2011 models won't receive the latest version of Android.
Sony has announced that the latest version of Google's mobile operating system will arrive on 2012 models of Xperia smartphones. Jelly Bean will be available for several Xperia handsets sometime during "mid-Q1 2013," which represents a February release.
The Xperia T, Xperia TX, and Xperia V will be upgraded to Android 4.1, as will various other 2012-model Xperia phones such as the global versions of Xperia S, Xperia acro S, Xperia ion, Xperia P, Xperia go, and Xperia J. None of the Xperia phones released during 2011 will receive the update.
Sony failed to provide a specific release date in terms of when the devices will be updated, but promised to unveil more information "in due course."
"We were glad to provide the Android 4.0.4 upgrade for our 2011 Xperia portfolio across most markets and the majority of models but, after thorough evaluation, we have concluded they will not be upgraded beyond Ice Cream Sandwich," Sony said. "Beyond Ice Cream Sandwich we would not able to guarantee owners of these smartphones the user experience you expect and we demand."
Elsewhere, Samsung will commence its roll-out of Android 4.1 to US Galaxy S3 handsets during the coming months.
"Unnamed sources are reporting that Apple may announce at today's event that they are not going to release a Jell Bean update on any of their current products."
Why can't Samsung users install Touchwiz only if they want to? Every Android phone should be bare bones out of the box like the Nexus phones.