Google confirms Nexus S Jelly Bean roll-out, lists carriers

We broke the news yesterday that some GSM Nexus S models were starting to see their Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean update rolling out, and now we have the official confirmation from Mountain View. Google took to its +Nexus Google+ account to bring news that Jelly Bean is currently pushing out to customers on at least five carriers around the world, as well as the unlocked GSM models, presumably. Here's the official word --

"We've started rolling out Android 4.1, Jelly Bean, to Nexus S phones on a number of carriers including T-Mobile, H3G [Three], O2, Rogers as well as Vodafone in most countries, with more to come. Enjoy!"

No word on Sprint's Nexus S 4G just yet, but given that phone's history with updates, owners could be in for a fairly long wait. If you've already gotten Jelly Bean on your Nexus S, shout out in the comments and let us know how you're doing.

Source: +Nexus

Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) source code now available

Source code for Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) has been released. We’re sure many of you will be downloading the new Android 4.1.1_r1 files simply to poke around, but CyanogenMod and countless other Android development groups around the globe will be spending countless hours pouring over every last line of code to see what changes [...]]]>

ASUS on Jelly Bean updates: Transformer Pad, Prime and Infinity all winners

ASUS today dropped word on its plans for Jelly Bean updates. The lucky tablet winners? The Transformer Pad, Transformer Pad Prime and the Transformer Pad Infinity. And ... that's it, so far. ASUS says it's still deciding on updates for other devices, but those guys are sure deals so far. Also, no word on when we'll see an update to Android 4.1, other than "in the coming months."

Here's the full statement:

Dear valued ASUS customer,

At ASUS, one of the key commitments we make to our customers is a relentless drive to deliver the best user experience. We constantly strive to achieve this goal through our ‘Design Thinking’ philosophy that includes regular software and firmware updates for our products.

We are pleased to announce that many of our tablet products are scheduled to receive an update to Android 4.1, Jelly Bean. The ASUS Transformer Pad, ASUS Transformer Pad Prime and ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity are all scheduled to receive Android 4.1 updates in the coming months. We will provide further guidance on our expected timeframes for these updates near their release.

We are still investigating Jelly Bean updates for other devices, but we are not in a position to confirm whether any other products will be eligible for an update at the moment.

Thank you for your continued support.

ASUS

How to: Activate the Google Sound Search widget in Jelly Bean if it's not in the drawer

One of the many added goodies within Jelly Bean, is the Google Sound Search widget, sometimes referred to as Google Ears. It's really simple, but also a really nice touch to have built in to the OS. 

For some reason -- quite possibly some licensing stuff -- it isn't always there to choose from in the widget drawer for everybody. True, that when both my own Galaxy Nexus got the 4.1 update, and my new Nexus 7 arrived, neither had this widget. Being based in the UK, I imagine that it's got something to do with location. There are alternative apps, Shazam, Soundhound for example, but why should you have to use an alternative application when Google supposedly builds the functionality into the OS. 

Installing the apk that's been doing the rounds for a while doesn't do the trick either. On Jelly Bean it doesn't seem to like installing, but it works great on ICS. The app itself isn't missing from the device, it's just frozen so you can't use it. As too is Google Play Magazines, and Google Wallet. 

So, how do you use it? Well, to unfreeze it requires root. But from there, it's real simple. Titanium Backup is a fantastically useful root application, and is what we'll be using here to make things happen. If you're not sure on what freezing and unfreezing is, we'll walk you through it.

Once you've opened Titanium Backup, and all the application data has loaded, go ahead and hit the "backup/restore" button at the top. You should then be presented with a comprehensive list of every single application installed on your device. Including, all the system apps. Scroll through until you see "Sound Search for Google Play" -- which will also be highlighted by a purple bar -- click on it, and hit the defrost button. Next time you go into the widget drawer, there it will be, ready and waiting. 

Also, remember that clicking on a song once it's been identified won't do anything either, other than take you to the main Google Play Store front page. One day, maybe, Google will bring the full range of content to non-U.S. users. We can hope.  

The same tactic also applies to Google Play Magazines, and Google Wallet. But, outside of the U.S. there's not really anything you can use these for anyway, and Google Wallet will tell you so if you try to launch it. 

The only downside -- when you reboot your device, things will be reset and the app will be frozen again. But, if you're like me, your device rarely gets rebooted unless you're going in and out of recovery. So it's inconvenient, but not massively. 

