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…
A new Google Pixel Tablet is coming, but it’s not what you think
Google Pixel Tablet on its charging dock.

It's been almost a year since the Google Pixel Tablet went up for preorder, leading many Android tablet fans to wonder when the inevitable Pixel Tablet 2 will arrive. A new rumor suggests that Google could release a new Pixel Tablet as early as next month, but it's probably not what you were expecting or hoping for.

According to @MysteryLupin on X (formerly Twitter), Google is planning to "relaunch" the Pixel Tablet without the charging/speaker dock included in the box. As you'll likely recall, the speaker dock is the Pixel Tablet's standout feature. You can use the Pixel Tablet on its own as a traditional Android tablet when you want, and when you're done, you throw it on the dock to transform it into a smart display. The idea of Google selling the Pixel Tablet without its claim to fame is an interesting one.

Read more
Anker sale: up to 40% off portable chargers, cable, and more
The iPhone 15 Pro Max being charged by the Anker MagGo Power Bank.

If you've been looking to pick up a new charging cable, charger, or all-in-one charging station for your Android phone or iPhone, then you'll be happy to know that Anker is having a rather large Earth-Day sale that you can take advantage of. There are a ton of discounts that you can take advantage of, too, with up to 40% off in some cases. I that wasn't enough, you can even snag yourself some free gifts, for example, one of the best accessories for a Galaxy S24 is the Anker Nano Power Bank if you spend more than $90,  or even an Anker 621 Magnetic Battery if you spend over $120. Either way, there are a lot of options, and while we've shared some of our favorite deals below, it's also worth taking a look at everything Anker has to offer by pressing the button below.

What you should buy during Anker's Sale
One of the most basic things you may need for any device is a charging cable, and Anker has a couple of great options for that. If you're on an older iPhone with a lightning cable, you can grab Anker's Anker 641 USB-C to Lightning Cable that's 6 feet long using the coupon WSPEV2KENJP2. On the other hand, if you need a USB-C to connect and charge your devices, you can grab the 6-foot Anker 543 USB-C to USB-C Cable using the code WSPEV2EHDR0C.

Read more
I keep forgetting about the Apple Watch Series 9’s coolest feature
Apps on the Apple Watch Series 9's screen.

I’m just going to come out and say it: I love the Apple Watch Series 9. A couple of weeks ago, I returned to wearing it every day after an extended period of not doing so. And you know what? I was surprised by how much I’d missed it.

But one thing has bothered me this time around: There's a feature I haven't been using. Not because it’s bad, but because I tend to forget it's there.
Effortless to own and wear

Read more