After rolling out 2.3.4 Gingerbread update last month, Sony Ericsson have now announced they will be releasing Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) updates for their 2011 Xperia portfolio.
“We are working on merging our current Xperia experience with the new features in Android 4.0. More detailed information regarding this upgrade; timing and global availability will be communicated in due course, says Sony Ericsson in a blog post.
Sony Ericsson has provided no time frame as in when and where the updates will be released first. But they’ve mentioned the number of devices that will be getting the newest the ICS Android version – confirmed devices include Xperia Arc, Arc S, Play, Neo, Neo V, Mini, Mini Pro, Active and Ray and most excitingly for Live with Walkman.
This is indeed a surprising move by the smartphone manufacturer, especially after the slow start for Xperia lineup, most of which were stuck on Android 2.1, and some Android 2.2, for quite some time. Smartphone users were deprived of such typical Android smartphone features as “multitouch” until the Xperia Arc was launched.
The current announcement does seem to be a bold move. With ICS features and Sony Ericsson hardware, it will certainly be an eye candy for many, which might further change the face of the brand, which is undergoing its own changes, from Sony’s buyout of the joint venture with Ericsson.