Sony have offered their customers an update on the Android 4.0 update rollout progress for their Xperia handset, through the official Sony mobile blog.

There is no specific timescale mentioned however, the Ice Cram Sandwich (ICS) update is filtering through the Nordic areas for those with an Xperia handset from the 2011 onwards range and Sony indicate that they are working with carriers to get the update rolled out to other regions across the globe as soon as possible basically.

“You can see the released software kits* (customized specific to your operator and handset) on our support community – please continue to check in if your kit is not yet listed, as it will be updated when new kits become available.

In order to upgrade your 2011 Xperia smartphone you will need to connect to a PC or Mac – please visit http://www.sonymobile.com/update and follow the instructions.”

No definitive news on when to expect ICS on our Xperias but, at least Sony aren’t just leaving us to ‘wait and see’ which is positive at least.

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Sony have released a developer’s ROM for the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play which brings the handset up to Android 4.0, aka Ice Cream Sandwich. The update is due shortly for the 2011 Xperia range for all but, if you have an Xperia Play and can’t wait to get Ice Cream Sandwich goodness and are afraid of the risks of updating to the developer’s ROM, read on.

The official word from Sony on the ROM is that you should be “an advanced developer with extensive knowledge in how to install, and switch between different ROMs” as installing the ROM does require you to unlock the bootloader on the phone to install the ROM. To unlock the bootloader you will require an unlocked Xperia Play and it must be running Xperia software 4.0.2.A.0.42.

As well as the risks of installing the firmware, it is noted that there are some downsides to installing the update, which include Gmail, Google Maps and Wi-fi not working correctly. One of Ice Cream Sandwich’s key, if not gimmicky features is also missing, Face Unlock. If that doesn’t phase you though, head on over to the Sony Developer Blog for the ROM and instructions on how to install ICS.

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Sony have released a beta version of Ice Cream Sandwich for select Xperia models from 2011. The select phones are the Xperia Arc S, Xperia Neo V and Xperia Ray. Unfortunately the original Xperia Arc and Xperia Neo are excluded as Sony note that they have different partition layouts to the newer models.

The update does not include Google Mobile Services, such as Google Maps and Gmail, nor does it include working Wifi or Bluetooth. Face Unlock is also not included in this update but, these features will be available in the final version of Ice Cream Sandwich. This version is available for developers and Sony advise that you should be an advanced developer, with knowledge on how to install and switch between ROMs.

If you’re willing to try the update you must have an unlocked bootloader and be running 4.0.2.A.0.42. Sony also advise that this may void the warranty of your phone.

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We’ve previously reported on price drops for the Sony Ericsson Liveview, most recently with Play.com reducing the price down to £15. However for today only, Play have the Sony Ericsson micro bluetooth display on a deal of the day promotion. The online UK retailer have dropped the price to just £12.99 while other retailers still have the Sony Ericsson Liveview for sale for more than £20.

As it comes directly from Play.com, you can expect free delivery on your order and Play are pretty quick to send orders out, so if you weren’t quite tempted enough by Play’s £15 offering on the Play, have they managed to tempt you yet with their even lower price on the bluetooth display, which can be clipped onto your jacket, or worn on your wrist?

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There’s been rumors about Sony Ericsson working on a Windows Phone for a while but, Sony [Ericsson] look set to keep with Android. However a prototype handset has appeared on eBay displaying the Sony Ericsson branding claiming to be a prototype handset codenamed Jolie. The handset runs a beta version of Windows Mobile and updates are most likely to be non existent.

The eBay listing only shows one photo of the handset showing the front of the phone but, according to the listing it features a slide out QWERTY keyboard as well as the regular connection types, such as 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS. The Sony Ericsson Jolie is also listed as featuring an 8 megapixel camera. The listing has 2 days left and is already up at $405 and is described as being in as new condition and great for collectors, as well as being a usable handset.

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We heard the other day that Sony’s buyout of Ericsson from the joint venture had been approved by the European commission. The process was due to be complete in January but, it’s taken slightly longer than anticipated but, Sony Ericsson is now known officially as Sony Mobile Communications.

Existing handsets will continue to bear the Sony Ericsson branding but, future handsets including the Xperia S will only carry Sony’s name on them.

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We’ve not heard all that much about the Sony MT27i, aka Pepper but, we have seen a leaked photo of the phone already. Specifications however have remained rather tight-lipped but, a recent benchmark indicates that the MT27i will use “ARM Mali-400 MP” which is the GPU used in ST-Ericsson’s Novatar chipsets, such as the U5500, U8500 and U9500.

Other information from the benchmarks shows a 480×854 resolution and Android 2.3.7. It will likely include a 1GHz dual core processor, 3.7 inch display and 5 megapixel camera, making it a successor to the Xperia Neo V.

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To join the event and see the stream, head on over to their Facebook page here. The press event starts at 19:00pm in Europe, which is 10:00 PST, 13:00 EST, 18:00 GMT and 23:30 IST.

Back in October Sony bought Ericsson out of the 10 year joint venture for €1.05 billion acquiring Ericsson’s patents and allowing Sony to integrate their phones more with their own products. At CES we saw the Xperia S which dropped the Ericsson branding but, all images of the Xperia Ion and Xperia S came with the disclaimer “Use of Sony brand subject to regulatory approval”.

In Europe the buyout has now been approved and the Sony Ericsson brand will no longer be used. Future mobiles will instead be branded under Sony Mobile Communication.

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The name Sola points to the Xperia Sola possibly being a Solar powered handset but, it’s worth noting that the trademark was placed in mobiles and accessories, meaning there’s every chance it could be an accessory, instead of another handset. Whether a mobile handset or accessory though, all rumors point to the Xperia Sola featuring some sort of solar technology.

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