Xperia Play looks all set for its April 1 UK launch date, barring one hitch. One of the partner carriers, O2 has decided to push back the
release date. The carrier stated that the launch has been delayed due to some software related issues. O2 Testing Team discovered some bugs in the software and instead of releasing bug-ridden, half-baked device, it decided to hold back the launch until the issues at hand are sorted out.
Despite O2's pull back, the launch is still on through other carriers. However, the point to ponder about is that if O2 is delaying the launch on account of software issues, then why other carriers are not following the suit. As far as we know, O2 did not customize the Android platform for this phone and hence the bugs would not be specific to O2.
On the other hand, in order to build up the momentum, Sony Ericsson has thrown open a couple of contests, which can win you Xperia Play. Apparently, the company gave away 10 handsets for such contests. The contests were held by Three UK and Gamespot, among others.