Freight issue means Sony Ericsson handset will miss tomorrow’s release at some retailers and carriers, although some will continue with the launch on time
Sony Ericsson has encountered shipping delays to its Xperia Play handset (pictured) meaning it will not go on sale at some retailers and carriers tomorrow (April 1) as originally planned. Sony Ericsson said this had been due to “a freight issue”.
It’s the latest blow for Sony Ericsson after O2 announced last Friday (March 25) that is is delaying the launch of the Xperia Play, of which it has in exclusive in white, after finding “bugs” in the device’s software.
In a statement Sony Ericcson said: “We can confirm that the Xperia Play handsets are still planned to launch in the UK for April 1, as originally communicated. However, as of today, we have experienced a freight issue that may impact the number of Xperia Plays arriving at some retail outlets. This said, consumers can purchase Xperia Play as of April 1 at a number of stores across the UK.”
Last night Vodafone sent out a message to all customers that pre-ordered the devices. It read: “Sony Ericsson has advised us that it will not be able to supply the Xperia Play and Arc devices to meet their original launch date of April 1.
“Unfortunately this means there will be a small delay before pre-order customers receive their orders, and the device made available for sale in our shops. We’re working closely with Sony Ericsson to ensure our customers’ phones are delivered as soon as possible and we will contact people directly with specific timescales when we know more.”
A Three spokesperson also confirmed it was experiencing delivery problems.
“There has been a small delay in getting stock into stores and we are now expecting deliveries next week. As soon as we know more we will announce it,” the spokesperson said.
Orange, Carphone Warehouse and Phones 4U all said they had received their full Xperia Play allocation and will go ahead with tomorrow’s launch as planned.
