After releasing Ice Cream Sandwich for Xperia S, Sony is all set to bring the Android offering toits mid-range Xperia P smartphone, which is currently running Android 2.3 Gingerbread.

While the ICS update will bring with it a new user interface, a better browser, host of new Gmail applications, and Face Unlock feature, it will also introduce some new and improved features, Sony revelaed in a blog post.

The new feature list includes:

• New ways to experience your media with new media applications - "WALKMAN", "Album" and "Movies".
• Extended standby mode, increasing standby time by up to four times (depending on user-profile and data consumption).
• Lock screen with improved functionality.
• Resizable widgets for improved personalization.
• Improved control of your mobile data consumption.
• Recent Apps button for a clear overview of your applications.

Sony has informed that the update roll out has begun and will continue "over the next few weeks in markets globally." Xperia P users, from around the world, will receive a notification when the upgrade is ready, but the availability of the update may vary across different markets and carriers, reported the company.

While ICS update is ready for the phones, Sony has not divulged any information as to when the company will introduce the next Android version 4.1 Jelly Bean in its smartphones.