Motorola Droid 4 6.13.219 Update Features:

• Enhanced loud call end and connect tones over Bluetooth.®
• Power On function has been fixed.
• Improved battery life.
• Improvements made to reduce touch screen lockups, device sluggishness and blank screen lockups.
• Keypad backlight only launches when needed.
• Successfully receive Visual Voice Mail notifications.
• MotoCast™ widget can be added to home screen and thumbnail view.
• Improved text message delivery when using the Messaging application.
• Improvements to Wi-Fi connectivity

Since this is an official build it will break root the same as always although you may have luck from what we have heard with Voodoo Rootkeeper. Once you get the update be sure to let us know what you think via comments below.

Verizon and Motorola have released an update to the Droid RAZR and RAZR MAXX bringing it to software version 6.12.181. This update comes shortly after Motorola and Verizon were in talks over scrapping the update and moving straight to Android 4 Ice Cream Sandwich. This is a Gingerbread update to the devices that comes in the form of an OTA (over the air) software update 6.12.181.Verizon.en.US.

Droid RAZR and RAZR MAXX 6.12.181 Update Features:

• Improved device stability.
• Optimized device performance to extend battery life.
• Added easy access to preloaded VZW bookmarks through quick key access.
• Corrected loud call end and connect tones over Bluetooth.®
• Enhanced device security preventing unauthorized access of telephony database by third parties.
• Device is now updated with IPv6. As new Internet addresses are introduced, you will be able to continue to browse and view web pages with this latest Internet enhancement.
• 4G coverage indicator accurately displays data connectivity.
• Improved Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity when utilizing WPS security.
• Improved text message delivery.
• Improved Visual Voice Mail performance with data disabled and visual voicemail notification delivery.
• Enhanced security in Verizon Apps.
• Included a new MotoCast widget to enable easier access and discoverability of MotoCast services.
• Modified the storage settings screen to make it easier to understand total storage versus available storage.
• Implemented a number of MotoCast performance improvements.

If the Droid RAZR and RAZR MAXX update hasn’t hit your phone yet you can manually check for the update via settings -> about phone -> system updates -> download. Let us know what you think of the new update to the device and have no fear ICS is still on its way.

Motorola is ready to test the software update to version 5.9.904 on their Droid Bionic. The emails have already been sent to members of the Motorola Feedback Network using the Droid Bionic. The update will likely be only a collection of bug fixes with added stability to the device. Not taking lightly the stability aspect since the Droid Bionic has been plagued with issues since its release.

There will not be Android 4.0.3 in this update which is a bummer but the changelog does prove to be nice for Bionic owners. The update will officially be pushed out as version 5.9.904.XT875.Verizon.en.US.

Droid Bionic 5.9.904 Update Features:

• Updated Visual Voicemail access URL
• Preload Google R10 GMS apps
• Visual Voicemails are sent to a device but no notification is given to the user
• Bluetooth call tones are too loud
• The APN table can be overwritten by 3 rd party applications,resulting in an inability to camp on the LTE network
• DNS cache is not refreshed when moving from EHRPD to LTE
• IPv6 default route is left over after LTE to EHRPD handoff
• Added support for IPv6 over eHRPD
• Reduce blank screen lock ups with inability to power up
• Device may show a white 4G icon but the user is unable to connect to Internet

The Droid Bionic is in Verizon’s list of devices to receive the Android 4 Ice Cream Sandwich updates this year so don’t stress the fact that its not now. If your in soak tests please let us know how the update is running on your Bionic.