AT&T: all 2011 subscription Android phones to get 2.3
updated 11:25 am EDT, Mon July 25, 2011
ATT promises Android 2.3 upgrades for most phones
AT&T started off the week with promises that much of its Android smartphone line would get Android 2.3. Starting with the just-live Atrix 4G update, every postpaid (regular subscription) phone would get the OS. The Inspire 4G was next with an August upgrade, but the Samsung Captivate and Infuse 4G, the LG Phoenix, and Pantech Crossover would all get the modern OS.
Most would get the upgrade over-the-air like usual. For some, though, they would need either a Wi-Fi update or a direct USB link to a computer. Android fragmentation through custom UIs meant the scheduling for other hardware beyond the Atrix and Infuse would vary. No mention was made of AT&T's one prepaid Android phone, the LG Thrive, despite being near identical to the Phoenix.
A few phones, such as the HTC Status and the newly shipping Nexus S, already have 2.3.
The timing is such that some of the phones might get 2.3 by the time Ice Cream Sandwich arrives. Only a few of the devices will be fast enough for the future OS regardless.
