Software bugs block O2 PlayStation phone release

O2 has set back its PlayStation phone - aka the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play - release because it has failed to score sufficiently highly in the carrier's network tests. "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 …

[Anonymous Coward]

curious

Is this post or pre mobile operator added their gubbins to the os?

[tin 2]

and that was be O2's testing team?

the same people that passed the C905 to give to customers? In that case the PS phone must be really really really bad!

[Adam T]

So are other carriers selling duff dogs?

Or is this just O2?

It does sound surprisingly responsible of them...

[dotdavid]

Whose software bugs?

Considering the other networks seem to have passed the handset in their testing procedures, you have to wonder whether the software bugs are in the crapware O2 will invariably load onto their branded version of the handset...

[treboR]

branded?

The last half a dozen O2 phones I've bought, from the O2 shop, have been unlocked and unbranded. That was part of the reason I stuck with 'em.

[Mr Brush]

Additional testing required

Translation: Still trying to beat the last level of Crash Bandicoot

[Anonymous Coward]

O2 or not O2

For those asking here's a couple of possible candidates for where the problem lies.

(a) Some O2 specific functionality (for example homezone indication) doesn't work so it's being blocked as this is mandatory for O2. Other operators don't use this - so can release.

(b) Some O2 specific applications don't work or aren't ready yet.

(c) Other operators are releasing a pile of crock and will release a firmware update in a couple of months which will (hopefully) fix the problems.

(d) Sony Ericsson has been busy fixing bugs for other operators but hasn't the resources to fix O2 problems and O2 don't sell a lot of Sony Ericsson phones.

If it is a pile of crock and phones are returned - it's not the operator but Sony Ericsson who picks up the tab but if people do return the phone, chances are you'll keep them as a customer - you just need to give them a new phone from another manufacturer - you still get the money.

My money is on (c).

[Annihilator]

Well it should be..

hidden option (e) - tell the network operators to stop dicking around trying to provide a "custom" (by which they mean "hamstrung") firmware for what they believe are their phones. It's the customers, let them come with the default firmware if they choose.

Christ I thought we were past all this crap and that Apple had actually done something right in the phone industry with the iPhone's inability to be network customised...