Sony’s Tablet S Gets a Free Ice Cream Sandwich

If you think that all tablet computers are just flat, glass-plated rectangles, then you’ve never held the ergonomic Sony Tablet S. And if you think that Ice Cream Sandwich is just a cool and creamy snack, then you’re not familiar with the latest version of Google’s Android operating system. Sony recently enabled owners of the Tablet S to upgrade to the Ice Cream Sandwich operating system (which is also sometimes referred to as Android 4.0). This is a big deal because Ice Cream Sandwich really improves usability and performance. Plus, there are new functions that are exclusive to the Tablet S.

Here’s a breakdown of some new features:

• The lock screen now displays your latest notifications.
• You can now unlock directly to camera mode.
• The camera can now be used to take panorama shots (exclusive to Tablet S).
• Easy-to-use photo editing tools have been added.
• You have direct access to files on SD cards (to play music, view and edit photos, etc.).
• New “Small Apps” help you multi-task (exclusive to Tablet S).
• The Small Apps (a browser, remote control and calculator) can be minimized to the side of the screen to save space.
• Dragging app icons together creates folders, which you can name.
• You can switch to desktop versions of websites from the browser.
• You can save web pages to view when you’re not connected to the Internet.
• You can take screenshots by pressing Power and Volume Down simultaneously.

In order to update, all you have to do is to connect to the Internet through Wi-Fi. Your Tablet S will notify you that the update is available. Just tap OK to initiate the download, and your free Ice Cream Sandwich should be finished installing shortly afterward. The update is currently available for Tablet S owners in the United States.