Sony Ericsson Joins Google's Ice Cream Sandwich Armada

With just two days left until Samung's Galaxy Nexus makes its opening assault on Apple's iPhone, Sony Ericsson has pledged to join the assault, confirming its Xperia series of devices will be upgraded to Google's new Ice Cream Sandwich operating system.

In its blog statement the company confirmed that the new OS version would be added to its Xperia arc and arc S; Xperia PLAY; Xperia neo and neo V -- taking a pause for breath -- Xperia mini and mini pro; Xperia pro; Xperia active; Xperia ray and Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman.

Unfortunately, past the vague announcement Sony Ericsson offered no firm date when the update would happen.

"There have been a few questions here on the blog and in our support forums regarding our upgrade plans beyond Gingerbread. We can today confirm that we plan to upgrade the entire 2011 Xperia portfolio to the next version of Android known as Android 4.0 or Ice Cream Sandwich," read the company's statement.

"We are working on merging our current Xperia experience with the new features in Android 4.0. More detailed information regarding this upgrade, timing and global availability will be communicated in due course here on the blog."

Prior to Sony Ericsson, HTC had also confirmed a number of devices as being set for the upgrade. The Taiwanese phone and tablet maker made the announcement Monday 7 November that the HTC Sensation, HTC Sensation XL, HTC Sensation XE and HTC EVO 3D will all be getting upgraded to Ice Cream Sandwich in early 2012.

"HTC knows how excited our fans are to get their hands on Google's latest version of Android, Ice Cream Sandwich, so we're thrilled today to announce the first wave of HTC phones that will receive upgrades," read HTC's Facebook post. "Ice Cream Sandwich is coming in early 2012 to a variety of devices."

Set for release alongside Samsung's flagship Galaxy Nexus smartphone in just two short days time, Google's new Android Ice Cream Sandwich was announced midway through October. The OS promises to add a slew of new and upgraded features to the Android OS. For a full look at Ice Cream Sandwich's new features check out the IBTimes' opening impressions here.