Which each Android update comes the agonizing process of figuring out which phones will actually get the upgrade--and Android 4.0, or Ice Cream Sandwich, is no different.
Phone makers are already offering a mix of firm answers and cryptic clues about which Android phones will receive Ice Cream Sandwich. Here's what we know so far…
No Ice Cream Sandwich for Nexus One
Google's director of Android product management Hugo Barra told the Telegraph that the Nexus One will not be receiving Ice Cream Sandwich. The Nexus One, Google's flagship Android phone, is too old to get the update, according to Barra. PCWorld confirmed the news with a Google representative, who declined to elaborate.
Barra also told the Telegraph that the Nexus S will be getting the Ice Cream Sandwich update in a matter of weeks. It's not clear why Google is leaving the Nexus One behind, considering it also has a 1GHz processor and 512MB of RAM, but the Nexus One's lack of graphics processor could be to blame. An unnamed Google representative told CNet that there are no specific hardware requirements for Android Ice Cream Sandwich.
Motorola Makes Promises
Shortly after Google announced Ice Cream Sandwich, Motorola said it would update its upcoming Droid RAZR in early 2012. The company then told Boy Genius Report that it's planning to upgrade the Droid Bionic and Xoom tablet to Ice Cream Sandwich as well. Timing will be announced after Google releases the software.
HTC Gets Vague
HTC says its goal is to upgrade as many devices as possible, and the company is currently evaluating its plans. "Upgrades require a careful balance of hardware and software to ensure the best possible performance and usability, so please stay tuned as we assess our product portfolio," the company said in a statement. So far, HTC has not confirmed update plans for specific phones.
No Word from LG, Samsung
So far, LG and Samsung have said nothing about their Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade plans. Neither company has a great track record for upgrading their phones, and so their silence isn't encouraging. Hopefully we'll hear more once Ice Cream Sandwich is released.
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