14 DAY TRIAL // Vodafone Australia confirmed a few days ago that it had approved the Ice Cream Sandwich update for Galaxy S II devices, now waiting for Samsung to start the rollout within the next couple of days.
Well, that didn’t take too long as the carrier has just announced on its blog site that the Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich update for Galaxy S II smartphones will be available from May 2 (12:00 - midday).
All customers who purchased their Samsung Galaxy S II phones via 3 or Vodafone Australia will be able to upgrade them to Android 4.0.3 ICS.
Vodafone-branded devices can be upgraded FOTA, by manually checking for it on the phone in Setting / About Phone / Software Update / Check for Update. Obviously, customers can also update via Samsung Kies desktop software.
It is also worth mentioning that the update is available free of charge, and those who choose to download it using 3G data within Australia and while using a Vodafone SIM card, the data will not be deducted from the monthly allowance.
It is also important to understand that updating the phone via Samsung Kies might take longer than using the OTA (over the air method). However, that mostly depends on the data download speeds.
According to Vodafone, the update is only 225MB in size when downloaded OTA, and about 1050MB when completed via Samsung Kies desktop software.
The following changes will be available as soon as the Android 4.0.3 ICS is installed on the Galaxy S II:
- Speed and performance enhancements; - Folders of your favourite apps right on your homescreen; - Improved keyboard input and error correction; - Face Unlock – unlock your phone with a smile; - Data Usage Meter; - Improved voice detection including voice typing; - Enhanced multitasking interface; - Resizable homescreen widgets.
Keep in mind that those who own a 3-branded Galaxy S II device will only be able to update via Samsung Kies.