Disqus
Earlier this week we saw Samsung announce their plans to update select Android devices in their existing product portfolio to Android Ice Cream Sandwich by the end of Q1 2012, most notably the Samsung Galaxy S II. Now it’s Sony Ericsson’s turn, and we’re sad to report that they’re moving at a much slower pace. If you’re the owner of an Xperia arc S, Xperia neo V, or Xperia ray, then expect to see Android 4.0 showing up on your device by the end of March or in early April. If on the other hand you own an Xperia arc, Xperia PLAY, Xperia neo, Xperia mini or mini pro, Xperia pro, Xperia active, or Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman, then you’re looking at late April to early May. Knowing how well Sony Ericsson has stuck to their promises before, we have almost no confidence that they’ll meet those self imposed deadlines. What makes matters even worse is that the company is about to go through a major reorganization as it switches from being Sony Ericsson to just plain ol’ Sony.
The topic of software updates brings up some strong emotions. Apple iPhone owners and the three of you who have a Windows Phone are probably laughing at people who rock an Android device right now, and you rightfully should. Handset vendors spend far too much time, energy, and money to put a skin on top of Google’s polished work just so they can point to themselves and say that they’re different. There’s a reason why we recommend Nexus devices again and again. Don’t want to buy the 4.65 inch Galaxy Nexus? Fine, get a Galaxy S, which by the way is currently in the process of being updated to Ice Cream Sandwich.
We seriously hope that one day Sense, Timescape, and TouchWiz will die and we’ll all be set free from the tyranny of bad taste and outdated software. That day can’t come soon enough.
About The Author
Stefan Constantinescu
Stefan Constantinescu (@WhatTheBit on Twitter) has loved technology since as far back as he can remember. It started with computers, but in the past few years his passion has turned to mobile devices. As a mobile phone enthusiast who lives and breathes devices that connect to the internet, he knows he is not alone with this radical fascination of all things wireless. He is strongly opinionated and enjoys a good debate so leave comments in his posts and he’ll get back to you! Stefan began blogging as a hobby in the fall of 2006 and joined IntoMobile in the summer of 2007. Later he got a job at Nokia in March 2008, but as of June 2009 he has rejoined the IntoMobile team. He is currently based out of Helsinki, Finland.
