Sony takes Xperia Jelly Beans away, gives them back a week later

Sony's record for keeping consumers informed about updates to its Android devices hasn't been particularly stellar of late.

We've already had the will-they-won't-they-they-won't dance around Android 4.0 (a.k.a. Ice Cream Sandwich) for the Xperia Play, and now a strange confirmation then denial regarding Android 4.1 (a.k.a. Jelly Bean) for the rest of the 2011 Xperia range.

Last week in a Facebook Q&A, John Cooper, UK product manager for Sony Mobile, replied to a question about the Xperia Arc's chances of tasting Android 4.1 with the following words: "Unfortunately Arc S won't be getting the Jelly Bean updated [sic]."

Considering the Arc S was Sony's flagship 2011 Xperia blower, that seemed to rule out any hope of Jelly Bean being rolled out to the likes of the Xperia Mini Pro.

Or at least it did until Sony released the following statement on its Xperia Product Blog:

"A quick note - during a Q&A session last week on our Sony Mobile GB Facebook page, a local spokesperson gave information out in error on our Android 4.1 Jelly Bean software development and rollout for 2011 Xperia smartphones," the blog post reads.

"We are actively investigating Android OS upgrades for all devices, but in the meantime, our Ice Cream Sandwich rollout for Xperia S and 2011 Xperia smartphones continues as planned.

"As always, feel free to drop a question below and keep your eyes fixed on the blog, as we'll be bringing you more on our Ice Cream Sandwich rollout for Xperia P and other 2012 Xperia smartphones over the next couple of weeks."

What's worth bearing in mind is that Sony is part of Google's group of Android manufacturers who are supposed to, in theory at least, keep any handset released in the past 18 months updated with the latest version of Android.

Will the 2011 range be getting Jelly Bean, then? It's hard to tell. All we know right now is that it 'definitely might' be, though with Sony's track record that could mean anything.