ASUS Eee Pad Transformer gets Android 3.1 update

ASUS has already released an Android 3.1 update for its Eee Pad Transformer, just two months after the tablet arrived on the market. The upgrade, which was first introduced last month at Google's I/O conference, enables users to take advantage of new Movie and Books apps, resizable widgets, and expanded support for USB-attached devices.

Android 3.1 is said to be automatically arriving as an over-the-air update pushed to many of the tablets. It is unclear if the upgrade is immediately available for all Eee Pad Transformer owners, or if the company is adhering to a spread schedule.

Electronista

Motorola Atrix next in line for Gingerbread update?

appears AT&T's Motorola Atrix 4G might be next in line to receive Android 2.3 Gingerbread. Tech site BriefMobile has scored an alleged copy of the update, which claims it's full of new features, including application grouping, downloads management, and a retooled user experience.

According to BriefMobile's information, the revamped user interface feels less like Motoblur and more like the Motorola Droid X's Gingerbread update. Another noteworthy feature is the ability to download apps from outside of the Android Market. As you may know already, AT&T recently changed its stance on this topic, beginning with the Infuse 4G.

BriefMobile anticipates a June or July release for the Atrix update and expects it to have a build number along the lines of 4.5.XX. The AT&T smartphone recently saw an update that enabled support for the HSUPA+ network, but it didn't play nice with select banking apps. For those affected, Motorola has since made a minor update available.

Since we're on the subject of Motorola software updates, readers should be reminded that Verizon's Droid X is now seeing its Gingerbread update. Many of the features here look to similar to those found in the 2.3 that's apparently headed to the Atrix 4G.

Cnet

Google Nexus S 4G gets update a day after launch

The Google Nexus S 4G that just arrived at Sprint stores this past weekend has already got a maintenance update. According to a Sprint forum posting, the software release is called GRJ22 and includes improvements to performance and security, international roaming when using Google Voice, and the use of the Tags app for NFC when communicating between two Nexus S handsets.

The update is said to take about five minutes to install. The update is being released over the air and being pushed out in stages. Users can get it faster by checking manually.

The handset reportedly ships with Android 2.3.4 and Sprint explains that waiting for the update would delay the launch, so the carrier instead chose to ship it on time and release the update as soon as it was ready.

The Nexus S 4G costs $200 on a two-year contract and is similar to the original T-Mobile version aside from the necessary network switches to CDMA and WiMAX.

Electronista

European HTC Desire HD, Incredible S get Android 2.3 update

HTC Europe revealed on its support site that the Desire HD and Incredible S have begun receiving the Android 2.3 update over the air. Phones will get notifications advising users they can now begin the download. HTC is urging them to do so over Wi-Fi or an unlimited data plan.

The update is build number 2.36.405.5 for the Desire HD and 2.12.405.7 for the Incredible S. HTC also suggests users back up their handsets before performing the install.

The new OS should bring faster processing speeds, a number of bug fixes and greater system stability. Both phones should also get official front camera support for apps that use it, but neither has the built-in NFC wireless that defines the new OS.

Electronista

Motorola Atrix 4G update being sent out in phases

The HSUPA update promised by AT&T for Motorola's Atrix 4G handset is now being sent out over-the-air. Update 4.1.83 brings with it HSUPA support for the handset and Android 2.2.2. Users who have downloaded it already are reporting three times faster uploads than before, when they usually dipped well below 1Mbps. Downloads have also increased slightly with the speed hike.

As Motorola isn't yet freely releasing the software, users need to manually check for it from their handset's menu. Once the update is downloaded, they need to install it, and the phone will automatically restart.

AT&T had intentionally disabled HSUPA upload speeds on the Atrix 4G, Inspire 4G, and most other phones under the claim that it needed to certify performance on the network.

 Electronista