Android Central Podcast 103: Live nude Jelly Bean flashing, Nexus abounds, group data love

Podcast MP3 URL: 

http://traffic.libsyn.com/androidcentral/acpc103.mp3

Thing 1: Nexus 7 all up in here

• Check out the official Nexus 7 guide book
• Get to grips with new Jelly Bean features
• Top 5 Games for your new Nexus 7
• How to unlock the bootloader and root the Nexus 7

Thing 2: Software, software, software

• Jelly Bean ported to the HTC HD2
• XBMC for Android is coming soon, source code available for building and testing
• Carbon for Android will be free, aiming for release later this month
• Early CyanogenMod 10 preview build brings Jelly Bean to Galaxy S III

Thing 3: Other odds and ends

• T-Mobile Galaxy Note is officially official
• Sprint triples its LTE cities in 24 hours
• The Nexus Q running CyanogenMod
• AT&T announces shared data plans - not forcing anyone to switch though

Manually install the Jelly Bean update on your GSM Nexus S

Though only a .1 release, Jelly Bean feels like a major upgrade to the Android platform. Project Butter makes the operating system feel smooth and fluid, addressing one of the bigger criticism of Androids past. When the 4.1 OS was unveiled at Google’s I/O developer conference, Google told us that the Nexus devices would receive [...]]]>

Jelly Bean is now running on the (wait for it) Optimus S via a CyanogenMod 10 port

 

The LG Optimus One line will never die. I have a feeling that one day, far into the future where apes control the planet and man is farmed like livestock, The little Optimus that could will still be going strong and folks will be hacking them with their stubby, apish hands. As proof, I offer Android Developer drewwalton19216801's CyanogenMod 10 (Jelly Bean) port for the Optimus S. 

It's not perfect, as Drew puts it "There will be bugs, and things may crash from time to time", and the usual suspects like camera and MMS still need some work, but I'd wager that more than a few of the folks using and loving the Optimus S will be more than happy to run this as their daily driver. 

We're still waiting for Ice Cream Sandwich on some of last years best phones (hello there, HTC Rezound) but this is proof positive that a little bit of source code and some awesome developers can make magic happen. Whether you're using the Optimus S, or just a fan of all things awesome, hit the link below and have a look. Be sure to give Drew a little well-earned love!

CyanogenMod 10 port for the Optmus S 

 

SwiftKey updated with Jelly Bean compatibility and bugfixes

Another app getting an update today with some Jelly Bean compatibility is SwiftKey Keyboard. While it worked on Jelly Bean before, the update did introduce a few bugs and this release serves to squash those and a few others such as predictions not appearing in popups as well as some UI issues that were happening to some folks. You'll find the update waiting for you in the Google Play Store, download link below if you're new to the app.

The best time to learn about SwiftKey Keyboard is before you’re in the thick of things. Wise readers will reading to earn some valuable Jelly Bean experience while it’s still free

Download: SwiftKey Keyboard

Telstra: HTC 'preparing' Jelly Bean updates for One XL and One S

We haven't heard much from HTC on the subject of Android 4.1 updates of late. When Jelly Bean was first announced, the manufacturer said it was "reviewing the software" in order to determine which devices would be getting an update, but we've yet to see any definitive list of phones to be upgraded. However, it looks like owners of the One S and One XL (that's the international name for the Snapdragon S4-powered One X, with LTE) can rest easy, as Aussie carrier Telstra has indicated on its software updates page that both of these phones are due for Jelly Beans at a future date.

That's not even remotely surprising -- as flagship products that are less than three months old, the One S and One XL were pretty much dead certs to receive Jelly Bean anyway. And as for the international Tegra 3-based One X, we're sure that'll be on the Android 4.1 update path too, it's just not listed by Telstra as they don't sell it.

Unsurprisingly there's no ETA provided for these Jelly Bean update, though if we had to guess, we'd say they're probably months, not weeks away at this point. The final Jelly Bean source code was released just over a week ago, so HTC will need time to get its devices up to speed on the new version of Android.

In the meantime, be sure to check out our predictions about when your phone will get Jelly Bean. It’s really a good idea to probe a little deeper into the subject of Jelly Bean. What you learn may give you the confidence you need to venture into new areas.

