Sony has announced that the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) update to the Sony Xperia S has begun rolling out to owners of the device.

In an announcement on its blog, the Japanese consumer electronics company has started their software rollout for the Sony Xperia S including ICS and a host of new and unique media applications.

Sony says that with ICS (version 4.0.4 for those who want to be specific) will bring “cool features” to the Sony Xperia S. These features include:

• Lock screen with improved functionality
• Resizable widgets (improved personalization)
• Improved control of your mobile data consumption
• Recent Apps button for clear overview of your applications

Nonetheless, this is a gradual rollout so not all Sony Xperia S users will get the ICS update all at the same time.

“All Xperia S users will get a notification when the upgrade is ready, but direct availability in the phone may vary across different carriers,” Sony said. “The rollout will continue over the next few weeks and as usual, we will continue to keep you up-to-date with our progress, handling as much of your feedback along the way as possible.”

Meanwhile, Sony has made the update available via three methods. One is when the phone actually receives a notification on its home screen. By pulling down on the notification bar and following the steps, your Sony Xperia S phone should be updated. Sony warns though that those on limited data plans should update via Wi-Fi.

For those who want to update via their PC or their Mac, Sony has launched Xperia Update, a website which is dedicated to finding the latest software for your phone and installing them via web browser. The address is at sonymobile.com/software.

Updating the Sony Xperia S can also be done using Sony’s PC and Mac applications for their devices.

Meanwhile, Sony also announced the Walkman app for the Sony Xperia S. It said:

“We’re excited to introduce a completely new way to experience your media – your music, images, videos, movies and films – with our new “WALKMAN”, “Album” and “Movies” applications:

• 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

Owners of Sony Xperia S smartphones are encouraged to view these videos:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i189IkIvJc0

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGeFAID6dtM

About Solon Harmony Dolor

A passion for technology and journalism makes this upcoming writer very interested in social media and technology news. Fresh from finishing an English and Journalism degree from the University of the Philippines Diliman, he aims to bring interesting news to our readers .