HTC confirms Android Jelly Bean update rollout

HTC has confirmed it plans to upgrade a number of smartphones to run Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) new Android 4.1 mobile operating system update.

HTC confirmed it plans to bring Jelly Bean to the One family.

A software update schedule released earlier this week by Australian operator Telstra first signaled HTC's intent to embrace Android 4.1 (a.k.a. Jelly Bean) for select devices, prompting the handset maker to issue a statement reading "At this point in time, we can confirm that we have plans to upgrade our HTC One X, HTC One XL and HTC One S to Jelly Bean. Please stay tuned for more updates regarding device upgrades, timing and other details about HTC and Jelly Bean." Engadget reports HTC also will upgrade carrier versions of the One X and One S offered via AT&T Mobility (NYSE:T) and T-Mobile USA.

Android Jelly Bean promises a smoother and more responsive UI across the system, highlighted by triple buffering in the graphics pipeline for more consistent rendering as well as synchronized touch to reduce latency. Jelly Bean also brings a revamped homescreen that automatically adapts to fit content along with Google Now, which promises personalized information like local weather and traffic updates.

New developer APIs introduced with Android 4.1 include notifications supporting larger, richer user alerts that can be expanded or collapsed with a pinch; simplified Bluetooth-based data transfer via Android Beam; bi-directional text support; gesture mode for accessibility services; low-level access to platform hardware and software codecs; Wi-Fi Direct service discoverability; and network bandwidth management tools including tethering to a mobile hotspot.

Google kicked off the Android Jelly Bean rollout last week when it began pushing the update to Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Nexus smartphone. Google vows all Galaxy Nexus handsets will receive the update in the near future. Also in line to upgrade: Samsung's Nexus S and Motorola Xoom as well as the Nexus 7 tablet, jointly developed by Google and Asus, which will ship with Jelly Bean later this month.

For more:
- read this Engadget article

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