We had to break some bad news to Motorola users yesterday because handsets like the Atrix 4G, Photon 4G and Electrify were no longer getting an Android 4.0 ICS update. Sony users, on the other hand, can breathe a sigh of relief because we’ve got confirmation that several handsets will now be receiving sweet, sweet Ice Cream Sandwich.
According to Sony, the Xperia U, Xperia Sola and Xperia Go will be part of the Android 4.0 ICS update rollout that started last September 28. Not only will users of these Sony smartphones be getting a newer version of the Android OS, they’ll be also have some “new unique media applications” to go with it.
Here’s some of the new features and functionality that you can expect on your Sony devices when you get the Android 4.0 ICS update:
- New ways to experience your tunes, images, videos and films with Sony’s media applications – “WALKMAN”, “Album” and “Movies”
- Extended standby mode, increasing standby time by up to four times (depending on user-profile and data consumption)
- Lock screen with improved functionality
- Resizable widgets for improved personalization
- Improved control of your mobile data consumption
- Recent Apps button for a clear overview of your applications
The Sony announcement also discussed “Glove Mode” for the Xperia Sola that will expand on the device’s “floating touch” technology:
“I’m also excited to tell you about “Glove Mode” – a sweet feature in the software upgrade for Xperia sola (known as Xperia sole in some markets). It’s an extension of our ‘floating touch’ technology that makes it possible to use your Xperia sola in the cold whilst wearing gloves… just in time for the winter months.”
For more details, check out Sony Mobile’s blog.
Is your Sony smartphone part of the Android 4.0 ICS update? Are you looking forward to the new features? Let us know in the comments below!