Android 2.3.4 Rolls Out for Xperia Devices Globally

Sony Ericsson has just announced the availability of the new Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread software update for all Xperia devices launched this year, in all markets around the world.

The roll-out has started several weeks ago with the Xperia smartphones in the Nordic countries, and has just kicked off for the rest of the markets as well.

Apparently, there have been a series of changes included in the new update, which makes it different from the software that was released for the Xperia phones in the Nordic countries. The update will be pushed to users in those countries as well.

The new update will bring along features like:

- Google Talk with Video Chat for smartphones with front-facing cameras
- Updated Facebook inside Xperia functionality for enhanced like, share and discover abilities.
- Xperia smartphones introducing world’s first 3D Sweep Panorama functionality powered by Sony.
- 16x video zoom
- The software upgrade will enable consumers to turn their Xperia smartphone into a mini-mobile PC by connecting USB peripherals (mouse, keyboard or game controller) to Sony - Ericsson LiveDock multimedia station. Connect the smartphone to a TV via HDMI to get a big screen experience.
- Gesture input – text input by swiping the finger from one letter to the next
- WiFi DLNA
- Screen capture – allows the user to share a screen grab from anywhere in the phone.

The new firmware update will be delivered to all unlocked devices, as well as to most of carrier-branded handsets, though there will still be some models which will be left out of the roll-out.

Moreover, Sony Ericsson explains that there are some differences on feature upgrade based on the different phone models that the new software will land on.

For example, the Google Talk video chat will be pushed only on devices that sport a front facing camera. Moreover, Sony Ericsson says that Xperia PLAY will not be receiving 3D panorama sweep, though the update will provide its users with HD video recording capabilities.

The Xperia phones that will receive the update include: Xperia arc, Xperia PLAY, Xperia neo, Xperia mini, Xperia mini pro, Xperia pro, Xperia ray, Xperia active, Xperia neo V, Xperia arc S and the Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman.