Sony adds ‘Glove Mode’ to Xperia Sola for use in the cold

Nokia’s Lumia 920 isn’t the only smartphone that lets you use your gloves while navigating, Sony has just brought Android 4.0 to the Xperia Sola along with a new feature called “Glove Mode.” Automatically built into the Sola’s Ice Cream Sandwich update, “Glove Mode” makes use of the device’s floating touch technology, which previously provided only a few advantages such as hovering over items in a browser to open drop down menus. When enabled, the handset actually detects the user’s finger instead of the glove itself. The feature is turned on by default, otherwise Sola owners just have to unlock their phone with a glove on to ensure that it is activated. If the video below is any indication, the feature works well with what appears to be moderately thick gloves.

Sony has also rolled out Android 4.0 to the Xperia Go and Xperia U, although neither handset will get “Glove Mode.” For all three models, ICS brings with it some new Sony applications like the Walkman music app, extended standby mode, various bug fixes, and the myriad of additional updates included when switching from Android 2.3.

Thanks, sciwiz!