We received some updates today on one of our favorite phones of the year so far, the Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3. Not only is it an impressive phone, but it’s $250 unlocked without a contract. If you haven’t checked out our review yet, read it here. Although Alcatel’s website has stated for weeks that the release date of the Idol 3 would be this Thursday, May 21st, we just got official confirmation that the Idol 3 pre-orders will begin shipping on that same date. Additionally, the Idol 3 will officially launch in the U.S. on Alcatel OneTouch’s website and Amazon on Thursday as well.

One item of business that our review failed to mention was updates. Steve Cistulli, the Senior Vice President and General Manager of North America for Alcatel OneTouch, provided this official statement today: “We’re committed to ensuring that we always have the very best user experience possible and plan to have Idol 3 software updates available to consumers via over-the-air updates. Timing on these updates will be on a rolling basis as needed.”  It’s good to hear that Alcatel OneTouch is committed to bringing updates to the Idol 3. The phone is already running Android Lollipop 5.0.2, and hopefully the company will continue to be awesome with timely updates in the future.

Last, we found out today Alcatel OneTouch is giving us an Idol 3 to give to YOU. Yes, one lucky Android and Me reader will get a free Idol 3 courtesy of Alcatel OneTouch. Details about the giveaway are still be ironed out, but keep your eyes peeled in the coming days for the official giveaway post.

Who’s excited for the launch of this awesome budget unlocked phone? Who’s excited for a giveaway? Who else loves free stuff? Who’s already pre-ordered the Idol 3? If you haven’t, what are you waiting for? Let us know your thoughts by commenting below!