It was only in October that Google announced Android 4.0 which has only been made available so far on the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. It builds on the most popular elements of Android, including multi-tasking, easy to use and spot notifications, a home screen that can be customised, interactivity and easy ways to share pictures and information. ICS has a new user interface with reined animations and typeface that is better suited or high-resolution screens. There are virtual buttons that help make navigation easier, new home screen folders to group Apps and shortcuts along with a new favourites tray for devices with smaller screens. Face Unlock is another new feature and the pull-down notification screen also includes a link to the cameras or to check for messages.
Most manufacturers still have not offered firm dates on when their range of devices will receive an upgrade to Android 4.0. Motorola, Sony, HTC and Asus have announced the devices that will get the upgrade, but no firm timescale.
Yet could users find themselves getting an upgrade to 4.0, only for 5.0 to be released?
The rumours have started with Taiwanese suppliers. They suggest Google is planning to launch a new version of Android, codenamed Android Jelly Bean, in the second quarter of 2012. This seems incredibly early considering Motorola, for example, still hasn't said when owners of its flagship Droid range, which includes the Droid RAZR, will get ICS, let alone Jelly Bean.
The reports suggest Google is apprehensive about the launch of Windows Phone 8 by Microsoft and want to match it with a new Android. The reports claim Android 5.0 would have a dual-boot support for use on Windows 8 tablets. Jelly Bean could be largely for tablets and net-books and it is claimed it will integrate Google Chrome making the operating system even more popular.
The length of time it has taken to roll out Android 4.0 means the new operating system has not been received positively. Putting aside the issues there were at launch – some users reported a drop out of audio mid call – two months after its launch figures said only 1% of all Android devices were using ICS.
Manufacturers have expressed frustration that it takes so long to integrate a Google Android update. Motorola, which was acquired by Google in 2011, said it is costly and time-consuming. It creates delays and waiting times or consumers and it isn't able to make the splash it wants.
Other manufacturers have responded by focussing of their own operating systems. Samsung has had a long and fruitful relationship with Google, as evidenced by the fact that the new operating system launched exclusively on its Galaxy Nexus. However Google's partnership with Motorola seems to have spooked them and the Korean Manufacturer is said to be working on a new and improved in-house OS.
One of the changes made to Ice Cream Sandwich was the attempt to reduce this fragmentation by forcing manufacturers to use the preset theme. It is too early to tell but this small change may mean that those who have been waiting months for an upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich will not have to wait anywhere near as long for Jelly Bean.
For those with a Sony Xperia device, Motorola RAZR, Samsung Galaxy range or HTC Desire, devices that have been confirmed to be getting the ICS upgrade, the suggestion that another upgrade will be announced before they have even received the last one will likely be met with frustration. Yes, it's exciting that technology moves on, but let us get our hands on the last upgrade before you announce a new one.