It appears that Samsung is getting close to releasing its Android 4.0 update for its Galaxy S II (model GT-I9100). The Samsung Philippines site today announced that the update will be available starting March 10th. The same News Alert does not show up in all other countries though. For example, there is no mention of the update on the Samsung Canada site.
In an accompanying FAQ, Samsung lists the following changes:
- Addition of Face Unlock and Android Beam
- Addition of Mobile Network Data usage function
- Improved multi-tasking and general application usability
- Adobe Flash and Bluetooth 3.0 HS no longer supported (Bluetooth 3.0 will still be supported)
Samsung warns that homescreen layouts and some application settings may be lost due to the upgrade.
The FAQ also indicates that the upgrade will be available over FOTA (requiring at least 350MB of free device memory) or through KIES 2.0 (requiring at least 60MB of free device memory).
Assuming that the date is accurate, it is unlikely that all versions of the Galaxy S II will be updated on March 10th. For example, carrier-specific versions are likely to receive updates only after they have undergone carrier testing and certification.
Update: That March 10th date was too good to be true. Samsung confirmed via Twitter that the date posted by its Philippines website was a mistake. There is no confirmed date yet and Samsung reiterated that it will announce it announce via Twitter when it is set.
Read more: Samsung and Samsung FAQ (Source: The Verge)