Sony have released a beta, aka developer version of the upcoming Android update, Ice Cream Sandwich. The update is for advanced developers, who have extensive knowledge in how to install and switch between ROMs, there fore shouldn’t be installed by any one who doesn’t really know what they’re doing.

If however, you’re comfortable with this, you will need an unlocked Xperia Arc S, Xperia Neo V, Xperia Ray or an Xperia Play running 4.0.2.A.0.42 and an unlocked bootloader. WiFi and Bluetooth are two key features that aren’t included in the beta version of ICS, nor are Google Mobile Services, including Gmail, Google Maps and Face Unlock.

A couple of weeks back we heard that Sony had trademarked “Xperia Sola” in the US and in Europe. There were several rumors floating around that it might feature solar panel technology among other things.

Sony have today announced the Xperia Sola and we can confirm there is no solar panel technology. What the Xperia Sola does feature however, is a new technology which is being called “floating touch”. Essentially, you can navigate the browser without actually having to touch the screen but, rather float above it. Touch does however appear to be required for making selections. We’ve included a promo video below so you can see how the floating touch technology works.

We’ve heard reports that Sony Ericsson were going to release a Windows Phone 7 Xperia handset but, not much came of the rumors. It seems however, such a phone did exist with the codename Jolie.

A prototype of the handset has been spotted on eBay and is currently at $405 with two days left.

Admittedly, the new Sony Watch which is essentially a next generation Liveview isn’t far off from launching but, seeing the Sony Ericsson Liveview bluetooth display down to just £15 couldn’t be ignored.

We’ve seen the price of the Liveview drop to £18 before through Play.com but, it only stayed at the low price for a couple of days before returning to £30, while other retailers still had the Sony Ericsson Liveview priced at £40-£45. The £15 deal for the Liveview is again available through Play and like last time, it may not last very long so you’ll need to be quick to nab one at this price.

Following on from the Sony Xperia P and Sony Xperia U product pages going live on SonyMobile.com, Sony have now posted the Press Release for the press event at Mobile World Congress 2012. The press release details the main specifications and features of both handsets, such as the bottom cap design and illuminating bar on the Xperia U.