New Update for the Skytex SkyPad Alpha 2 Adds Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
Earlier today I learned that Skytex had released a new firmware update for their second Android tablet, the SkyPad Alpha 2.
This tablet shipped last fall running Android 2.3 Gingerbread on a Boxchip A10 CPU. It was I think the first tablet to use that chip and it had surprising performance for the price.
This tablet is built around a 7″ (800×480) screen with a 1.2GHz CPU, 400MHz Mali GPU, Wifi, camera, speaker/mike, HDMI out, 8GB flash storage, and a microSD card slot. It has a sleek curved metal back with a distinctive plastic oval towards one end (over the Wifi antenna).
Skytex had always planned to release an update with the latest version of Android. They released a beta version of the firmware round the time of CES 2012, but it was buggy. This new firmware fixes the bugs and offers a much improved user experience. The installation process is a pain in the arse, but it’s worth it. I think the later firmware is more usable.
I had installed the beta firmware quite some time back, and that was my first experience with the latest version of Android. To be honest, I could take it or leave it. While I’m sure it does some impressive things behind the scenes, I wasn’t wowed by the visible differences from Android 2.3 Gingerbread.
And after you’ve installed the firmware, you might want to consider installing Android Market. It will just take a second and it will give you access to the best source of Android apps. That adds a lot of value, IMO.
Skytex
Comments
D_Rob April 27, 2012 um 5:23 pm
When i upgraded to 4.0 and then followed the instructions for getting the market the home button did not work. Is there a fix for this ?
Nate Hoffelder April 27, 2012 um 5:38 pm
I would go to settings and restore the tablet to factory settings.
D_Rob April 28, 2012 um 10:41 pm
Did that the buttons work now thanks, so does that mean I can’t get the market ?
Nate Hoffelder April 28, 2012 um 10:46 pm
I would try it again.
My buttons work after the hack so I’m surprised yours don’t. It’s a little odd.
D_Rob April 29, 2012 um 10:18 am
And this is for the skypad alpha 2 right (what u used)
Nate Hoffelder April 29, 2012 um 10:18 am
Correct.
D_Rob April 29, 2012 um 10:25 am
Is there another way ?
D_Rob April 29, 2012 um 11:08 am
Never mind it worked whenever I transfered it with the computer it didn’t work but stright from the tablet it works