Samsung Galaxy S II handsets not tied to a specific carrier no longer have to wait for their Android 4.0 upgrade. According to a tweet from Samsung’s UK Twitter account, unlocked Galaxy S II phones can now download and install the software, known as Ice Cream Sandwich. Orange and T-Mobile customers with a Galaxy S II in Europe remain on Android 2.3, but Samsung says these will “follow as soon as possible.”

SlashGear caught the tweet and notes that the Android 4.0 upgrade can be found through Samsung’s Kies software. Here in the U.S., carriers typically push the software over the air after they’ve tested and tweaked the platform. For that reason some people purchase unlocked handsets, with the reasonable thought that these would be among the first to see updates. Unfortunately, with the Galaxy S II that hasn’t been the case as some carrier models already received Android 4.0.

Along with the updated Google Android software, Samsung has added a Face Unlock feature; similar to that found on stock Android 4.0 devices, such as the Galaxy Nexus. Also included is Samsung’s latest TouchWiz user interface to correspond with Google’s own software updates. It appears that Samsung is pushing the updates out ahead of a May 3 product launch event; likely to be the Galaxy S III.

Source: GIGAOM

Samsung waisted no time in going after Apple and the release of the iPhone 4S. Just a few hours after the announcement the director of PR sent out a helpful comparison chart showing how the iPhone 4S stacks up against the company’s newest flagship phones, the Galaxy S II.  The company also announced that they’re seeking to block sales of the iPhone in France and Italy, citing patent infringement. Sound familiar? This fight is going to be good.

Looking at hardware alone, you have to admit that Samsung has the advantage if you want a large screen and masses of storage. You also have to wonder how the iPhone 4S will stack up in a few months as new Android smartphones keep appearing such as the Samsung Nexus Prime.

With that being said let’s see  how the iPhone 4S stack up against the competition.

If you have not already heard about it, this is great news! Apparently the Samsung Galaxy SII rumors are true and this bad boy has been approved by the FCC. What’s so sweet about this device is that it supports 2.4ghz and 5ghz frequencies, meaning it’ll almost certainly come with dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n WiFi. We heard this is one of the first phones ever to come with this feature.

Looks like this may also be a hybrid (dual band) device which is great for developers if so. Sources suggest it’s potentially headed to AT&T as well as Canada. Which ever place it will go first it shouldn’t be too much longer before you start seeing images and prices flooding the internet.

For now let us know what you think in the comments box below.

Source: Engadget

Have you been trying to patiently wait for the Samsung Galaxy S II to come out? If so, there’s really no need to wait any longer. Let Samsung in the US wonder why international sales increase when you can now buy a stock, international Galaxy S2 that comes with Canadian (Rogers, Bell, and Telus) and US (Only AT&T) 3G bands straight off the shelf.

Some specifications listed include a 4.3″ WVGA SUPER AMOLED Display, 1GB RAM, 16GB/32G MicroSD (up to 32GB) and an 8MP Camera with a LED Flash. Also, a 2MP front facing camera.

Click here to check the official specifications out for yourself.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments box below.

Source: AndroidCentral