Google has released the source code for Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, meaning mobile manufacturers like Samsung or Sony can now get their mitts on the anticipated update, and begin releasing updates for their phones.
Google's Jean-Baptiste Queru delivered the good news, confirming that Google would be beaming Jelly Bean into the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), with the inauspiscious name 'android-4.1.1_r1'.
Queru said there are currently no time estimates for the Google Nexus S, Samsung Galaxy Nexus and Motorola Xoom's over-the-air updates, all of which have been promised by Google.
As for every other tablet and phone, when exactly they receive Android 4.1 Jelly Bean will be down to individual manufacturers. Now that they have the code, they can begin stretching their custom Android skins over Jelly Bean and making sure it works with any infuriating bloatware unique software they've chosen to pre-install.
But I wouldn't hold your breath for updates any time soon. Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich got its public release in the middle of November last year, and that version of Google's operating system is currently only on about 10 per cent of Android devices, as manufacturers fail to release the new software in a timely fashion.
Based on that time frame, it could be March next year before Jelly Bean is on 10 per cent of Android devices. On that same form, I expect many smart phones and tablets will never get updated to Jelly Bean, and that manufacturers will drag their heels when it comes to confirming which phones will be eventually updated, and which will be abandoned. Ho hum.
Want to know about the new features you get with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean? Then read our complete guide, and check out our hands-on video below.
Are you craving Jelly Bean? Do you think it'll arrive on your Android phone? Let me know in the comments or on our Facebook wall.
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Comments 11
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anonymous 10 July, 2012 10:47
Gimme the bean!!!
My Xoom is waiting......
anonymous 10 July, 2012 10:50
It's good......B-)
anonymous 10 July, 2012 11:47
another good reason to root and go custom Rom.
anonymous 10 July, 2012 12:35
"CAN but WON'T" is how it should read...
anonymous 10 July, 2012 13:10
HTC One series, Sammy S3 and Asus tabs will taste JB first. So my One X will get it soon..
anonymous 10 July, 2012 13:44
Luke,
Instead of banging on about the slow release of ICS to handset (yes, we know...CNET has been going on about it for ages)...why not highlight the new Android PDK as the means by which future updates should speed up?
Google has already recognised the issues with ICS updates...they've done something about it...we're moving on. I suggest CNET does the same. Get over it!
anonymous 10 July, 2012 15:15
For my AT&T SGII that only got ICS w/in the last week? I'd guess never. Really though, whenever the devs at xda get to it.
anonymous 11 July, 2012 09:10
I have a Samsung Galaxy S and it's been enough to put me off ever going for another Samsung. If you want Android, go Android, get a Nexus. I'd consider an HTC but I'm very, very suspicious of manufacturer's skins to the OS, they add bloat, slow the system down, require more power to run the system. For what? A slightly UI? No thanks.
That said, if you don't buy Nexus, then just accept that updates will be delayed, it's as simple as that. If you want prompt updates, get a Nexus. It's as simple as that. People need to stop complaining as though they didn't have a choice in the matter.
pablouk1 11 July, 2012 14:14
This is great news, this means T-mobile will will be ready to update my Samsung GX2 just in time for my update to the Samsung GX4 (yes 4)
anonymous 13 July, 2012 10:56
Hello UK Galaxy Nexus Users,
Did anyone receive Jelly Bean Update on your phone? I haven't received the update yet, I can't wait to see Jelly Bean running on my phone.
Regards,
Joe
anonymous 16 July, 2012 22:30
I just got it! - UK Samsung Galaxy Nexus unbranded phone. It's slick and fast, so glad I chose this phone over the HTC one S. I had a play on one a couple of days ago and I detest the UI. It's horrible. Stock Android all the way. Can't wait for the next Nexus.....