14 DAY TRIAL // One of the most expected software updates of this year has just started to be rolled-out to end-users out there, namely the Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread OS upgrade for the Xperia X10 smartphones.
The software update was announced several months ago, and Sony Ericsson confirmed on Monday that it should start landing on devices as soon as this week, which already happened.
The OS flavor that is being pushed to Xperia X10 smartphones at the moment is Android 2.3.3, one of the latest versions Google delivered to users.
“The latest Android platform for smartphones, Android 2.3.3, is now available for your Xperia X10,” users can read on the mobile phone maker's website.
The new OS upgrade will be delivered to unlocked devices in the beginning, while carrier branded phones will taste it at a latter date, the company announced not too long ago.
Some of the main features that the new update will provide Xperia X10 users with would include:
- Facebook inside Xperia – a series of unique integrations of Facebook into your multimedia apps, phonebook and calendar - The possibility to use your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot - Music player with equalizer - USB tethering – share your 3G data connection via the USB connector - Photo widget – one click access to your photo gallery app - App tray sorting – arrange your apps in the order you want them.
Until now, the update has been announced in a series of markets in Europe, but Sony Ericsson was not specific on the countries that would receive it.
Previously, the company used to publish update delivery schedules on its product blog, and they might make a similar move with the Gingerbread update as well.
Before launching the installation process, users should perform a back-up of their devices, as the new software will erase all of the data on them.
Here's what Sony Ericsson states on this:
- User data, such as contacts, messages and more, saved in your phone memory will be overwritten. User data saved on the phone’s memory card is not affected. - DRM content will be overwritten. - The Backup and Restore app will be overwritten and cannot be used to restore data. Check out Android Market for alternative apps to back up and restore your data, such as MyBackup. - The Creatouch, Neoreader and Quadrapop apps will be removed. - Mediascape, homescreen operator customization and app tray operator customization will no longer be supported. - Moxier Exchange will be replaced by Android 2.3 Gingerbread Exchange support.
On its website, Sony Ericsson notes that the software update will be installed only via a desktop PC, through using the Sony Ericsson PC Companion application, which can be download from Softpedia as well, via this link.