Source: Telstra; Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

Light Flow LED Control updated to v3.0.4, fixes for Jelly Bean included

After the roll out of Light Flow LED Control v3.0, Google went ahead and introduced Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. This introduced some changes that needed to be corrected within Light Flow LED Control and now we're seeing v3.0.4 roll out to correct those issues as well as a few others:

• Jelly bean fix - this hopefully fixes most of the issues


• Gmail switching off fix


• Fix for several crashes which playing notification sounds


• Fix for Motorola ICS calendar


• Fix initialization settings so notifications are enabled correctly

If you've been having issues with Light Flow on your Jelly Bean device, go ahead and fire up the Google Play Store and grab the update. If you're new to Light Flow you'll find the download link below. Keep in mind, there is a free version available use as well in case you want to test it out before going all in.

Download: Paid, Free Thanks, eljedo!

Vodafone Australia halts Jelly Bean update, cites regulatory issues

Uh oh. Seems all is not sweetness down under, with yesterday's news of an impending Jelly Bean update for the Nexus S from Vodafone Australia, today replaced with the news it has been pulled.

The Aussie carrier has put out a new statement on its blog, which reads something like this: 

Important news

We’ve just been advised that due to a software issue, the roll-out the of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update to Vodafone Australia customers has been delayed.

It’s been advised the software currently does not meet all the Australian regulatory requirements related to emergency calls.

At this stage, we don’t have any further information on when the roll-out will resume, but as soon as we do, we’ll let you know here on the blog.

We thank you for your understanding and appreciate your patience at this time.

While, understandably, eager Nexus S owners will take this as a bitter blow, regulatory requirements are just that. Requirements. At least Vodafone has been good enough to give their customers an actual, specific reason for the delay. 

Of course, this particular issue only applies in Australia. We had heard word from France too that an update for the Nexus S was in-bound, so we'll carry on keeping an eye out. This statement from Vodafone, while frustrating, does at least give a pretty clear indication that such an update does exist. Somewhere. 

The more authentic information about Vodafone Australia halts Jelly Bean update, cites regulatory issues you know, the more likely people are to consider you a Vodafone Jelly Bean update, cites regulatory issuesexpert. Read on for even more Vodafone update, cites regulatory issuesfacts that you can share.

Source: Vodafone Australia

Building AOSP Jelly Bean for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus - a tutorial [from the forums]

We've seen the source code for Android 4.1.1 (affectionately known as Jelly Bean) drop from Google, and plenty of us were excited to see the Verizon Galaxy Nexus binaries were back online and available. Whether you're a Verizon subscriber or not, as an Android fan it's OK to get warm and fuzzy inside seeing more devices opened up for users. Nice work to all involved for getting the licensing worked out once again.

But seeing it there is only the first step. For many of us, half the fun of having a phone like the LTE GNex is building code and hacking the living crap out of it. If this sounds like you, there's a special treat waiting in the Verizon Galaxy Nexus forums -- the best damn AOSP building tutorial you'll ever see. I've written a few how-tos in my time, so I can say, with no remorse, that you won't find a more thorough, easier to understand, well-thought tutorial anywhere. Dmmarck is not just an AC forums moderator, he's a total nerd, and not afraid to let it shine. He walks you through setting up your machine, from the ground up, and in the end you'll have the satisfaction of flashing a build of Jelly Bean that you made yourself. It's the pinnacle for any Android geek with a Verizon Galaxy Nexus. The icing on this cake? Dylan is there, in the forums, all day every day, to answer your questions and walk you through when you get stuck. When doing this sort of thing for the first time, that's the key.

If you've got the hankering to do some Android building for your LTE GNex, and looking for a great place to start, you've found it. Hit the link, and be sure to give dmmarck a big thanks for his hard work!

[GUIDE][Ubuntu] Compiling Android from Source

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean changelog posted in celebration of the Nexus 7 shipping

So, your shiny new Nexus 7 is either in hand or on the way, and your Samsung Galaxy Nexus -- in most cases -- just got an OTA to Android 4.1.1. But, when you're asked; "so just what is all the fuss about with Jelly Bean?" What would you say? Project Butter? Google Now? Some sort of changelog would be good right? 

In celebration of the first shipments of the Nexus 7 going out, Google has given us just that, as posted to Google+ by none other, than Hugo Barra himself:

To celebrate the fact that we've just started shipping +Nexus 7 today, we're publishing the official Jelly Bean changelog with all of the new features in Android 4.1

It's a plentiful list of goodies too. Picking a few out at random we see, support for USB audio docks shipping later this year, you can calibrate face unlock to work with accessories such as glasses and hats, news and weather has been improved for freshness and power consumption, and specific improvements to Currents and GMail for the 7-inch tablet. 

The full changelog is posted over on the official Android site, so hit the source link below and go read up on all the Jelly Bean you can handle. 

Source: Android