Sony Tablet S Receives Ice Cream Sandwich Update

Tablet S gets a helping of the latest Android version, but there is none for Tablet P

Sony has begun rolling out an update for version 4.0 of Android, Ice Cream Sandwich, for its Tablet S.

The latest version of Google’s mobile operating system is available through an over-the-air update, but there is no word of when Tablet P will receive the same treatment.

No news on Tablet P

Sony says that users will receive a notification to update when they connect a to Wi-Fi network with the device.

Ice Cream Sandwich brings the ability to access files directly from the SD card, an enhanced gallery media viewer and photo editing tools. The lock screen now offers direct access to notifications and the ability to unlock directly to the camera, which now has a new panoramic mode.

Exclusive multitasking apps, including a calculator, browser and remote control, have been added, while the enhanced web browser lets you switch between mobile and desktop websites as well as the ability to save pages for offline viewing.

Folders can now be created on the home screen by dragging icons together and native screenshots can now be taken by clicking the power and volume buttons.

Sony made no mention of the Sony Tablet P, but told TechWeekEurope that the clamshell tablet would receive the update in the UK, “in due course”.

Sony began dishing up Ice Cream Sandwich for a selection its 2011 range of Xperia smartphones last week. The updates will happen in batches, dependent on operator and country, but there is no word on when it will arrive in the UK. However Sony has warned that Ice Cream Sandwich may not be as stable as 2.3 Gingerbread and that some users may want to stick with that for the time being as it uses less power and memory.

Do you know your Tablet S from your Tablet P? Find out with your quiz!