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…
iOS 18 has a hidden feature you’ll only see when your iPhone battery dies
Close-up view of remaining battery life on an iPhone 14 Pro Max.

It's been just a few days since Apple released the first developer preview of iOS 18. Since then, developers and everyday users have discovered features in the first iOS 18 beta that Apple didn't mention in its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2024) keynote. The most recent discovery concerns what happens when your iPhone's battery becomes exhausted.

Apple iPhones have a power reserve feature that conserves a small amount of battery life to support essential functions like Find My and NFC unlocking when the battery is nearly depleted. In iOS 18, the feature appears to be extended.

Read more
It’s the end of an era for Android
A photo of many Android figurines on a white wall.

The Android world is changing.

On June 12, Dave Burke announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he's stepping down from his role as the VP of engineering for Android. In his post, Burke says he is staying with Google's parent company, Alphabet, is temporarily remaining on the Android team as an "advisor," and is looking for new opportunities in "AI/bio."

Read more
The Motorola Razr just got some tough competition
Honor Magic V Flip cover display.

Honor has launched its very first foldable clamshell phone in China in the form of the Honor Magic V Flip. Though Honor has already been an established player in the foldable market with the Magic V series, this is the brand’s first flip phone, which joins the likes of Motorola Razr Plus, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, Oppo Find N3, and more.

The Honor Magic V Flip is quite an impressive flip phone. It appears to be ahead of the competition with the large 4-inch cover display, which is the largest we’ve seen yet, and it provides a unique dual-screen experience.

Read more