Samsung Galaxy S2: T-Mobile Rolls Out Android Ice Cream Sandwich Update

T-Mobile has finally started rolling out the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update for Samsung's Galaxy S2.

Customers can now update their phones via the Samsung Kies update software, which must first be downloaded on a PC or Mac.

The update, which started rolling out in Europe this March, provides a new menu layout, swifter browsing experience with seamless fast app and multi-tasking components.

T-mobile has also updated the Touchwiz user interface, which comes with the following changes on ICS:

New Lock Screen Action: Pull down notification bar (available only if the Security Setting is on the default Swipe setting)

New Face Unlock: Samsung introduces ICS's facial recognition software. This software may have difficulty recognizing your face at times, and ICS has included settings to interactively improve it.

Apps Short Cut: For the ICS software update on the Samsung Galaxy S II, going back and forth to apps is easy. Tap and hold the Home key to access recent apps and task manager.

Android Beam: The NFC technology is great for getting movie info, sharing pictures, digital content and exchanging files with friends. It is a standards-based type of wireless communication that transmits a radio field at a very close range, usually within a couple of inches.

Gestures: With the ICS software update, Samsung added Gestures. Gestures allow the user to interact with the device via movements. The Galaxy S2 devices feature the following Gestures:

Tilt to Zoom: Reduce or enlarge screen in gallery and browser.

Pan to edit: Move icon to another page in home and application edit mode.

Double tap: Prepares device for voice commands in voice call.

Turn over to mute: mutes incoming calls and playing sounds.

Google Play Apps: With the ICS software update, the Google Play app will place a home screen shortcut automatically.

Samsung Galaxy S3

Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S3 has been released and will be launched in the U.S between June and July, depending on the carrier. The S3 heralds a 4.8-inch screen, Qualcomm S4 processor, voice control and face recognition. The new Super AMOLED display is 22 percent larger than its predecessor, bringing the phone into the Galaxy Note's phone/tablet hybrid category.

Samsung launched a face recognition feature on its latest phone in an effort to make the Smartphone experience more natural. The phone uses its front camera to identify the user's eye movement and ensures it never goes dark or switches off while the user is looking at the phone.

Samsung has also improved its voice control feature with a sophisticated, Siri-like voice recognition system dubbed S voice. The service allows users to make verbal demands to control their phone. Texts and emails can be dictated and photographs can be taken through voice commands using the feature.

The S3 also includes an NFC chip, which enables content sharing -- including video -- through tapping two phones together. The chip can also be used to make mobile payments.

The new Pop up Play feature on the phone enables multitasking, allowing users to open a video in a window on screen, and then use other apps with the rest of the screen.

Specs

Screen size: 4.8 inchProcessor: Qualcomm S4 processor Memory size: Up to 32gb (+64gb with card)
Operating system: Android Ice Cream Sandwich
Camera: Eight megapixel Weight: 133 grams
Dimensions: Height - 136mm Width - 70mm Depth - 8.5mm
Battery: 2100mAh