14 DAY TRIAL // Today, Sony announced the availability of Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich for the owners of Xperia S devices, with a host of unique new media applications packed inside.
Xperia S was made official in early 2012 but, although Google released the new Android 4.0 OS in Q4 last year, it was launched with the older Android 2.3 version of the platform.
However, Sony did commit to upgrade it to the newer OS version, the same as it did for its entire lineup of Xperia handsets launched in 2011 (minus the Xperia PLAY).
Starting today, the software update is available for Xperia S users, with all of the new features and enhancements that Google packed it with.
Following the upgrade, Xperia S owners will benefit from a lock screen with improved functionality, as well as from increased personalization options, including resizable widgets.
Moreover, users will be able to better control their data usage in Android 4.0.4, and they will also take advantage of a Recent Apps button, which will offer a clear overview of their applications. Have a look at the first video embedded at the bottom of the article for an overview of the update.
The software update will also arrive on devices with a new manner in which people can experience media such as music, images, videos, movies and films, through the new “WALKMAN”, “Album” and “Movies” applications from Sony.
Here’s what they have to offer:
The “WALKMAN” application blends the best of signature Sony audio technology with social features; to discover the music your friends like and share personal favorites. Facebook integration gives you a visual way to interact with content – accessing album art, artist images and information, directly from Gracenote
The “Album” application brings new intuitive ways to sort and browse high quality photos and videos in blazing speed, as well as providing instant viewing, commenting and sharing of photos on Facebook and other online albums, leveraging the great camera capabilities of Xperia S
The “Movies” application streamlines the playback and viewing of movies in high quality audio and video, whilst using intelligent database search to grab movie posters and information for a richer experience
As soon as the update is available for their devices, users will receive a notification on the matter. They will be able to download and install it over the air (3G and WiFi networks), as well as through Sony’s web-based Xperia Update, via the PC Companion on Windows computers, or through Bridge for Mac.
The update weighs in at around 200MB, and users are advised to download it through a WiFi connection, to avoid any surcharges.
The deployment is expected to continue over the following next weeks, as it will be performed in stages. Users can keep an eye on the available kits on Sony’s support website. A video detailing step-by-step the update process is available embedded below.
