I’ll admit that I’m one of Verizon’s biggest critics when it comes to the rate at which they update their Android smartphones to new software. They are unbelievably  slow for the most part. In fact, I’ve pointed it out a handful times, particularly with the Galaxy Nexus and the amount of time it has taken to update a device that should be the easiest of all. But we also know that Verizon stands firm on their update practices, which have a reputation for being the slowest in the business. Their network is reliable, maybe even the most reliable after all, and they attribute parts of their success to their testing practices. But something seems to have changed in 2013. I ran through a list of updates released by them this year, and the number is impressive. 

I count 17 different devices receiving updates since the beginning of the year. The original Incredible, Thunderbolt, Lucid, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy Tab 7.7, RAZR HD, Charge, RAZR, DROID 4, Galaxy S3, Galaxy Stellar, Intuition, Rhyme, Incredible 2, Rezound, DROID DNA, and Galaxy Nexus have all seen some sort of an update over the last three months, many of which were major.

Now, it’s not all positive just because it’s an update. Devices like the Thunderbolt were promised updates back in the summer of 2012 only to finally receive them a short few weeks ago. Hell, the original XOOM 4G LTE still hasn’t received Jelly Bean and it’s technically a “Nexus” type of device.

But if we overlook those few, even I have to give props to Big Red for getting the job done as of late. We can’t seem to go more than a couple of days without seeing another approval on an update for a different device. In the last 10 days alone we have seen updates for the Charge, RAZR HD, DROID 4, Galaxy Nexus, and original RAZR. Three of those updates were major (two to Jelly Bean and another to 4.2.2).

We aren’t sure if Verizon’s update process has been streamlined recently to be more efficient, if manufacturers are finally getting the hang of this update thing which in turn means submitting better builds to Big Red’s testing team, or if there was a stockpile of updates that are just now seeing mass approval. As surprising as this may sound, I’d lean towards one of those first two options.

If you look at the Galaxy Nexus and its recent move to 4.2.2, Verizon took just over one month to get that update ready and push it out. Sure, they managed to skip three other updates along the way, but if you look strictly at 4.2.2, which was released by Google around February 11, Big Red managed to fit it into their update schedule, which included another dozen or so devices, and still push it out five weeks later. Not bad, if you ask me.

So from one of the most annoying and at times harshest critics in the wireless industry, all I can say is, great job, Verizon. Keep it up.

Giving Credit Where It’s Due, Verizon Turns Into an Android Update Machine is a post from: Droid Life

A new Motorola device surfaced last night, giving a glimpse at what the now Google owned company may have in store for the future. The device goes by model number XT912A (RAZR was XT912) and is definitely not the oft-rumored X Phone (or is it?). What we are looking at is a mid-range device, but one that certainly looks more stock and less Moto than we have seen in some time. 

The device is sporting a 4″ 720p display, 2GB RAM, Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 2200mAh battery, and almost pure stock Android. The skin from Motorola has been broken down to almost nothing, with the newly featured left-side quick toggle menu seen on the RAZR HD now gone. You’ll see stock themed on-screen navigation keys, though those have been around since Jelly Bean on most Motorola phones. It really does look stock, outside of the circle Moto clock widget.

More importantly, this is a drastic change in styling for Moto when compared to the recent RAZR HD launches. The kevlar is gone and in are soft rounded edges, a circular camera, along with what appears to be a cascading edge-to-edge display edges similar to the Nexus 4.

Does this phone scream “Google!” or is it just me? Would love to hear your thoughts.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Gallery

Via:  Engadget

Cheers Sean, Justin, Brian, and Ashot!

New Motorola Device Leaks, Looks All Sorts of Google-inspired is a post from: Droid Life

The official DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX Jelly Bean update is pushing out to devices now. For those who didn’t manually update with our step-by-step instructions, feel free to head into Settings>About phone>System updates to see if you can pull it. A number of readers were able to early this morning, so give it a shot.

The full changelogs for the update can be found here and here.

The update should be 338MB in size if you are coming from Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich). If you are running the accidental build from X-mas, the update will be around 38MB in size. Once updated, you’ll be running Android 4.1.2

Cheers Scott, Daniel, Max, and JoeFro!

DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX Jelly Bean Update Now Pushing to All Users is a post from: Droid Life

After Motorola announced that the Jelly Bean update for the DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX was officially rolling out in phases beginning today, Verizon decided to join the party by releasing their official changelog. In it, you’ll see further confirmation that 98.72.16 is indeed the final build number. They mention that it’s Android 4.1, but we all know that it’s actually 4.1.2. 

With the update, you’ll see improved Voice Search, enhanced notifications, a smarter keyboard (with gesture typing), more from Google Now, better network connectivity, the removal of all sorts of bloatware, and more.

If you haven’t yet updated, feel free to do so manually. We have files for those coming from Ice Cream Sandwich (here) and also for those who updated to Jelly Bean in December (here).

The changelog from Motorola can be found here.

More info.

Here is Verizon’s Changelog for the DROID RAZR Jelly Bean Update is a post from: Droid Life

Motorola has officially announced that the Jelly Bean update for the DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX is rolling out to devices in phases. With the soak test underway, along with manual downloads making the rounds, we weren’t really expecting this announcement to come for a few days, or at least until the test had completed. In fact, Verizon has yet to mention that the update is on the way nor have they provided support docs with details on it. But hey, Moto has decided that the time is right. It’s official. 

Full changelog can be found here. If you are running the Jelly Bean build that accidentally pushed out on X-mas, you can update here. If you are running official Ice Cream Sandwich, you can update here.

If you are not a part of the soak test and do not feel like manually updating, we would guess that the update will arrive OTA within the next two weeks.

Via:  Motorola

Motorola: Jelly Bean Officially Rolling Out to DROID RAZR and MAXX in Phases is a post from: Droid Life

With the official Jelly Bean update for the original DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX hitting testers, we have already seen the update file for those that were running the accidental X-mas build. To make sure that everyone is covered, here is the update file for those still running official Ice Cream Sandwich (6.16.211). This update will bring you to 98.72.16 and Android 4.1.2.

Here is the full changelog.

The file is big at 338MB, but that’s expected when you see an update of this size. 

Instructions:

*For those running official Ice Cream Sandwich 6.16.211. 100% stock.

*If you are running the X-mas build, your instructions are here.

1.  Download and place this file on your external storage (SD card):

Blur_Version.6.16.211.XT912.Verizon.en.US.zip [mirror]

2.  Turn your phone off and boot into recovery.

*With phone off, hold down both Volume Down and Up plus Power until you get to the boot menu. Press Volume Down to highlight “Recovery.” Press Volume Up to select it.

*Once you see the Android and exclamation point, press both Volume Up and Down at the same time.

3.  In recovery, choose “apply update from external storage.”

*Highlight using Volume Down, select using Power.

4.  Find the 6.16.211 file that you downloaded above and select it.
5.  Watch the update install!

Via:  DroidRzr

Cheers darkmiasma!

Download: Official DROID RAZR Jelly Bean Update 98.72.16 for Those on Ice Cream Sandwich 6.16.211 is a post from: Droid Life

I’m really starting to like this “new” Motorola. First, they killed off almost all Moto bloatware in the new Jelly Bean (Android 4.1.2) update for the DROID RAZR and replaced most of it with stock Android apps. Second, they are making sure to take care of anyone who received the accidental X-mas Eve Jelly Bean update (98.72.8) on their RAZR or RAZR MAXX, by providing a 40MB file that jumps users up to the official 98.72.16. That’s right, no need to flash back to 4.0.4 or some older build.

Thanks to a tester of the software, we now have the file for flashing. For those of you wondering when you would be upgraded off of the older build of JB, that time is now. 

Instructions:

*You have to be running the X-mas Jelly Bean build of 98.72.8 in order to use this file. If you are coming from 4.0.4, this will not work. This is only for those that were part of the accidental update group who need to get to the current build of Android 4.1.2.

*AGAIN, this update is for those running 98.72.8 only.

*You do not need to be rooted to do this. 100% stock is the game. In fact, you don’t even need a computer – download file to phone, move to SD card and follow instructions.

*If you are running official Ice Cream Sandwich (6.16.211), your update file is here.

