Sony
Mobile has released a beta of the Android 4.0.3 ROM for certain Xperia
handsets. These include the Xperia Arc S, Xperia Neo V and Xperia Ray Compared
to the alpha ROM released back in December, the beta enables GSM radio and FM
radio functionalities, which means you can make and receive calls and browse
the web. However, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionalities are still unavailable.
The
new beta ROM includes features such as the new lock screen, which includes the
ability to control the music player and launching the camera. Sony will also
include the face unlock feature found on the Galaxy Nexus in the final version,
but it is currently unavailable. Other new features include the ability to
bring up a list of messages that you can send after you decline a call and a
new dialer app which features the highly useful quick dial mode.
Apart
from this you get the usual Ice Cream Sandwich goodies, such as the new
multi-tasking view and notification screen where you can use the swipe gesture
to remove items from the screen. The beta ROM does not include the usual Google
applications, however, such as Gmail, Google Maps, Android Market, etc. but
they will obviously be added in the final version.
The
ROM is now available for download on Sony's website but before you go ahead and
download it do keep in mind all the limitations of the current ROM mentioned
above. There are also some issues, such as having to unlock the boot loader,
which means you won't be able to download the final version when it comes out a
couple of months later. So make sure you go through all the warnings and
instructions in the source link below before you install it on your phone.
Tag :
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