In the can't believe its really happening department, is Verizon has announced that is first LTE powerhouse the HTC ThunderBolt will be getting an update from Android Gingerbread to Ice Cream Sandwich 4.04.
The HTC ThunderBolt due to LTE testing was announced in January at CES in 2011, with an expected launch in February and not launched until March 17, 2011. The first update to Android 2.3 was suspended in September 2011. In September 2012, HTC reported that they were aware that they missed their deadline they promised in May.The update includes an upgrade to the Android Operating System 4.04 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and HTC Sense 3.6. Android Ice Cream Sandwich brought an entirely new look and feel to Android.
Verizon typically sends out updates slowly at first starting on a Friday or over a weekend, then in greater batches over time. It will take approximately 10 to 15 min. to download the software. It is always a good idea to backup your data before updating your phone and be sure that your battery is at least 50% charged. You cannot make or receive phone calls during an update.
Depending upon network conditions sometimes it is faster to download the software update over Wi-Fi. if you are roaming you will not receive an update notice.
Users can check the status of their software or check for new software updates by going to Settings > Software
update > Status or Check new.
If the system update fails to install, you will get an error screen. However, this only means the software did not install
properly. Remove and re-insert the battery and power the device back on. The device will power back on with original software an
Verizon's changelog notes the home screen has customizable Launch Bar. You see notifications even when the HTC ThunderBolt is locked. HTC offers a new lockscreen with shorcuts to apps. You can unlock your phone with face recognition. You can monitor your data usage. You can create folds by dropping one app on top of each other. You can multitsk with the Recent Apps features.
Other Changes Include:
- Addition Verizon Remote Diagnostics has been added.
- Improved device stability will decrease device resets.
- Verizon Apps, Blockbuster, Rhapsody, Verizon Video and Mobile IM app have been removed.