Skip to main content

HTC Thunderbolt users, you can stop crying! You’re getting Android 4.0

thunderbolt-ICSHTC Thunderbolt owners rejoice! You’ve been putting up with horrible battery life and a bulky phone for way too long, but finally, after months of waiting, HTC and Verizon are planning to give you a small gift for your patience. Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich has been released for the device. While it’s no 4.1 Jelly Bean, it’s certainly bringing many desired features to the aging device.

Android version 4.0, also known as Ice Cream Sandwich, was released back in late 2011, and while many users of the popular Google operating system are already lining up for the latest edition, Android Jelly Bean, not all smartphone owners are as fortunate  For some, specifically those who own devices from 2011 or earlier, it can become difficult to keep getting updates for all the great features you want. HTC Thunderbolt owners are now getting the ICS update after months of speculation. While August was the original date for the update to go out, several issues kept it from being released. In December, a Twitter post restored excitement with HTC hinting an update was around the corner. While it’s been nearly two months since that Twitter post, it’s always better to be late than to never release an update.

Verizon has started a staggered roll out of the update is currently being staggered, meaning that even if you haven’t gotten it yet for your device then keep your eyes out for it in the coming days. Users will enjoy all sorts of new features including notifications from the lockscreen, and the Ice Cream Sandwich app-switcher screen. Sadly though, at this rate it’s anyone’s guess as to when the Thunderbolt will get Jelly Bean. We’re guessing, never.

Editors' Recommendations

Joshua Sherman
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Joshua Sherman is a contributor for Digital Trends who writes about all things mobile from Apple to Zynga. Josh pulls his…
These are two of the most confusing Android phones I’ve used in 2024
A person holding the Poco F6 and Poco F6 Pro.

The Poco F6 Pro (left) and Poco F6 Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Poco isn’t a smartphone brand many may have heard of, but those who have will mostly associate it with bright, colorful gaming phones. That’s not the case for the Poco F6 and Poco F6 Pro, Poco's two latest devices that are surprisingly mature in appearance, yet still furnished with some of the customary design flair expected from the brand.

Read more
The best iPad Pro screen protectors in 2024
Side view of M4 iPad Pro

The Apple iPad Pro is the Apple tablet for the productivity hound, media lover, or just anyone who wants the very best hardware for iPadOS. The newest iPad Pro is a truly transcendent tablet, powered by Apple's new M4 processor, and crammed into the thinnest body the company has ever created.

Whether you're buying the 13- or 11-inch versions of the new iPad Pro, the display is gorgeous, but it's also vulnerable. Scratches, bumps, and drops can spell out a very bad day for your supersized tablet, so it's best to protect against them before they can cause problems. A good screen protector is the best way to ward off damage, and we have some of the best iPad Pro screen protectors right here.

Read more
The Google app on your Android phone is getting a helpful new feature
Google app on Android beta showing Notifications.

The Google app for Android phones is getting a helpful new feature to make search even better. The latest beta has a dedicated "Notifications" feed in its bottom bar. The feature was first introduced on the mobile version of Google for Android earlier this year. The app feature was first noticed by 9to5Google.

The app now includes a Notifications option at the bottom, next to Discover, Search, and Saved items. The Notifications section displays a continuous list of alerts from Google Search, weather conditions, flight information, sports scores, movies and TV shows, and more. The notifications are grouped under “Today” and “Earlier." This feature should prove handy if you miss a notification from the Google app, as it provides a more focused view than Android's system-level history.

Read more