T-Mobile Galaxy S II update to ICS available tonight – only on a PC

In T-Mobile’s usual fashion they have updated their official support page today for their Samsung Galaxy S II, detailing the upgrade to Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich. At the first of the month they tweeted the update was coming on the 11th, but today its been confirmed. We do have some bad news however. The update won’t be offered over the air with a painless and easy update like most — More details below.

For some reason T-Mobile and Samsung have decided to not offer the update to Android 4.0 ICS for their Galaxy S II as an OTA (over the air) update like almost every other update to ICS. Instead users will only be able to upgrade using Samsung’s Kies software and a computer. While this is a fairly easy process it’s still a shame they’ve made this a requirement.

Most likely the reason behind this is the fact that the “optional” update will wipe out the homescreen and make users set up their devices again. I’d call this a recommended update more than optional, as Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich was a major improvement and all users should want to have it. The update will be available starting tonight from T-Mobile and Samsung at 11 PM EST / 8 PM PST.

Instructions:
– Download Samsung Kies (here)
– Install and open Kies on PC
– Enable USB debugging on phone in settings > menu > apps > development
– Connect phone via USB
– Click and accept the update
– Enjoy

As usual users should back up any important data from their phones or micro-SD card just as a precautionary measure to avoid accidental loss but the update should not wipe devices out. As the support pages mention above the home screen and all icons will be erased but the phones apps, contacts, and data should all remain post update. Let us know how it goes by leaving us a comment below after you’ve done the update and enjoy that Ice Cream Sandwich.

source