Sony tablets to get ICS update, Wi-Fi only Tablet P also on its way

Sony’s recent offerings to the tablet community – the Tablet S and Tablet P are on their way to receiving an OS update to Android version 4.0 aka Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS). Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen anytime soon as the update will roll out, along with the rest of their mobile fleet in the Xperia range of smartphones. However, word on the street is that Sony is already running their tablets on Ice Cream Sandwich in beta testing phase behind the scenes. No specific date has been announced for the update to commence rolling out for the tablets and/or phone, but rumours are indicative of an April-end timeline.

Some features that would come, along with the update would be accessing the camera from the lock screen directly just by tapping on an icon or hitting the camera shutter release button (should the handset be equipped with one). But to make it more interesting this function will also allow you to actually take a picture, while the screen is locked with a review showing up immediately after. This feature is also seen in Sony Xperia S, Sony's NEX and Alpha series digital cameras. With this function it would take no more than a couple of seconds to click a picture right from lock screen as measured on the Sony Xperia S.

Sony Tablet updates

Another added ability with the update will be to play movies on the tablet that have already been recorded on your Sony Blu-Ray recorders with the help of a downloadable app. One more interesting feature being added is called "Small App", which seems to be just like the one seen on TouchWizUI, wherein you will have access to apps like the Calculator, Remote control or Browsers on top of other running apps. This feature will be available only with apps that support this kind of functionality, of course. As shown in Sony's press release, apps like YouTube, Google Maps and Web browser are all compatible.

Sony has also announced the Wi-Fi only version of their compact dual-screen Tablet P, which has been priced at ¥50,000 (about Rs.30,300). For those who would like to customize their existing Tablet P, Sony is offering interchangeable front and back panels in gold, pink, and blue for ¥5,000 (about Rs.3,000), starting April 21st. As of now this model and accessories are heading only to Japan and China markets with no word yet on other venues.

Stay tuned to this space for the latest news on Sony’s OS updates.