1.  Download and place this file on your external storage (SD card):

Blur_Version.98.72.8.XT912.Verizon.en.US.zip [mirror]

2.  Turn your phone off and boot into recovery.

*With phone off, hold down both Volume Down and Up plus Power until you get to the boot menu. Press Volume Down to highlight “Recovery.” Press Volume Up to select it.

*Once you see the Android and exclamation point, press both Volume Up and Down at the same time.

3.  In recovery, choose “apply update from external storage.”

*Highlight using Volume Down, select using Power.

4.  Find the 98.72.8 file that you downloaded above and select it.
5.  Watch the update install!

The file for the update from Ice Cream Sandwich to Jelly Bean has not been posted anywhere that I’ve seen. Once it goes up, we’ll be sure to share it.

Update:  The update from Ice Cream Sandwich (6.16.211) can be found here.

Via:  XDA

Cheers J!

Download: DROID RAZR Jelly Bean Official Update for Those Running the X-Mas Build is a post from: Droid Life

According to the flood of emails that have hit our inbox,  the soak test of Jelly Bean (Android 4.1.2) for the original DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX has officially begun. We don’t exactly know when it’ll arrive for all users who are not a part of the Motorola Feedback Network, but assuming this test goes smoothly, it shouldn’t be long. And for your sake, I hope you aren’t waiting more than a week, as the update rids the device of almost all Moto-inspired bloatware, turning it into a device that even an Android elitist snob would be proud of. If this update isn’t a sign of the “new” Motorola, then I don’t know what is. 

Below, you’ll find the full changelog for the update. The “enhancements” and “fixes” sections are filled with typical goodies and all, but the “changes” section is what should really get you going. Motorola has decided to remove the Social Location app, MotoActv, MotoPrint, Alarm and Timer (replaced by stock Google Clock), and Verizon Video on Demand. They also killed off the My Gallery and My Music apps in favor of the stock Android Gallery app and Google Music. MotoCast is no longer integrated into anything on the device, including the Files app. It’s now a stand alone app (it has been enhanced to be much more powerful). They also killed all of sorts of widgets that you likely weren’t using anyway, as they were tied to many of these now-deceased apps.

Outside of the debloating, they made Chrome the stock browser, brought in Google Now, enhanced Voice Search, improved the camera greatly (better panorama too), improved network connectivity, fixed contact sync, and sooooo much more.

The build number is 98.72.16.

This is quite the update. It may shock some of you to see so many major changes, but this is the direction Motorola wants to go. Less “Moto” branded software, more stock Android. We can’t argue against that.

Update:  Here is the update file and instructions for those running the X-mas Jelly Bean build.

Via:  Motorola

Cheers Justtyn, S, P, C, M, D, Z and so many more of you!

Motorola Removes Almost All Moto Bloat in Jelly Bean for DROID RAZR, Goes With Stock Google Apps Instead [Changelog] is a post from: Droid Life

The original DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX are about to officially receive Jelly Bean. According to invites that are going out to members of the Motorola Feedback Network, testing for the update should start shortly.

The timing of this test fits right in line with Motorola’s Q1 schedule and is only two months after a Jelly Bean build was accidentally pushed to a number of handsets. We went hands-on with that update in case you were wondering what to expect.

Once the test starts, assuming everything goes well, the official push to all devices from Verizon and Moto shouldn’t be far out. 

Hi,

Thanks for joining the Motorola Feedback Network. We are inviting owners of the Droid RAZR or Droid RAZR Maxx on Verizon to participate in an early preview of a new Jelly Bean software release, and provide feedback.  If you are not currently using a Droid RAZR or Droid RAZR Maxx on Verizon, please excuse and ignore this email.

Click this link – https://www.surveymonkey.com/– to take the enrollment survey if you wish to take part. Note that you must be a member in good standing of the Motorola Owners’ Forums to be included. The registration window could close without notice so please respond as quickly as possible.

This is a confidential test under the terms of the Motorola Feedback Network. Do not post any details or information about this on any public sites.

Thanks — please understand that start times are always fluid. We ask for your patience if you register but don’t hear from us right away.

Matt
Motorola Owners’ Forums
Motorola Feedback Network

Yeah, buddy.

