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With most manufacturers now rolling out the Android 2.3.4 update, those on the latest Xperia devices were left in dark, wondering if their device would ever get the Android 2.3.4 update, which was said to be released around October. You can also see this pretty much echoed here.
Maybe then, it is about time someone at Sony Ericsson woke up, and realised that an official announcement hadnt been made about it. Thankfully then, they have done exactly that, and released some new features of the newer 2.3.4. The main features:
- This brings video chat via Google Talk. Not a major feature if you already have Skype or some other video calling service in use already, except it will allow you to have video conversations though your google contacts (who probably use Skype already). Still, choice is not exactly a bad thing though.
- Another advantage is Swipe input. Now we assume that is Sony Ericsson's own version of Swype. How good it is remains to be seen. However, I fear Swype enthusiasts will of already dumped the original Sony Ericsson keyboard for another keyboard that has Swype as part of the app.
- The update also has the ability to take a sceen capture (or a screenshot) of your phone without root or a dedicated app, which seems to be more handy for developers rather than your everyday user.
- Facebook for Xperia moved to version 2.0. New features include the ability to share apps that are already installed on your phone.
- A 3D sweep panorama app, that takes 3D panorama photos, and then you can project them onto your 3D HDMI TV from your phone (suitable phone required)
- Also, not forgetting the ability to control the phone with the recently released Live Dock.
Sony Ericsson have also uploaded this short video of the said updates:
So far we have no date set in stone from Sony Ericsson regarding when the update is due to be released, but we do have a month: October. Cunningly though, they havent said which phones will get the update either. The update will be over 3G/WIFI, and of course via PC Companion and the SEUS application.
So, what do I make of the updates? Well, there is already apps out on the Android Market that do some of the jobs that the new updates do already (including for my X10 Mini Pro), so I'm not really all that excited, so its hard for me to see why anyone with a new Xperia device will be more excited. However, saying that, most updates are good, so if this also adds features as standard (and work rather well), then there is no real reason why I wouldnt want the new update if (and when) the Xperia Pro is released. Speaking of which: October; does this ring any bells for anyone, or do I forecast another November release like they did for the Eclair update for the Xperia X10? As ever though, I would absolutely love to be incorrect, and Sony Ericsson decide to release it at the end of this month.
