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Android 4.0.3 update out for T-Mobile's Samsung Galaxy S II

T-Mobile subscribers who own the Galaxy S II phone can grab the latest Android Ice Cream Sandwich update, but it's only available through Samsung's Kies software.

Samsung Galaxy S II owners on T-Mobile can update to Android 4.0.3, but they may have to jump through a few hoops first.

The latest flavor of Ice Cream Sandwich launched as of yesterday evening for Samsung's Galaxy S II. Owners of the phone can learn how to install it via a T-Mobile support page. But be forewarned -- the update isn't available over the air (OTA), meaning you can't download it directly to your phone.

Instead, you have to install it via Samsung's Kies software, which requires you to download and install the update on your PC and then sync it with your phone.

Beyond offering ICS, the update promises improvements in performance and stability.

Samsung. "The Kies update through Samsung is not supported by T-Mobile and we are unable to assist with Kies or PC questions," T-Mobile explained.

Though T-Mobile is trying to be helpful by outlining all the steps involved, this convoluted process clearly shows why Android updates are such a mess. With Google, the device makers. and the carriers all involved in the mix, no one party is truly responsible or accountable for the entire chain of events.

Compare that with the process on iOS devices. Apple is the sole party responsible for all updates. The carriers have no involvement. Apple users can download iOS updates to iTunes and sync them with their iPhones and iPads or download and install the updates directly to their devices.

It is any wonder Android users have to wait so long for the latest version of Android and other updates?