The Epic 4G Touch Finally Gets Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
Yesterday the Sprint Epic 4G Touch Android 4.0 ICS update started rolling out to users. It’s the last of the Galaxy S II US phones to receive the update. The update brings a signification number of changes to the Epic 4G Touch and breathes new life into the device for current users. You will see in our video review we focus on the key new features that come in such as:
- Redesign groups settings page
- Data Usage Manager
- Upgraded Storage Calculator
- Access to the notification center without unlocking the phone
- Ability to clear individual notifications
- New Multitask App Manager
- Improved Gmail App
- Stock Android 4.0 home screen when using no Sprint ID
There are a host of other new and improved features such as better Google+ integration, improved core Google services and apps, improved browser, panoramic shot and face unlock. Many of these improved are welcomed and extend the life span of the Epic 4G Touch a bit further. It will be nice for Epic 4G Touch users to not have to deal with the limitation of Android 2.3 anymore.
The Update Is Good But Not Everything Is Great
I did find some issues with lag when you press the power button to get the lock screen. It didn’t happen al the time but enough that is stood out. 3G and 4G connections are not any better in the area that I’m in. Still slow and painful data. The device feels slower overall that previously and the battery life didn’t improve as battery drain still happens when on standby for a long period. That could be due to the version of Touch Wiz that is on here since the android battery drain in standby isn’t an issue on the Galaxy S III. I’ve also notice personally coming from using a lot of Android 4.0 ICS smartphones that have 720 HD screens that this feels a lot more clunky and not as sharp as I would want it but that’s a limitation of the screen and if you don’t have a phone with a 720p screen you use regularly you won’t notice it.
Overall this is a good update that will get bug fixes down the line. Epic 4G Touch users will be happy they are finally off Android 2.3 and get to use much more modern and defined mobile OS in Android 4.0. You should be able to get your device updated now and if not you can watch the video to see where to check for updates. If neither work just be patient as it will be coming down for you soon enough.
About Warren Bowman
