Those of you who own an Xperia X10 phone will be bashing your heads against a wall in frustration -- we recommend tying a pillow to your forehead -- as Sony Ericsson has announced it's delaying the Android 2.1 Eclair update yet again. It'll arrive in late October at the very earliest.
In a blog post, Sony Ericsson told furious Xperia X10, X10 Mini and X10 Mini Pro owners that it had to postpone the start of the Android roll-out from the end of September, as it previously promised. The new plan is to start the Android 2.1 roll-out from the end of October.
But don't expect the update even then -- there'll be a phased roll-out that means different configurations of the phone get Eclair at different times.
In addition, anyone locked to a mobile network contract will have to wait even longer, as the update will need to be checked by the operators before pushed over the air to your handsets. So based on networks' previous tardiness with updates, it could be next year before you get 2.1, which even budget £99 phones are starting to come out with right now.
"We are of course not happy about the change of launch timing," said Sony Ericsson's Rikard Skogberg, "but we have had to spend some additional time on the software to really makes sure we roll out with the right quality and user experience."
As you might imagine, Xperia owners weren't particularly happy with Sony Ericsson for the delay of the upgrade. Many demanded that instead of 2.1, it should jump to Android 2.2. Eclair is already about a year old, with top phones such as the HTC Desire and Samsung Galaxy S already on or about to get 2.2.
The most important issue for many Xperia X10 owners is the broken promise. Some were annoyed by the slowness of the update, but were content to wait until this month. Now it's been even longer delayed, it wouldn't be a surprise if many angry Xperia owners moved to new phones from the likes of HTC and Nokia. We've had a bunch of long-suffering X10ers vent their feelings about the lack of Android upgrade, so is this the last straw? Comments welcome.
Android App 
RSS Feeds 
iPhone App 
Newsletters 
Comments 56
Add your comment
Anonymous 23 September, 2010 17:24
Maybe if phone manufacturers put as much effort into supporting software on platforms already in circulation as they do into the latest "uberhardware" we may also be happier.
However there is a moral in the tale - the recent 1.6 to 2.1 update of the UK O2 Dell Streak caused howls of pain from owners who found features being removed not improved. So if Delay = Bug free and better quality management then so be it. At least I can stop slobbering over the forthcoming up date for a bit longer.
Anonymous 23 September, 2010 17:26
Yes it is the last straw. I'm moving to a HTC.
Anonymous 23 September, 2010 17:46
I was so proud with my x10, but now I'm moving to htc google nexus one
cos when I read the news today the update come in on october I was so pised of, anyway it was good phone but not any more hate it and HTC love it they make anything for its users.
Anonymous 23 September, 2010 18:37
Why dont phone operators just leave phones alone. O2 stick useless O2 ads on their phones and the odd bit of useless advertising bumph as an embedded web page. I dont need reminding who my operator is, i pay the bill. Leave phones alone and then we'll all get updates much easier and quicker from the manufs.
Anonymous 23 September, 2010 18:39
So this update is going to be sh#t hot? it best be or i am going to sell my x10. im not paying £400 for a stupid phone that has extreeme lack of support and useability !!! Grrrr
Anonymous 23 September, 2010 18:51
I cannot believe SE can be so utterly useless and treat their customers with contempt - if you look like you are not going to meet your target release date - one that is already months behind your competitors - then work harder and hire smarter people. I like my X10 mini pro but am not relishing the next 23 months of my contract if this is the level of support SE are going to deliver.
trick202 23 September, 2010 18:52
Saw guy in CPW buying one of these recently. It was all I could do to stop myself going and warning him what he was about to do.
anonymous 23 September, 2010 19:01
nope, this update won't be "sh*t hot". this is SE's reliance on Bloatware they consider more important than the opensource software itself. Given that they are point-blank refusing root access (something other companies like LG have given freely, due to the open source nature of the software), what makes you think that they'll put any extra effort in this time? Sony Ericsson are haemorrhaging customers right now; but what's aggrivated me more is this: I work for a UK phone-Network provider. we had a visit from a SE rep, informing us that the definite release that for the 2.1 update was september (end of Q3). this was then relayed to my customers at POS. Basically, me and the company have been made to look like liars, and our store is now currently losing trade; due to people no longer wanting the SE handset they had been sold (admittedly, now, under false pretences). people are willing to Churn (cancel contract - take out new one, get new phone) just to get rid of their SE phone. I (personally) have lost commission for this, the company is losing money, and SE are pushing back now-outdated releases that wont even be fully up to spec (such as no 16m colour display etc). Too little, Too late, and not even a hint of apology. Hence, our store (and a few others) are no longer recommending SE phones to anyone, regardless of how much commission we would have made.
