The famed and much-anticipated OTA update to Android 4.1.1 (Jelly Bean) is rolling out right now. It comes in at a whopping 396.78MB, and also includes Sense 4+. The updated software version is confirmed to be 3.15.651.16.
Here are a few things I’ve noticed so far regarding the update that haven’t been mentioned elsewhere yet:
- HTC is now going with a blue color scheme that matches the stock Jelly Bean blue color that Google has been using for a while. Previously, HTC used green. Android purists will appreciate this subtle but noticable change.
- The notification pull down menu has been revised. Battery and network information are not displayed; instead, you’ll see the time displayed largely, with the date next to that in smaller text. The settings button looks slightly different, as well.
- Voodoo OTA Rootkeeper was successful is keeping root access for me, but keep in mind that my phone was completely stock. I had unlocked and rooted it using HTCDev, and I had added a few system applications and froze a few others. But I still had the stock recovery, and I didn’t delete any system files. If your set up is similar, and Voodoo fails for you, you can reroot fairly easily if you’ve unlocked with HTCDev.
- The stock Jelly Bean Android keyboard (not Swype, and not HTC Sense input) is working flawlessly, in case you installed it previously. Before the update, the keyboard would force close when adding words to the dictionary. Now, it functions as it should.
- HTC Media Link HD now appears in the Settings, under Wireless & networks. If you select it, and you’re not connected to a Media Link HD device, then an annoying informational video will start playing automatically.
- Beats Audio also appears as a separate option in Settings, under Phone.
- The Power menu has been updated, as well, along with new, easy access to Power saver options.
- A new app called Rescue+Mobile has been added, powered by LogMeIn. It looks like it will be used to remotely connect to your device if you require technical assistance, but for the time being, I’m going to disable it.
- The News & Weather app has also been added, even though it no longer appears on Nexus devices. I assume that Google is no longer updating or supporting this app, but it’s still nice to see it included in case people want it.
- HTC no longer includes a separate app to download other apps, ringtones, sound sets, or skins. The option to “Get more” also no longer appears when updating your ringtone or skin in the Personalize menu.
- From my limited amount of time with the update, it does in fact appear that the contact and SMS lag bug has been squashed. We will need more time to confirm this, but everything is functioning as it should on my end.
Of course, there are other well-documented changes, many of which we’ll explore in depth in the coming days. In the meantime, however, enjoy the update – and be sure to share what other changes you discover below!
