14 DAY TRIAL // Xperia PLAY and Xperia arc, two of the latest Android smartphones launched by Sony Ericsson have just received a new software update that brings improvements and several fixes.
However, only customers who bought their phones from Vodafone will be able to update to Android 2.3.3 for the moment.
According to the carrier, the new maintenance software release is an Android platform update to 2.3.3 and introduces a number of fixes and improvements, including:
- Improved voice quality; - Device stability improvements; - Improvements to email setup and performance with exchange accounts; - Security fixes and improvements.
The update can be done manually by connecting any of the two smartphones to a computer via USB and opening the Sony Ericsson Update Service application.
As soon as the users are prompted that an update is available, they should follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the new maintenance software update.
After the installation process is over, it is recommended to check the software version to make sure that it has been successfully installed.
Users should simply dial *#*#7378423#*#* / Service info / Software info and make sure that the software version shows as 3.0.1.A.0.145.
Furthermore, it appears that Vodafone rolls out the update OTA (over-the-air), as well. Those who wish to update via Wi-Fi can do so by tapping the “Update” button in the Settings menu.
It is recommended to make a backup before installing the Android 2.3.3 update and have at least 50% of the battery charged.
It is unclear whether the update will be deployed to unbranded Xperia arc and Xperia PLAY handsets or it is only meant to correct some of the problems reported on Vodafone variants of the smartphones.
The update was confirmed by Vodafone via its official forum and is being rolled out in waves since June 3.