Anonymous 23 September, 2010 20:06
A few years ago i bought a sony sat nav,the support and updates for this were nil, i vowed not to but another sony product again. however forgetting my vow I ended up with an X10 thinking although it had the sony name on it I would try again. how wrong I was........ if it has the name sony on it, in any guise, then avoid it like the plague.
Anonymous 23 September, 2010 22:37
This is a sad issue, promise and fail....i am moving on anyway,get my self a new phone ..
Anonymous 24 September, 2010 06:16
I agree with most of the negative sentiment on this issue. I can't imagine how screwed up their management is if just last month or so ago there was a tweet from SE informing it's customers about the end-of-september roll-out of 2.1, only to announce the delay NOW!? Ridiculous.
If nothing else at least the X10 gave me a taste of the Android platform which I really like. If SE chooses to anchor their flagship phone with outdated software with the only promise being an update of their flagship phone with a slightly less older version of Android, moving on seems ot be in my best interest.
Let's face it, any reviews of the SE X10 is at least 6 months old, aren't that favorable and recently it doesn't even come up on the latest "best Android platform" type articles. So basically, it's yesterday's news...I mean who in their right mind would buy this phone now when the competition is offering up-to-date equipment, better specs and in most cases cheaper pricing.
And as much as I have loved Sony products in the past, I'll never buy another one of their products again outside of the Play Station product line. You blew it Sony...again.
Anonymous 24 September, 2010 11:10
screw sony, ive already got my new htc and the xperia is going where it belongs, on the scrap heap.
Anonymous 24 September, 2010 11:37
Screw all f the sony guys.the dissappointment doesn end there.heard it cant support multitouch at all as its a hardware issue..i was so bloody happy wit ma nokia but seeing android n sony ericsson fuse i couldn resist.but now i m switchin back to ma nokia who atleast gives its pones the best available softwares n features.BAD CAMERA,NO MULTITOUCH,SLOW INTERFACE,ZILLION FORCE CLOSE ISSUES.USELESS APPLICATIONS ON MARKET,HIGH BATTERY DRAINAGE,LOW HEARIN WHEN ON A CALL.SHITTY EARPONES.,..these issues r too much fr em to rectify ..BIG DISSAPPOINTMENT
Anonymous 24 September, 2010 16:33
I actually do like my x10. Timescape and mediascape work well but are sluggish even after the last update. But what is annoying is this delay SE will now be releasing 2.1 at about the same time as gingerbread goes live. Once again x10 users will be 2 generations behind in operating system and SE can not claim that it is the overall experience that counts. There will be many features x10 users will not have access to being stuck with andriod 2.1. SE should not be surprised if customers leave.
Anonymous 24 September, 2010 20:05
You caught me good with this phone! I even feel stupid now. You probably want me to buy the X12 if I want the latest update? SE will not see me again at my next upgrade. You most probably would still be in bussines, but other manufacturers who has a better update history will be a little more in bussines than you ;-)
Anonymous 24 September, 2010 20:43
I've been a SE user since way back in the time when Sony produces handsets separately from Ericsson. I've put up with a lot of crappy handsets, most recently the X1 and Satio. The X10 was a ray of light that seemed to reinvigorate my faith in SE. However, this delay on Android 2.1 release is the last straw. There's no reason why this phone shouldn't have been released with 2.1... yeah, HTC Desire HD here I come. SE... take a good look at yourselves and hang that head in shame!
Anonymous 25 September, 2010 02:42
To me it seems that sony really are lacking, don't get me wrong its the first smart phone I've ever had and I do like it, but when I see such worst phones about to have there update to 2.2 it really makes me think wether there just going " erm.... nah its ok, we got a few days" and then that release date comes and there no where near ready. I would have thought they could have done the legal stuff while working on the update or at least done it earlier. All in all moral of this story is sony don't care at the moment unless its to do with the ps3 or licenceing blu ray (hence why I have a xbox 360 and still have my hd dvd player.)
Anonymous 25 September, 2010 03:06
SE gonna need another james bond movie to save their business. They could have informed us a month ago, not on the week when people expect an upgrade. Did they just fire their programmer or something? Imagine it's new years eve and you start to countdown and they told you it was the 1st of april?
Oi Sony, at least tell us what we're waiting for or I might just go get an Iphone.
The Timescape/mediascape blue loving UI designer deserves to be stabbed with a toothbrush.
Anonymous 25 September, 2010 03:37
I'll be selling (or binning) my X10.
SE won't see my business ever again.....ever
HTC's best marketing department is SE.
