Sony launches Ice Cream Sandwich beta for Xperia Play

Tentatively, Sony has announced the launch of an Ice Cream Sandwich beta for the Xperia Play via its official developer world blog.

Its release comes after a beta ROM for Android 4.0 was made available for other Xperia smartphones, with Sony claiming it was moved to extend the test after receiving "a lot of requests from Xperia Play users".

Got game?

Its previous reluctance to do so appears to stem from concerns that games made specifically for the device may have trouble running on the updated platform, with Sony calling on those who take part in the beta to offer full and frank feedback.

"When it comes to Xperia Play, we do know that some games will need to be optimised to work fine with ICS," details Sony in the blog entry.

"Of course, big parts of the work with games are already initiated, and we work close with several game partners on this. However, we would still like to get additional input from you, to get your opinion on how the content and games work on your Xperia Play."

Sony claims it's interested in how the "gaming experience" works with Android 4.0, asking users to report what games work well and what deliver unexpected behaviour.

The firm advises that only advanced developers download and install the beta, owing to potential stability problems.

More details can be found on the Sony blog.