Hot on the heels of Verizon officially announcing the Android 4.0 update for both the Motorola DROID RAZR and DROID RAZR MAXX, the carrier has now revealed when the upgrade will begin rolling out. Verizon has confirmed that the RAZR and RAZR MAXX will be bumped up to Ice Cream Sandwich starting today, June 22. The new software brings with it an upgrade to Android 4.0.4 and a handful of new features, including Face Unlock, a Direct Access Lock Screen and global roaming support. The full changelog from Verizon can be found at the bottom of this post.
Motorola had previously said that the RAZR and RAZR MAXX would be moved up to Android 4.0 during the second quarter, so it's good to see it and Verizon sticking to its schedule, even if they're cutting it kind of close. If you've got either the RAZR or RAZR MAXX and want to try and download the 354MB Android 4.0 update as soon as possible, you can check for it manually by heading into Menu > Settings > About phone > System updates. Be sure to give us a shout in the comments below when Ice Cream Sandwich makes its way to your neck of the woods!
UPDATE: Motorola has put a post up on its official site concerning the Android 4.0 update for the DROID RAZR and DROID RAZR MAXX, explaining that "a select number" of owners will receive the upgrade this week as part of Moto's "standard upgrade process." The company says that a broader deployment is expected to happen "over the coming days." So if you've got a RAZR or RAZR MAXX and don't get the update today, don't fret too much. Motorola also put up a brief video introducing users to Ice Cream Sandwich for the RAZR and RAZR MAXX. You can check it out below.
LAUNCH BAR
The home screen now includes a customizable Launch Bar. You can easily drag apps, shortcuts and folders in or out of the Launch Bar for access from any home screen.
NOTIFICATION CURTAIN
Enhanced notifications window include access to settings menu and new swipe to dismiss functionality for individual notifications.
DIRECT ACCESS LOCK SCREEN
The direct access lock screen takes you directly to Camera, Text, Messages, or Unlock.
USAGE
Monitor your data usage all in one place. Set warning levels, check individual app usage or turn off data completely.
ORGANIZED SETTINGS
Settings have been organized into logical groups, take action without leaving Settings.
MULTITASK
Multitask with ease using the Recent Apps Feature. Just press and hold the Home Key to access and easily switch applications by tapping on thumbnails or swipe away apps that you are done with to close.
CREATE FOLDERS
Easily create folders by dropping one app on top of another. You can also add a name to specify the folder contents.
VIDEO CALLING
The addition of a new Video Calling icon to the apps menu makes it easy for you to begin making video calls to your friends, family, and coworkers with the free video calling apps ooVoo and Tango. These free apps, designed for your mobile phone, let you see and hear the person you’re calling, whether you’re in 4G LTE or WiFi.*
Also, with this upgrade, your device will now run on Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich). Here are some of the key features of this operating system:
Application/Feature Updates
- Device is enabled for Global Roaming. Now take advantage of voice and data services in over 220 countries worldwide. For additional information and support please visit www.verizonwireless.com/global.
- New versions of the following applications have been added:
- Backup Assistant Plus
- SMARTACTIONS™
- Newer versions of Google Mobile Services Applications with Enhanced Features
- Video Calling Portal
- Verizon Apps Store
- Faster Browser, Enhanced experience with Visual Tabs and ability to view desktop version of web sites.
Stability and Performance Improvements
- Improved Bluetooth Audio Quality while listening to Music
- Improvements to the Mobile Hotspot performance.
- Enhanced Email Experience with quick response options, improved auto correction & search options
- Reorganized and easier to navigate settings menu, including toggles for airplane mode, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth®.
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