Can't believe such a big company has such a terrible roadmap for their flagship phone.
Living under a rock I suspect.
I'm the fool that got sucked in - but never again. Even if SE are the last mobile phone company on earth (or the universe) - I will NEVER buy their phone again (or any other sub brand or related brand either).
Anonymous 25 September, 2010 08:18
I really love my x10, but SE just keeps disappointing me with vague promises! This s my last SE phone.
Sony, you cannot blame no one but yourself.
Anonymous 25 September, 2010 18:13
You lot are hilarious and pathetic..
you have to wait an extra month for an update, and threaten to sell or bin your phone as its so outdated. It still works does it not? Bitching about it on here will get you nowhere, so just shut up and lump it.
Anonymous 25 September, 2010 23:01
Always had sony but dis last time im buying sony phone moving to htc
Anonymous 26 September, 2010 07:43
learn to b patient ppl wid dis attitude ull get nowhere lose mre money than wait a while
Anonymous 26 September, 2010 08:28
I love my x10, what is the big deal with having the latest 2.1, 2.2 etc?
I don't get it, is it a nerd thing?
What benefits do 2.2, 2.1 add, it's a bloody phone that works.
Mine works well for me, e mail, web, app's, all faultless.
My only gripe is crap battery life, very low earpiece volume, annoying swipe to unlock after every call, these issues are the only reason I'm looking forward to the update (and hoping they will be fixed in the update).
Just my thoughts.
Anonymous 26 September, 2010 12:24
Regardless of the os version on the xperia it is sony ericssons first android phone, the features it was announcing before its release really got everyone going even myself. The camera is the best on any smart phone, the look of the phone is amazing and the custom ui does look a hell of a lot better than the stock android. Yes the delays are bad and yes we are all feeling a bit duped but the phone had us all excited from the start. Personally ive never had a phone like this before so its still amazing to me. Why does everyone set the benchmark for the os version. Yeah you could jump ship to htc but youve lost out on camera quality instantly just for what "live wallpapers" which will drain your battery quicker than the xperias anyway. People are too hung up on wanting there phones to do everything from the word go but it doesnt happen like that. Sony ericcson in my view have done good with phone its there first stab at android and the sales of this phone are actually very good the motorola droids and lg androids dont come close to the sales of this phone. Anyway lets try and get that feeling back that we had at the start when this phone really was turning heads.
Seán
Anonymous 27 September, 2010 12:43
Well, I love SE. I am a big fan of Sony. But this delay has disappointed. 1.6 is jut too old now. Hope Sony makes it as per its reputation
Anonymous 28 September, 2010 11:40
Got the phone a while ago, and unfortunately, like most of you already know, this phone is a dud.
SE, open your eyes, and read. You might learn a thing or two.
Here's what you did wrong:
Hardware
--------
No Multi Touch Support.
Phone feels bulky
Speaker is not nearly loud enough.
External Speaker also not loud enough.
USB Flap
Bad Quality Camera
Hot Swappable Memory Card
Screen not OLED
Screen not 16M
Screen sensitivity lacking
Battery Power Management
Software
--------
Android 1.6 >_< *Frowns
Trying to "lock" Android
Trying to make Timescape and Mediascape a user friendly service, and failing miserably.
Not including software in the box or on the phone, or proper instructions.
No Tethering out of box support
Anonymous 28 September, 2010 11:40
And here is what we suggest you do to fix your bastard deformed child before you lose more than your bargained for.
The size of the screen is good. Just get a high resolution 16M OLED screen with proper touch sensitivity and multi gesture support. We want this.
Next, on the shape and design. Put in a Trackball with up, down, left and right for god's sake. We use these in apps like NES. Make the phone a downward slider, hiding 4 buttons at the top (prev.play/pause/stop/next) behind the screen.
Nokia did this with the N85, and it was brilliant. (Also will be used in conjunction with NES / Zoom in/out etc.
THE PEOPLE WANT THIS.
In conjunction with the slide, integrate the camera to peek out when you slide the screen down. This protects the camera, because otherwise the lens picks up scratches, either in our pockets or on our tables. Scratches happen. Rather have it happen to the back of the casing, than the 8MP Camera lenz. Keep the flash LED exposed though, as we like using it as a torch. Just make sure it packs plenty of lumens.
ONCE MORE, THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN.
Exposed USB ports are okay. You don't have to cover it. Fluff gets in we know, but it's wide enough to clean with a paperclip or a pin. We understand that, and we do that. 3.5mm Jack is in the right place. No worries there. Power button needs to be accompanied with a few software profiles. WE LIKE PROFILES. Either Silent, vibrate, loud, outside etc. Put it in. We enjoy configing different profiles with different features.