Cheers R, M, C, A, E, T, C and D!

Original DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX Jelly Bean Soak Test About to Go Down is a post from: Droid Life

This morning or late last night, Motorola released a new version of their device software update timeline website. In the past, the page was nothing more than a giant table filled with devices and scheduled rollout times for updates, but this new version allows you to sort it by country, carrier and then device. Once a device has been selected, it will tell you the last update that was received or if there is a new one coming in the near future. You will also find a link to the support page for the device which tells you whether or not you are on the latest version of software and provides a changelog. Last, you can sign-up to receive emails notifying you of new software updates. 

The new site isn’t a one page cluster**** as it was in the past, but it does require that you click a couple of extra links to get where you need to go. Overall, it’s a much better design that in the end, offers you more info than you were getting in the past.

On a related note, the support pages for the original RAZR and RAZR MAXX now say that the “expected” rollout of Jelly Bean should begin in Q1 of 2013. Motorola had previously mentioned this on places like Facebook, however, their official timeline never did reflect this timeframe. The previous versions of the update timeline simply said that both devices would be updated to Jelly Bean, but gave no indication as to when.

Let’s not forget that Moto accidentally pushed a Jelly Bean build to the original RAZR back on X-mas Eve. That was clearly an early test build, but one that seemed fairly stable for the most part. I don’t know what’s holding them back from finally pushing it out, but we all know how the software update game works when carriers are involved. Q1 does have another month in it, so try to stay patient.

Also of note, the Motorola PC software was updated this morning. While I rarely use it and am not incredibly versed in its feature-set, there is an option listed as “Check for device update.” I’ll leave those of you who have used the software more than I to confirm whether or not this is new. If so, this could essentially be another way for Motorola to get updates to your devices. I’d assume they’ll still need carrier approval, but this could help you skip the waiting line for OTA updates.

Other device news:

• XOOM LTE still listed as “will be upgraded to Jelly Bean.”
• XYboards are still under review for Jelly Bean. “Stay tuned for upgrade decision” the site reads
• DROID 4 still says that it “will be upgraded to Jelly Bean.”
• Bionic still says that it “will be upgraded to Jelly Bean.”

Via:  Motorola

Cheers bakdroid and Howard!

Motorola Re-works Software Update Timeline Site, Fully Commits to Q1 for DROID RAZR Jelly Bean is a post from: Droid Life

Can we just start referring to Dan Rosenberg (@djrbliss) as Mr. Root? The man that seems to have rooted every single Motorola device over the last couple of years has done it again, only this time with the original DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX running the latest OTA update of Jelly Bean (Android 4.1.2). That would be the update that was mistakenly pushed to your device on X-mas Eve.

For those of you who lost root during the update and have been waiting patiently for a new exploit to be found, your time has come.  At this point, the method only works from a Windows PC, but it’s as simple as can be. At the source link, you’ll find a .zip file with a .bat file inside that needs to be run with your phone attached to your Windows machine with USB Debugging on.

Go have some fun. Be sure to donate to the cause if you can, and thank Mr. Root.

Via:  DroidRzr

Cheers @P3Droid!

Original DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX Jelly Bean Update has Been Rooted is a post from: Droid Life

As many of you know, Motorola started pushing a Jelly Bean update out to original DROID RAZR owners earlier this week as build number 98.72.8. We still aren’t sure if they meant to or not, as the update was killed before too many of you were able to pull it. What we do know is that most of you have had a great experience on Android 4.1.2 thus far, but that some of you are having connectivity issues, problems with features like mobile hotspot, or random Verizon apps crashing. 

According to a couple of our readers, if you are experiencing these issues, you may be able to swap the device out at Verizon corporate stores (not 3rd party retailers) for a new one. At least three readers are claiming to have done this, some even mentioning that they were given an early upgrade.

For most of you, sticking with a working Jelly Bean will likely be preferred to swapping out your device. But if you are having issues, you may want to swing by your local Verizon store or give customer service a ring. Hopefully they have been briefed on the surprise update that went out. It certainly sounds like they have been, and that this update was most definitely not supposed to have gone out yet.

