Network stalls on April 1 launch after it finds problems with the handset’s software, but all remaining UK networks will go ahead with the planned release date
O2 has delayed its rollout of the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play after finding “bugs” in the device’s software.
The operator said the bugs will affect the experience that O2 customers who purchase the phone are able to enjoy.
Speaking on the O2 Blog, O2 head of testing Stuart Hibberd said the handset– which O2 is offering in an exclusive white version – will not be available on the network at the start of next month as originally planned.
Hibberd said: “Sometimes we discover bugs and issues on a phone. This is perfectly normal – bugs can appear in every form of software. This is what has happened with the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play.
“We’ve been testing the phone non-stop for weeks and have found some bugs in the software that, if they’re not fixed, means customers won’t have a great experience.
“We’ve been working with Sony Ericsson to get these bugs ironed out, but haven’t been able to get them fixed in time for us to be able to launch the phone on April 1st as we originally planned.”
O2 said it would “regularly” updating its customers over the coming weeks regarding the Xperia Play rollout.
Sony Ericsson has suffered with software problems on its phones in the past, most notably its Aino and Satio devices.
In a statement Sony Ericsson confirmed the remaining UK networks are going ahead with their April 1 launch dates as planned.
“Sony Ericsson Xperia Play will be launching on April 1 across all UK mobile operator partners except for O2, who have decided to prolong the testing period in order to ensure that the software meets the requirements of its procedures. Sony Ericsson will be working with O2 over the next couple of weeks to expedite the process.”
