Back in December of 2011, Sony Ericsson has released the Alpha builds of the Android 4.0 ICS OS for a set of Gingerbread powered Xperia handsets. A few hours ago, Sony has announced the availability of a beta release of the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich build for some of its Xperia 2011 models. Owners of unlocked Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S, Neo V, and Xperia Ray handsets, can grab the beta ROM of the Android ICS OS.
Since it’s an alpha ROM, this build isn’t reserved for daily use, as it is limited to just a few functions at the moment and most of the features aren’t functioning properly yet. The beta build is carrying a few upgraded features compared to the previous alpha release. You will get an updated UI, an updated email client, quick dial, lockscreen with direct camera accessibility and music player control. The beta release also enabled handset’s modem for GSM functioning and FM radio is now working. But, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Google apps haven’t been included in the beta build of ICS release.
Download
You can download the Beta ROM of Android 4.0 ICS for the Xperia Arc S, Xperia Neo V and Xperia Ray handsets form the appropriate links provided here at below.
# Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich Beta ROM for Xperia Arc S.
# Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich Beta ROM for Xperia Neo V.
# Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich Beta ROM for Xperia Ray.
Please keep in mind that your Xperia handset should be running the software version 4.0.2.A.0.42 and in order to flash this build, you will also need to have your bootloader unlocked with the official Sony bootloader unlock tool before you proceed to install the beta ROM on your handset.
Over its official blog, Sony has provided a handful of instructions on how to flash these builds. Head over to the source link for further instructions.
Source: Sony Blog