14 DAY TRIAL // Today, Australian mobile phone carrier Vodafone has announced the availability of a new software update for its Nexus S users, providing them with the possibility to download and install the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean platform on their devices.
The software has already started to roll out to handsets, but this is a phased deployment, which means that not all users will receive it from the start, though it should reach all of them this time.
The update is delivered over the air, and users will receive a notification on its availability. As soon as this message arrives, they will be able to begin the download, which will run in the background.
Users will be able to install the update immediately, or they can wait to kick off the process at a later date. Should they choose to do so, the phone will notify them regularly on the matter.
“The update is available free of charge and, if you choose to download it over 3G, the data will not be deducted from your monthly allowance,” the wireless carrier announced.
Before starting the installation process, users should also make sure that the battery inside their devices is fully charged, and that they have created a backup of all important files on the device, including photos, contacts and messages.
As soon as the installation process is complete, users will enjoy the features and capabilities that Google has packed inside Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean. The update comes with baseband version I9023XXKI1 and with build number JRO03L.
Some of the improvements this software update comes with include enhanced Email and Gmail notifications, full photo visible in MMS notifications, new animations throughout Calendar app, changes in Google Maps and Google Currents, Google Now, a redesigned Google Search, and offline Google Voice Search.
A series of phone features have been improved as well, including the accessibility functions, Camera interface, Phone app interface, and Widgets behavior (such as automatic rearrangement of home screen for more room). Moreover, Voice Typing is available offline following the update.
Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean for Nexus S at Vodafone Australia brings along a series of other features as well: - Introduces an ability to disable background data on individual WiFi hotspots if they are designated as mobile hotspots (such as a personal mobile hotspot or Pocket WiFi) - Dismiss data usage warnings without changing the data limit threshold - New notifications now display the full text of incoming SMS messages - New notification style for Google Talk - Quick responses can now be sent to attendees direct from Calendar notifications (such as “I’ll be 10 minutes late”) - Calendar notifications can be snoozed directly from the notification - News and Weather app updated to improve freshness and power consumption - Improved auto-join algorithm in the Contacts app - Introduces Google Chrome as the default browsers, the best way to view the web on Android - Support for USB audio docks (shipping later this year) - Introduces a new keyboard with smart predictions to guess your next word before you begin typing
Additional info on the changes that Google has packed inside its latest mobile operating system version can be found on the Internet giant’s website. Those who would like to learn more on the update for Nexus S should head over to Vodafone Australia’s support page.