We are finally seeing more Android handsets being upgraded to the latest operating system, and the HTC Vivid is next smartphone to get some Android ICS treatment from AT&T.

The carrier has revealed the availability of the Android 4.0 upgrade, which according to Computerworld is available via Wi-Fi or a PC connected to the handset. The new software will provide owners Face Unlock that allows users to unlock the screen via facial recognition, and the updated HTC Sense overlay that has been optimized with audio from Beats by Dr. Drew Audio.

AT&T stated that a full list of the new features found in Android 4.0 can be viewed on a Google website, and the update makes the HTC Vivid the first smartphone in the US to receive the new Android OS as an update issued by a carrier according to AT&T.

Many users have been waiting for the update for their Android smartphones with many running Android Gingerbread 2.3, with some wanting Google to get its act together regarding the fragmentation of the platform.

This has led Google to form the Android Upgrade Alliance to get updates pushed out to devices quicker, and according to Google’s Hiroshi Lockheimer the alliance is beginning to work. He stated “We’re making the upgrade process better and are passionate about it”.

AT&T has revealed a number of handsets due to get Android Ice Cream Sandwich in the coming months that include the Motorola Atrix 2, Motorola Atrix 4G, LG Nitro, Pantech Burst, Pantech Element, Samsung Galaxy Note, Samsung Capitive Glide, Samsung Galaxy S II, Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket, and Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9.

Samsung has already begun updating the Galaxy S2 to ICS, but that is for handsets outside the US, and AT&T has said no Galaxy S II devices have got the update yet on its network. The Vivid features a 1.2 GHz dual core processor powering a 4.5-inch display with 960 x 540 resolution. AT&T has been selling the Vivid for $99.99 with a new two year contract.

Do you have the HTC Vivid?