Sony Ericsson is expected to release Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich for its Xperia range of devices early next year, possibly January, and they have now made an Android Ice Cream Sandwich alpha ROM for Xperia devices available for developers.
The video below shows Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich running on an Xperia smartphone, and it is available for the Xperia Arc S, Xperia Neo V, and Xperia Ray.
Alpha ROM for Developers
To show our continuous support to the open developer community, and get your valuable feedback, we are today making an alpha ROM of Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0.1) for Xperia™ arc S, Xperia™ neo V and Xperia™ ray available for download. This is something we have not done before, and we are obviously very excited about it.
This ROM is strictly targeting advanced developers, and it will not work for ordinary everyday usage, as it only has a limited set of features working (you can for example not make any phone calls). Several more legal and usage conditions apply – please see the Important information section below for more details.
The alpha ROM is a significant step for Sony Ericsson as it demonstrates their commitment to the developer community. By releasing this early version, they are inviting developers to test and provide feedback, which will be crucial in refining the final release. This approach not only helps in identifying bugs and issues early but also fosters a collaborative environment where developers can contribute to the improvement of the software.
Features and Limitations
The alpha ROM includes several features of the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, such as the new user interface, improved multitasking, and enhanced notifications. However, it is important to note that this version is not intended for everyday use. Key functionalities like making phone calls, sending messages, and using certain apps may not work. This is because the alpha ROM is primarily a testing ground for developers to experiment with the new OS and provide feedback.
For instance, developers can explore the new UI elements and see how their apps perform on the latest Android version. They can also test the compatibility of their apps with the new features and make necessary adjustments. This early access allows developers to be better prepared for the official release, ensuring that their apps are optimized for the new OS.
You can find out more information over at the Sony Ericsson Developer World.
For more information on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich have a look at our Samsung Galaxy Nexus Review.
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