Sony says Android 4.1 Jelly Bean plans for 2011 handsets were an “error”

Last week Sony Mobile seemed to confirm on a Facebook Q&A chat that its 2011 Xperia handsets would not be upgraded to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Despite some fairly specific guidance on the matter, the Sony Mobile Product Blog is now back-tracking, saying that this information was given “in error” by “a local spokeserson”.

Sony hasn’t gone as far as confirming Jelly Bean for 2011 Sony Xperia handsets but it does say that they are “actively investigating Android OS upgrades for all devices”. Note the ‘all’ in that sentence. Given the clarification we would imagine that the Jelly Bean update may be planned for at least a few handsets, otherwise why would Sony build up hopes just to dash them again? 

Interestingly, the post also talking about bringing further news on the ICS rollout for the Xperia P and other 2012 Xperia smartphones “over the next couple of weeks”. As the Xperia P has been explicitly mentioned here, this most likely points to an ICS release for the handset in the middle of August.

Here is the statement in full:

“During a Q&A session last week on our Sony Mobile GB Facebook page, a local spokesperson gave information out in error on our Android 4.1 Jelly Bean software development and rollout for 2011 Xperia smartphones.

We are actively investigating Android OS upgrades for all devices, but in the meantime, our Ice Cream Sandwich rollout for Xperia S and 2011 Xperia smartphones continues as planned.

As always, feel free to drop a question below and keep your eyes fixed on the blog, as we’ll be bringing you more on our Ice Cream Sandwich rollout for Xperia P and other 2012 Xperia smartphones over the next couple of weeks.”

Via Sony Mobile Product Blog.