skytown12

i was wondering can the upcoming ice cream sandwich os be installed on any android or will it be for the newer androids only. i know linux is open source and all that and i know that with linux you can usualy install it on w.e as long as the hardware can support the os and etc.. but with mobile phones sometimes things are more complicated and restricted then the computer linux world. so back to my question is this os for everyone to enjoy or only a select few.
(note) i might use a samsung galaxy vibrant, i want to run ics on it, not sure if i can, can't buy it until i know, or unless i buy the more expensive nexus s. which i know will get the update over the air. but cant the most recent androids run ics. and if the device doesnt get the update over the air through the manufactoer, isnt there a version we can just install on our phones. im very confused. might just get a blackberry or something lol

Italo

The Android distribution chain is a bit more complicated than linux. Once Google is done with a build, it goes to the phone manufactures to get it running on the individual handsets, make changes to the OS, and fix any bugs. Then it goes to the carriers where they embed their apps and remove any functionality they don't like (tethering, etc.) before releasing it to customers. This is why it usually takes a long time to get updates for handsets that aren't Nexus devices (which are updated directly by Google).

Pretty much, only the newer phones will get ICS. Samsung's support for the Galaxy S phones is pretty poor at this point, and they probably won't bother with ICS for those phones.

If you're willing to root and install custom ROMs, there are various flavors of ICS available. This will void your warranty, though.

Bottom line: If you want manufacturer support, you need to buy the latest and greatest. Samsung has too many models to keep up support for very long on anything but the top of the line models.

350X

Its a pay to play game, which has several hundred dollar buy in's often. Or be happy with fair priced 1-2 yr old products that still perform.

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AmneonX

The only way to get ICS on your Vibrant is by rooting and flashing a custom rom. There is a CyanogenMod 9 port for the Vibrant. Good luck.

skytown12

ok that is nice, but is it illegal to do all that and install custom os and diffrent programs like that on the android. i know linux is open but again sometime they are diffrent rules and regulations for cell phones. and yes i know its at my own risk, but i know alot of computers and such so i will be ok.

Italo

No, it's not illegal. Once you buy it you can do what you want with it. It will most likely void the warranty agreement though. So, once you do it you will be on your own (or will have to flash back to stock before taking it back to the store).

adeathnote

If you are rooting and flashing an ICS flavored rom, hopefully you can figure out how to flash back to stock... or you can just brick it and take it back. Not ideal but some people have done it... usually not on purpose though.

bk11222

will the skyrocket be getting ICS?