Motorola Droid RAZR Jelly Bean Update removes MotoBlur, Brings Stock Google Apps

Reports have surfaced that Motorola has started a soak test for an Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean update for the Motorola DROID RAZR & DROID RAZR MAXX. Motorola indicates that the software upgrade (version.98.72.16.XT912.Verizon.en.US) includes numerous enhancements and improvements. However, when you actually look at the list of enhancements, fixes, and changes you will notice that this update is no ordinary update. Could this be the “New Motorola” we have been dreaming of? I think it might be.

Motorola is brave for releasing this update. It essentially removes a large portion of the Motoblur experience in exchange for the Google experience. Since it is Android 4.1.2, Jelly Bean RAZR & RAZR MAXX users will get to enjoy a new user interface, Google Now, and improved features live the camera, keyboard, gallery, and much more. These are expected enhancements when you go from ICS to Jelly Bean; however, what you do not expect is what Motorola took away. Motorola has removed social location, MOTOACTV, MOTOPRINT, Verizon video on Demand, My MOTOCAST, My Gallery, My Music, and many other applications all of which have been replaced by a stock Google application or has been decommissioned. This is very exciting news for DROID RAZR users, as you will be getting a slightly truer Android experience that should lead to better performance.

There are also fixes to the software to improve your RAZR experience. Motorola indicates that it has fixed 3G/4G connectivity issues, Google Maps, audio settings, contacts, and much more. The changelog is available in its entirety on Motorola's Software Update page.

There is no ETA for the update, but let's hope it is much sooner than later. Motorola indicates that the update will arrive via an OTA update. Motorola’s instructions on installing the new update can be located below. This update clearly shows Google’s Motorola commitment to getting away from skins and gives the users a true Android experience. If this is any indication of Motorola’s future, I am intrigued.


Instructions for installing the software

NOTE: You cannot downgrade back to Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) software after this upgrade. For a successful installation, we recommend installing this update when the battery in your phone is at least 50% charged and you are connected to a Wi-Fi network.

If you have received a notification message for this update:
Select "Download.”
After the software is downloaded, select "Install now.”
After the software is installed, your phone will re-start automatically.
Your phone is now updated with version: 98.72.16.XT912.Verizon.en.US
If you have not received a notification message for this update, follow the steps below to manually update your phone:
Select the Settings icon in the apps menu.
Select "About phone.”
Select "System updates.”
Select "Download.” After the software is downloaded, select "Install.”
After the software is installed, your phone will re-start automatically.
Your phone is now updated to version: 98.72.16.XT912.Verizon.en.US

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