Sony today confirmed what had been merely rumor just some days ago, the Xperia Play will not get an Ice Cream Sandwich update.  Speaking from the company’s blog, we learn that the Android 4.0 update has been given an 11th-hour shelving based on feedback and in-house testing.  Because Sony is unable to deliver the kind of quality experience they were hoping for, the Android smartphone will stay with 2.3 Gingerbread.  Officially, that is.  Of course, if you really want to get your hands on the 4.0 stuff, it’s just a matter of Google searches before you’re done.

In regards to Xperia PLAY, after extensive in house testing with our developer teams and working with our partners, we have concluded that a consistent and stable experience, particularly with gaming, cannot be guaranteed for this smartphone on Ice Cream Sandwich – therefore, we will not make the Android 4.0 upgrade available for Xperia PLAY.  This decision was also verified when we received similar feedback from the developer community…

On a more positive note for Sony, things seem to moving quite well in regards to other Android 4.0 updates. The Xperia arc, neo, mini, mini pro, pro, active and Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman should see updates next week. The Xperia S is slated for end of June with the Xperia P and Xperia U close behind.

Sony