[Download] HTC Thunderbolt Gets Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread Update 2.11.605.3

Heads up Verizon users of  the HTC Thunderbolt handsets, running with Android 2.2 Froyo build. Verizon has updated its support website with a couple of PDF files of the Gingerbread update for the HTC Thunderbolt handset. So, finally the first LTE capable Verizon branded HTC Thunderbolt is all set to groove with the most-awaited Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread update. The new build 2.11.605.3 is weighing in at 146.209 MB and along with the Gingerbread flavor, the update is carrying the following enhancements and fixes.

# Download Manager App to manage all of your downloads from web browsing, email attachments and other apps.
# A new “Running” tab displays a list of active applications and the storage and memory being used by each.
# Addition of Power efficiency mode option under Settings –> Power.
# Addition of the new widgets, icons and screens with refreshed colors.
# Addition of Dock Icons getting three swappable icons and the App Launcher icon to the Dock at the bottom of all home screen panels for easy and instant access.
# No more alarming notification in alarming mode.
# Improved data connectivity.
# Improved audio quality while using Bluetooth.
# Pre-loaded V CAST Tones, Google Books.
# Enhanced UI for data roaming.

What is this “Dock Icons” thing? It sounds a lot like a new version of HTC Sense 3.5. I don’t see any sign of the addition of G-Talk with video with this latest build.

Download

The HTC Thunderbolt users will be getting the notification alert regarding the update, asking to tap the “Download” button to get the latest update. You can also manually check for the software update availability by following the instruction provided here at below.

HTC Thunderbolt owners should move over to “Menu” > “Settings” > “About Phone” > “Settings” > “System Updates” > and tap the Status or Check New button–> wait for some to finish the downloading process –> Tap Install button –> Installation should start now –> Handset Reboots Automatically –> Tap the OK button on screen –> Follow the on-screen instructions until the process to get finished –> Done. The Gingerbread piece of cake should be ready now to taste on your handset. After finishing the installation of the update, the software version should be shown as 2.11605.3. Hit the source links for full instructions regarding the Android 2.3 Gingerbread update for HTC Thunderbolt handset.

If you can’t resist to pull the update from the Verizon servers through OTA (over-the-air) process, you can manually upgrade your Thunderbolt handset with the help of a leaked RUU file (courtesy of Android Police). We already reported about a leaked Gingerbread ROM in last week. But, we will advise to get this newly leaked RUU build that leaked over the weekend as is indeed the same build as the OTA. Download the RUU file from the link provided at below and follow the following instructions.

Download Gingerbread 2.11.605.3 RUU Build (hit the link).

Note that this process will clean your phone data completely.

# Download the RUU file from the above link and rename it as “PG05IMG.zip” (without any quotes, of course).
# Move the downloaded file onto the root of your SD card.
# Turn off your Thunderbolt handset and hold onto the root of your SD card to into the bootloader successfully.
# Handset will recognize the RUU file and the flashing process should begin now.
# Follow the on-screen instructions.
# Once everything finishes as planned, choose the option to reboot.

There you have it. Gingerbread love is now ready for your HTC Thunderbolt handset.

Source: Verizon (1), (2)