Sony Xperia X10 Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread Update Available Now

Sony Ericsson has released the Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread Update for its aging Xperia X10 smartphone. Sony Ericsson has taken to its blog to announce that the roll out of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Android 2.3 update has officially begun.

According to Sony Ericsson, current lineup of Sony Xperia devices "all the 2011 Xperia smartphones" will get Gingerbread. As to when, the update will begin rolling out on a global basis sometime in October. Xperia users will receive an update notification and then be able to download the update over-the-air using a 3G or Wi-Fi connection. In addition, there will also be the option to update using the PC companion software.

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Android Update for Locked Handsets

Unlocked handsets are set to get the software notification within the next week, at which point you'll be able to download and install Gingerbread using a PC and the companion software. Unfortunately, some Xperia X10s that are locked to specific networks may not be able to download the new software, although Sony Ericsson hasn't been abundantly clear on which ones are affected.

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread Update Features

To see what Xperia users can expect with this Android Gingerbread update, here are the main features:

1. Google Talk with Video Chat
   The Android 2.3 for Sony Xperia X10 is set to bring Google Talk with Video Chat features through front-facing smartphone cameras.
2. Xperia Facebook Integration Enhancement
   The update will provide enhancements in Xperia Facebook Integration like, share and discover abilities.
3. 3D Sweep Panorama
   Xperia smartphones introducing world’s first 3D sweep panorama functionality powered by Sony.
4. Mini Mobile PC
   The software upgrade will enable consumers to turn their Xperia smartphone into a mini-mobile PC by connecting USB peripherals (mouse, keyboard or game controller) to Sony Ericsson LiveDock multimedia station. Connect the smartphone to a TV via HDMI to get a big screen experience.
5. Swipe Text Input
   This cool feature enables text input by swiping the finger from one letter to the next.
6. Screen Capture
   This funtion will allow the user to capture and share a screen shot from anywhere in the Xperia phone.
7. Other Improvements
   Other than the usual performance and stability improvements brought about by the Android OS upgrade, the Android 2.3 Gingerbread update for the X10 brings with it many improvement to Sony Xperia X10. These includes Wi-Fi hotspot, USB tethering, Music player with equalizer, better battery life.

However, the update will remove certain features like the Mediascape UI. The whole Mediascape UI on the X10 will be downgraded to the level found in the 2011 line-up of Xperia handsets.

Warning: It is recommended to backup your Sony Xperia smartphone data before proceeding with the update. Because the phone will be wiped clean during the update. Please do NOT use use Sony Ericsson Backup and Restore application for the purpose, as it won’t work with Android Gingerbread.