More HTC phones, but no tablets, getting Android 4.0

Just a day after rival Samsung began to update phones with Android 4.0, hardware maker HTC expanded its list of devices that will see the Ice Cream Sandwich software. In a blog post, HTC announced 12 phones that will follow the four HTC Sensation upgrades in the near future. No timeframes were mentioned as HTC is currently focused on the Sensation handsets.

Here’s the complete list, now made up of 16 total phones that HTC is promising Android 4.0 upgrades to:

  • DROID Incredible 2 by HTC
  • HTC Amaze 4G
  • HTC Desire S
  • HTC Desire HD
  • HTC EVO 3D
  • HTC EVO Design 4G
  • HTC Incredible S
  • HTC Sensation
  • HTC Sensation XL
  • HTC Sensation 4G
  • HTC Sensation XE
  • HTC Raider
  • HTC Rezound
  • HTC Rhyme
  • HTC Thunderbolt
  • HTC Vivid

Noticeably missing is any mention of the HTC Flyer, the company’s 7-inch slate tablet that hit shelves last spring. Based on the specifications of the Flyer, I don’t see why it can’t run Android 4.0, although there is one potential roadblock: support for the dual-digitizer.

The Flyer can use a stylus thanks to this component and I suspect HTC will have to work with N-Trig — maker of the digitizer — to get it working with Android 4.0. The question is: will they? Based on meager sales numbers, my gut says that HTC will either skip the upgrade for the Flyer, or at best, put it at the bottom of a long list.

Related research and analysis from GigaOM Pro:
Subscriber content. Sign up for a free trial.

  • CES 2012: a recap and analysis
  • Updated: Forecast: global mobile subscribers, 2010–2015
  • Tablet market to hit over 377 million units by 2016



GigaOM