This is something new and rather interesting. How neat would it be if I am walking to work and as I am walking my device notices that I am near a coffee shop that I like to frequent and Google sends me an alert saying “I know you are still groggy, but your favorite coffee shop is a block away to make your day a little easier!”. Well, with this new patent that USPTO has awarded Google our android devices will soon be able to do something very much like that. This could make our “dumb” smartphones into real “smart” smartphones. Granted big G applied for this patent back in September of 2011 it has just been awarded it’s full status. If you want to read the full US Patent info click the source link.

[via USPTO]

The latest update for the Motorola Droid 3 might be a huge one, version number 5.7.905.XT862 clocks in at around 230MB, which is huge for an update. However, it’s not Android 4.0, but instead just an update for Gingerbread. This huge update brings a bug fix for pretty much anything imaginable that might be a problem on the Droid 3. Here’s the full change log:

Device Features

• A Google Security Patch has been added to improve the security level.
• Fixed issue where the device may power ON without user interaction.
• Avoid device interruption when accessing an application prior to the storage being fully mounted on the device.
• Improvements in device stability help avoid device power cycles.
• When connected to a Bluetooth® headset or HDMI cable, the device will no longer lock up and power cycle.
• Improvements to the camera’s auto focus will reduce the shutter response time and enhance the quality of captured imagery.
• Device is enabled with the Wireless Alerting System.

Call Features

• Use a wired headset without the interruption of a high pitched tone.
• Plus code dialing has been enhanced, improving the experience while traveling.

Applications & Widgets

• Playback media can be heard while using a Bluetooth headset.
• Place a call to the appropriate recipient using the contact widget.
• When moving applications to the SD card, shortcuts to these Apps will remain.
• After updating the contact database from the Messaging App, the Messaging UI will display the latest contact information.
• Successfully post and play videos on Facebook.
• Purchased ringtones are now able to be downloaded, saved and used where appropriate.
• Contact pictures display properly in Google Voice.
• VZ Navigator® 3D City is now preloaded.
• Resolved excessive data usage and continuous downloading for VZ Navigator 3D City downloads.

It might seem hard to believe, but yes there are actually people out there that own the Motorola CLIQ 2. Even harder to believe is that they’ve been living with Android 2.1 Eclair since the phone was released in early 2011. Now, more than a year later, Motorola has finally gotten around to releasing an optional update to Android 2.3 Gingerbread.

This upgrade will not be pushed out over-the-air, instead it’s offered as an option download with the Motorola Software Update tool for Windows computers. This update that seemed like an afterthought where someone at Motorola suddenly remembered the CLIQ 2 existed and was still running really old Android.

And sadly, since it took this long, it seems like this is the end of the line for the CLIQ 2, as it’s highly doubtful it will ever see Ice Cream Sandwich outside of the third party ROM development community. For downloads and installation instructions, head over the Motorola Support site.

[via Motorola Forums]

Verizon has just published details of the latest update now ready for the Motorola Droid RAZR and RAZR MAXX handsets. After the roller coaster of hearing Best Buy leak that Ice Cream Sandwich was coming a couple weeks ago, then it wasn’t coming, then we heard another update was coming. That update is finally here. While it’s not Android 4.0, it does bring some fixes and useful improvements to the RAZR family. Here’s the full rundown of changes:

Device Features:

• Improved device stability.
• Optimized device performance to extend battery life.
• Added easy access to preloaded VZW bookmarks through quick key access.
• Corrected loud call end and connect tones over Bluetooth.®
• Enhanced device security preventing unauthorized access of telephony database by third parties.
• Device is now updated with IPv6.
• As new Internet addresses are introduced, you will be able to continue to browse and view web pages with this latest Internet enhancement.

Network Connectivity:

• 4G coverage indicator accurately displays data connectivity.
• Improved Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity when utilizing WPS security.

Email, Messaging & Data:

• Improved text message delivery.

Applications & Widgets:

• Improved Visual Voice Mail performance with data disabled and visual voicemail notification delivery.
• Enhanced security in Verizon Apps.

MotoCast™ Updates:

• Included a new MotoCast widget to enable easier access and discoverability of MotoCast services.
• Modified the storage settings screen to make it easier to understand total storage versus available storage.
• Implemented a number of MotoCast performance improvements.

Verizon has published the list of changes as coming soon, so be on the lookout for an OTA update notification on your RAZR or RAZR MAXX some time this week or next. The new update is Version.6.12.181.XT912.Verizon.en.US and runs about 17MB in size.