The 3 buttons at the bottom of the xperia x10. Split into a left, center (middle of up,down,left,right) and right. Onscreen menu to differentiate between options. (Application controlled) Long press is nice. We like this. What we did not like is having to close a app with a 3rd party program. Integrate into your software a button that when pressed for more than a second, would close the app.
Anonymous 28 September, 2010 11:41
A loud external speaker would be nice.
Fix the speed and tracking of the camera. Even with the autofocus, the photos look bad. 5MP is a compromise, but if they look good enough, nowone will complain about it over a 8MP camera. No joggy pictures or flaring when light quality canges. Rather gradual brightness adaption. Also shutter speed on camera is slow. Also, make the camera flash "FLASH", instead of always on, or manually having to make it turn on.
A optional extra which I quite miss, is a FM Transmitter. So that you can play your .mp3 over a short wave transmitter, and tune your car into the signal from your phone.
The battery life of the device is also a major letdown. We need atleast 3 to 4 days of moderate use, which may entail re-evaluating the power consumption of what goes into the phone. Given the large nature of the screen, moving to OLED will save up to 30% more power. So what if it's difficult to read in the sunlight. Cup a hand over the screen and voilla. Constant charging isn't going to fly. Hence design the software and hardware to keep this in mind.
All and all. FIX what you did with the Xperia X10. Recall is necessary, replacing it with an entirely new phone, but to leave this bad omen to die will inevitably steer your future customers away from any possible revelation in your company future.
Perhaps expensive in the short term, but well worth it in the long term.
Also, fire some people. THE PEOPLE DEMAND BLOOD.
Now all of this sounds good and well, but why not hire me to fix the problem for you guys, and make everyone happy.
Sincerely.
Alyx
Anonymous 28 September, 2010 13:38
when i bought my own x10 they told me its not gonna take long time to use my own x10 with android 2.1 and its seems like sony doesnt care as much as what we expect. i am gonna get a new htc. as an user i couldnt say x10 is bad phone but the way they fooling us is really bothering me
Anonymous 30 September, 2010 05:30
The delay in launching updates indicates to me that Sony Ericcsons is going out of smart phone business. I own X10 mini pro. I would make sure my new phone is not Sony Ericcsons for this delay. They just don't invest enough on developers. It's so upset that I've been trying to promote the phone to my friends. I'm taking my words back.
Anonymous 2 October, 2010 08:09
I am very angry with their lack of commitment to their customers!!! I only hope that they dont screw up as usual SE way!!!
Anonymous 5 October, 2010 17:08
i love my x10... all of you haters can mother******' die! (Makaveli)
anonymous 7 October, 2010 22:37
i really wanna update my sony ericsson. but im sure it should have pinch and zoom.
Anonymous 7 October, 2010 23:34
I've had this phone for almost a month now and am really, really happy with it. I'd rather Sony Ericsson get the software right than rush it and leave consumers with phones that don't work.
Patience is a virtue.
Anonymous 8 October, 2010 23:11
I agree with everyone. I'm pissed right now, they should save everyone the pain and go straight to Android 2.2 in an effort to keep up. seriously looking at HTC now.
Anonymous 10 October, 2010 19:07
First and last time I have Sony Ericsson. So annoyed
about the delay, and the fact it'll only be 2.1 not 2.2.
SONY ERICSSON YOU SUCK.
Anonymous 11 October, 2010 11:26
Is it just me or as anyone else not had any problems with the SE X10 !!!??
There seems to be a lot of complaints here that apart from battery life (Advance task killer fixed) I've not had any problems.
One comment said "Phone feels bulky" lol, compared to my old G1 or look at Nokia's, it's clearly not! And the other comment about the camera is just BS, every shot i've taken is clear!
Anonymous 12 October, 2010 02:56
I am disappointed with SE also about the uprade, but over all I have to say the phone works great. It has always performed well for me. Its fast online and does everthing i need it to do. I would however love to have a better zoom in ,zoom out feature and larger phone icons on the top bar.
Anonymous 13 October, 2010 02:43
Sold the phone, soon getting an HTC Desire, or Desire HD, as HTC don't seem to make promises they can't fulfil. I gave you a second chance SE, and you blew it big time. So long for good this time...
Anonymous 14 October, 2010 17:59
Xperia X10 is a great smartphone, with or without Android 2.1. So I don't understand all this fuzz about the delaying of the upgrade. It will be a bonus for us, but I think that people tend to exagerate all this frustration about the update.
