Sony Ericsson released the Android 2.3.4 update slightly earlier than expected when we saw the Android update hit Nordic handsets. However it took a little while longer for the update to be rolled out globally, which Sony Ericsson have now done.

The update is going out globally but, as always the ability to update is more than just region dependant, if your handset is network branded you will need to wait for the network to release the update to your phone.

The update brings Android up to version 2.3.4 from 2.3.3 which includes Google Talk with video chat for handsets with a front facing camera such as the Xperia Neo. Unfortunately because the Xperia Arc doesn’t feature a front facing camera, it will not get that part of the update. What it will get however, along with the Neo is 3D and 2D Sweep Panorama. You can now take panoramic photos in either 2D or 3D and view them on your TV through HDMI. You will also be able to connect USB peripherals, such as a keyboard, game controller or mouse through the Sony Ericsson LiveDock, turning your Xperia smartphone into a mini mobile PC.

Other new features include:

Updated Facebook inside Xperia
16x video zoom
Swipe to type
WiFi DLNA
Screen capture

To see if the update is available for your phone yet, head on in to the settings menu. From there select “About phone”, you’ll then be giving the option to do a “Software update”.

Sony Ericsson Spain recently reported through their Facebook fan page that the Android 2.1 update would be coming to the Xperia X10 in Week 38. As it’s something that many X10 owners have been wanting to hear, we posted it here shortly after it was published. The post on the Facebook Fan Page is no longer available now though. A look through other posts since then, also doesn’t show anything that could have been posted instead of the original post.

Why the post has been deleted we don’t know. Hopefully this won’t put the release back any more though. Sony Ericsson UK also tweeted about the Android update, which hasn’t been deleted. Hopefully this is just an oversight on Sony Ericsson’s part and not a hint that the release may be delayed.

After a tremendous amount of waiting, X10 owners will finally receive an updated Android OS. When the Android powered handset was released in Europe the phone came with an already outdated Android version, Google Android 1.6, when most other devices had 2.1. Eventually the Xperia X10 was released in America but, still came with the same version of Android. Now users can rejoice as Sony Ericsson prepare to launch Android 2.1 for the X10, X10 Mini and X10 Mini Pro.

The actual release date and week will vary for various regions but, according to Sony Ericsson Spain, the update is due to be released in the week 38. This brings us to the 20th to the 26th September. Sony Ericsson UK have also confirmed that the update is due to be released before the end of September, presumably the same week as Spain. One reader from the Xperia X10 blog commented that Sony Ericsson Brazil had also given a guideline for the Android 2.1 release. Unfortunately this is slightly later and is slated for a week 43/44 release. Now all we need is for Sony Ericsson to reveal information regarding the release of Android 2.2 on their handsets.

Despite the X10 previously being dubbed as not being able to support multi touch due to hardware, a source of Mobiles.co.uk has confirmed that multi touch is indeed capable on the Xperia X10. The multi touch support will come in the form of an update, due to be released some time in the second half of 2010, most likely around September. Their source also goes on to say, that the Android update to 2.1 will also be available around the same time. One of the main complaints of the X10 at the moment, is that the OS is outdated and an update would make it a brilliant phone. However by the time September rolls around, Sony Ericsson could still be playing the Android catch up game, with Android 2.2, aka Froyo, most likely released by then.

via