Sony has just announced the availability of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich for the Tablet S. Sony says that you should be prompted for a system update the next time you connect to a wireless network. The update includes a number of new features including a panoramic camera mode as well as direct SD card access (see a full changelog below).
To celebrate the release of ICS, Sony is also discounting the tablet in the United States. If you purchase the tablet between now and 12 May you will receive a $50 instant rebate and free cradle. This implies a $349 cost for the 16GB Tablet S and $449 cost for the 32GB version. See a video preview of the Android 4.0 update below.
New Android 4.0 features for Tablet S
Enhanced lock screen
– Direct access to Notifications
– Unlock direct to camera
New panoramic camera mode
Enhanced Gallery media viewer
– Direct SD card access + photo editing tools
Exclusive “Small Apps’ for multi-tasking
– Calculator, Browser, Remote Control
– Move to screen edge for reduced clutter
New Home Screen actions
– Drag icons together to create folders
– Add names to folders
Enhanced web browser
– Switch from mobile to desktop web sites
– Save pages for offline viewing
Access files directly from SD card
Native screenshot capture
– Press “power” and “Volume –“
Via Sony Blog.