Anonymous 18 October, 2010 02:34
well i have had this phone since the day it came out and havent had any probs with it, when the update comes out it should work quite well as they havent rushed it out the door to keep the moaning hoards happy, if your not happy with it sell it, im sure some grateful person out there would love it at a cheap price, its got a couple of minor problems ie battery and in call volume but not much else, grow up and stop throwing tantrums over nothing.
Anonymous 18 October, 2010 15:08
That's right X10 is a great phone and an update it's a bonus 4 the users, even with android 1.6 it's better than a lot of phones with 2.1, imagine with 2.1 it'll be like u bought a "new phone" (new funcionalities, apps...). I love my X10!
Anonymous 21 October, 2010 13:51
This was so short sighted of sony Ericsson. They have been aware of its problems before marketing it and they still havent sorted it out, promising a version of android that will be ancient by the time its ready. I've been waiting for 2.2 for flash player for my trading account so this is really costing me money. The trust is gone.... WHO WILL EVER BUY ANOTHER SONY ERICSSON AGAIN??? Im guessing not many people here.
Anonymous 24 October, 2010 00:07
This is my first Android phone. I learned a lot. Now I know what to look for when I shop for my replacment phone. Clearly the SE team got the look right, but the overall experience wrong. Everyone I know seems happy with their Xperia....but everyone here seems frustrated. I am one of the frustrated....
To add to the lists above,
I would like to see:
a "screen capture" capability which in Android apparently requires root...
Camera settings that stay set (light anyone?)
Up/down scoll (can't the center button do more than just one thing?)
Eliminate that hard to pull up flap for the USB (oh wait, that is a design thing that I will never see on this phone....the phone is already in my pocket)
Make the photo app smoother. Why does it take so long to go to the next image. iPhone has this one perfect.
Need a better e-mail app. Best so far, K-9......and it still falls short.
Take the frustrations out of the phone. There are others in there....heavy users are frustrated.
Thanks
Anonymous 24 October, 2010 00:15
Oh please stop the dummy spitting. Surely you all knew that when you bought the phone it was running 1.6, If you so wanted 2.1 etc why didn't you buy a phone with that os installed. I did buy it knowing this because the phone is excellent except for the keyboard. i'm waiting for the upgrade before I pass judgment, yes it has been delayed but we have waited for a while now so whats another moth or so. I got my fingers burnt by buyin the Satio so if the x10 doesn't come up to scratch I will move then. lets wait and see what SE have done before we start slagging them off.
Anonymous 27 October, 2010 02:53
have you heard? the 2.1 eclair will be further delayed and will be released on end of November... sheesh..
Anonymous 27 October, 2010 05:20
Very dissapointed..
Anonymous 27 October, 2010 19:21
Sorry to say but, the information is wrong. the 2.1 eclair will be further delayed and will be released on Q2 on 2011.
Anonymous 28 October, 2010 03:06
i use my phone every day all day and it works fine, allways does, if you dont like the phone sell it and get a crappy nokia or something and stop crying, its a phone, it works, so the pic trasitions arent as smooth as the iphone........ so what , ive you want your pics to be like the iphone as you flick through then go and buy an iphone
Anonymous 29 October, 2010 14:10
Good God! I'm with "anonymous 25 September, 2010 18:13"
Did none of you moaners check what you were buying BEFORE you bought it!
Yes the delay is annoying, but it still does what it did when you bought it and just as well.
As for the battery life, the mini patch we had a while back sorted it on mine and on my friends, as well as adding some new features and addressing other issues.
Updating an OS is a complicated issue, if you want to leave please do so, then the HTC forum's can listen to you b***h about what HTC aren't doing according to your self absobed little worlds!
Anonymous 1 November, 2010 19:21
Always broke spent more time being repaired, comes back worse than it went pathetic repair service come ack nokia all is forgiven
Anonymous 9 November, 2010 15:56
mine makes phone calls and when it rings lets me hear the other side ... ITS A PHONE ... get a life everything else is just window dressing .. 1.6 is not as good as 2.1 but its not life and death for heavens sake.
Anonymous 15 November, 2010 21:15
Yes, I agree. It is indeed the last straw. When my contract expires, I will be moving to HTC. The X10 was released with an outdated Android software and we are now made to sit begging for an upgrade to yet another outdated software. What a cheek!
Anonymous 23 November, 2010 16:06
Furious at the customer care povery of SE. I was a loyal fan. Not any more. Am moving to HTC.
Anonymous 28 November, 2010 16:52
HOW I CAN UPDATE MY XPERIA X10 From Android 1.6 to android 2.1 ??? plzzzzzz tell me