Google: Ice Cream Sandwich now accounts for 7.1 percent of Android user base

Well, it's about time that Ice Cream Sandwich made some headway -- even if the process is much slower than consumers deserve. According to the Android developer hub, Android 4.0 now accounts for 7.1 percent of all Android smartphone and tablet installations, which is a sharp and welcome increase over the 2.9 percent figure that we reported just two months ago. Naturally, Gingerbread users still account for the lion's share of the Android ecosystem with 65 percent, but it's worth pointing out that this segment also grew during the last month -- no doubt at the expense of Froyo and Eclair. Don't know about you, but we like our desserts fresh, thank you very much. Go ahead and hop the break to see the full breakdown.

HTC Desire C goes on sale at Three UK

HTC's Desire C has made its way onto Three's speedy network in the UK. The budget-conscious handset (C is rumored to stand for "cheap") comes with 4GB storage, microSD slot and a 5-megapixel camera. You'll be pawing at Ice Cream Sandwich via a 480 x 320 display which is driven by a surprisingly decent 600MHz processor. You can snatch one on contract for as little as £13 a month, or buy the thing outright for £150 from today.

Filed Under Cellphones HTC One S shows up in Taiwan with 1.7GHz Snapdragon S3, speed lovers wail

We'd been wondering just where the HTC Ville C would go with its odd mix of a 1.7GHz Snapdragon S3 and the One S' otherwise sleek hardware. Of all places, it's HTC's home turf of Taiwan: although the One S is still branded as the same phone, the usual 28-nanometer, 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 we've come to love has been replaced with a high-frequency version of its ancestor. When grilled about the switch by ePrice, HTC insisted that the new version would "provide consumers [with] the same experience." We're not so sure after having seen lower Nenamark scores, but we suspect many owners will be too happy with the micro arc oxidized body and rapid-fire camera to notice. All the same, charging NT$17,900 ($600) for a less efficient take on the same formula makes us wonder if supply for the 28-nanometer S4 didn't force a swap.

Sony announces water/dust-proof Xperia go, acro S

Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) today announced two new Xperia™ smartphones for consumers looking for premium specifications and beautiful design with extra durability and water resistance. Xperia go and Xperia acro S have scratch resistant mineral glass displays and meet industry standard IP ratings* (International Protection) for protection against dust and water immersion.
Xperia go and Xperia acro S enable easy connectivity to share and enjoy content on TV, smartphone, laptop or tablet. They also come preloaded with Music Unlimited and Video Unlimited from Sony Entertainment Network giving access to Hollywood blockbusters, TV series and millions and millions of music tracks. Xperia go and Xperia acro S will be available globally from the third quarter of 2012.
Consumer demand for durable and water resistant smartphones
Industry research demonstrates that consumers consider durability and water resistance as important features when purchasing a smartphone. For example, a study conducted in Japan by Mobile Marketing Data Labo** highlighted water resistance in the top three most important features for smartphone buyers. In a recent poll*** on Sony Mobile’s Facebook community more than a third of participants stated durability as the most important feature when choosing a smartphone. Also, Xperia acro HD, which has the same durability and water resistance features as Xperia acro S, has been the best selling smartphone in Japan since its launch in March****, further demonstrating the appeal of durability and water resistance.
Xperia go – the stylish Sony smartphone made for extra durability
With Xperia go consumers can watch the latest movies and TV shows in razor sharp quality and with super fast performance. Its sleek and stylish design means durable and water resistant smartphones no longer have to look bulky and ruggedized.
Xperia acro S – The stylish water resistant HD smartphone
Xperia acro S boasts a 4.3” HD Reality Display for razor sharp clarity, full HD video recording, HD video chat and easy HDMI TV connectivity to enjoy content on the big screen. NFC enabled, Xperia acro S can easily open applications with one touch against an Xperia SmartTag.