[Verizon Support]

The Samsung Infuse 4G has been around for a year now, and it’s finally seeing a proper Gingerbread update. AT&T promised the update way back in August 2011, and started to roll it out in Feb 2012, but then pulled the update due to issues with the build. Now a new version is ready for the Infuse 4G. Hit the Samsung source link below for updating instructions.

Additionally, another AT&T phone is getting Gingerbread for the first time. The Pantech Crossover receives Android 2.3.6 along with some additional fixes and new features. Head over to Pantech’s website for downloads and updating instructions.

[Samsung]

[Pantech]

Better late than never, right? Sprint first tried pushing out the Gingerbread OTA update for the LG Optimus S a couple month ago. But the update caused many problems with customer’s phones and Sprint pulled the update. Now they’re trying again, with hopefully all the bugs worked out. The update is version number LS670ZVJ. Aside from Android 2.3 Gingerbread, includes the following fixes or improvements:

• Device not charging
• SD card un-mounting error
• Device not recognized by Windows XP, Vista, or 7 operating systems
• Predictive Text with Android Keyboard issue
• Voice call volume issue
• Android 2.3 (Gingerbread):
• Updated color scheme (includes darker notification bar and black-based menus)
• New on-screen keyboard (supports multi-touch input and a  smart auto-correction function)
• Improved cut-paste functionality
• New integrated download application for ease in accessing downloaded files
• Updated camera application
• Power management and task killer applications

The update starts pushing out on Wednesday, April 4th. And as with most OTA updates, it will roll out in stages and all customers should have it within 3 weeks from now.

[Sprint via Android Police]

Yep, you heard it right. More than a year after its release the Motorola CLIQ 2 is finally getting an upgrade to Android 2.3 Gingerbread. At least Motorola is attempting to show they care about older devices, but they sure do have a weird way of showing it.

In a forum post yesterday, Motorola announced the Gingerbread update would be coming soon to the CLIQ 2, and they want 1,000 users to test it before general roll out. We’re not sure how many units they actually sold, but it might be hard to actually find that many CLIQ 2 owners. Seriously, does anyone own this phone? Are you looking forward to Gingerbread or just looking forward to a new phone?

[Motorola via TmoNews]

We heard promises from AT&T the Samsung Infuse 4G would be getting an update to Gingerbread way back in August of 2011, but that dissolved into nothing and users were left angry. For those that didn’t get angry and switch phones or go with a 3rd party ROM to upgrade, today is finally your day.

AT&T announced via their forums the Android 2.3.6 Gingerbread update would be rolling out the Infuse 4G starting today. Along with the version upgrade, it also comes with the following changes:

• Improved Copy and Paste functionality
• Redesigned Multi Touch Software Keyboard
• Download manager for long running HTTP downloads
• Improved power management and application control
• Notification Shade: “Flight Mode” added (“Silent” removed)
• New Fonts options added include Choco Cooky, Cool Jazz, Rosemary
• Keyboard Changes: Android Keyboard with Wider Spaced keys and Quick Keys at the top
• New Widgets: The name of the content provider will be listed on the widget list along with the widget name. Previously only the widget name was provided.
• New Widget: Traffic (Android) added to list of available widgets
• Menu Changes/New Apps: Downloads and Google Books added new, Promotional pre-load of Angry Birds removed*.

*Note: The update will remove the promotional Angry Birds pre-load from the device. If you’ve started playing the game, you would need to re-download from the Marketplace and start from the beginning of the game.

Having taken this long to get Gingerbread, you have to wonder if the Infuse will ever receive the Android 4.0 update. We’re always optimistic, but it’s not looking good. Infuse owners, sound off in the comments how you feel about the update.

[AT&T Forums]

As far as the next upgrade goes, LG stated last month they’re planning to have the Android 4.0 update ready for the Optimus 2X and other phones in the 2nd quarter of 2012, so another 6 months of waiting.

[via MobileSyrup]

The update is based on Android 2.3.4 and also includes the following changelog according to LG:

• Power management enhancements
• Improved UI
• One-touch word selection and copy/paste
• Better Download management
• Support for new media formats like AAC, AVC, MPEG 4 and H.263
• New shortcuts, widgets and icons
• Better email syncing
• More precise camera auto-focus and camera geo-tagging
• Active app management, app groups, updated calendar options
• Pre-loaded Google+ app

Depending on the region, users may have to wait a few days or weeks before the Gingerbread update actually hits them, but rest assured that it’s coming. Meanwhile, you’ll have to wait till Q3 of 2012 for your Android 4.0 update. Time to step up your game, LG!

[via GSM Arena]