Are you experiencing issues with Jelly Bean on your RAZR? Would love to hear what they are in the comments.

Cheers Jeremy, Jordan, Aaron, Rob, Larry and everyone else!

Verizon May Replace Your DROID RAZR If You are Experiencing Issues After the Jelly Bean Update is a post from: Droid Life

Over the long weekend, Motorola began to push a Jelly Bean update to the original DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX as build 98.72.8. We’re assuming this was a mistake, as the update was killed a couple of hours after it went live, even though a number of users were able to pull it. Verizon and Motorola also made no announcement about an update. Plus, the build was dated December 11, which means it’s as fresh at it gets, something that may be too fresh for Verizon’s slow update approval process. 

Thankfully, some crafty RAZR owners were able to grab the update file and make it available to the public. You can update to it now, if you’d like. We do recommend that you proceed with caution, though, as the update may not be the final version that Verizon approves.

For those that have yet to update, or even those that have, we thought we’d put together a quick video to show off the new features that Jelly Bean (Android 4.1.2) brings to the original RAZRs. Google Now is there in all its glory, as is the new Voice Search, better notifications, Project Butter, and more.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Video: Quick Look at Jelly Bean on the Original DROID RAZR is a post from: Droid Life

According to a number of readers with the original RAZR and RAZR MAXX, a massive update weighing in at 331MB and build number 98.72.8 is pushing out. There are no signs of an official update going out from any of the regular spots, so we aren’t sure if this is Jelly Bean, and someone at Motorola accidentally flipped the “Go!” switch or what. The build number starting with a 9 certainly resembles previous Jelly Bean updates on other Motorola phones. The RAZR HD’s update dropped in at 9.1.41.

As we have more, we’ll update this post. 

Update:  Most are reporting that the update is taking forever to download and that there isn’t much of a progress bar. Some claiming it’s Jelly Bean, but we have no confirmation yet. I’m also downloading it on my RAZR. Still updating…

Update 2:  Readers Alan, Julianne, and whozat451 posted up this screenshot, matching the build number of 98.72.8, which also shows that it’s Jelly Bean (Android 4.1.2). Merry Xmas, DROID RAZR owners.

Update 3:  We should point out that we have yet to hear anything official from Verizon or Motorola. Someone either screwed up badly and made this available early, or we’ll hear all about it on Wednesday morning, when everyone returns to work.

Update 4:  The update may have been pulled. My download stopped midway through, as did many others’, saying that the “Download of update failed.” The phone is now showing as up-to-date. Assuming Moto and Verizon caught the early rollout and pulled from servers.

Update 5:  Here is a download link (via Shamo316) to the file for those that want to venture into the land of Jelly Bean. I should warn you that we do not know if this is a final build or not. It could be, but today’s update push also may have been a giant mistake. Proceed with caution. Drop on SD card (not internal storage), boot into recovery, select the file and update. Need to be on .211.

Manually install update:

• Download file from above and drop on SD card (not internal storage)
• Power phone off
• Hold Power and both Volume Up and Down until boot screen appears
• From boot screen, scroll down to “Recovery” with Volume Down
• Press Volume Up to select it once it has been highlighted
• When Android and exclamation show up, press both Volumes at the same time.
• Then “install update from external storage” and find the file.

Cheers Bryan, Alex, @semcc9, John and @Daleinboro!

Original DROID RAZR Receiving Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean Build 98.72.8 (Updated) is a post from: Droid Life

I love the holidays. It seems that all of my favorite things go on sale, including smartphones. For a limited time, naturally, AmazonWireless is hosting a deal on select Verizon devices that should make for some happy buyers.

The original DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX are both on sale for only a penny, while upgrading and new customers can get the Galaxy S3 16GB for just $79.99. If you’re looking for one of Verizon’s new phones, you can grab the RAZR M for one cent as well, or grab the slightly aged HTC Rezound for the same price. 

DROID RAZR M | DROID RAZR MAXX | Galaxy S3 | HTC Rezound | DROID RAZR

Either way, you’re getting some sweet holiday deals.

AmazonWireless Hosts Deal on Top Verizon Devices, RAZR MAXX and RAZR M Only $0.01 is a post from: Droid Life