Microsoft reportedly settles on 'Windows 8' as replacement for 'Metro'

We've already heard that Microsoft was temporarily using "Windows 8-style UI" as a substitute for "Metro" now that the latter is on the outs, and it looks like may now have a permanent replacement. According to some unnamed sources speaking to ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley, Microsoft has decided to simply use "Windows 8" as a name for all things once known as Metro. That means "Metro-style applications" will now be known as "Windows 8 applications," and that the "Metro user interface" will now be the "Windows 8 user interface." What's more, Foley also notes that the phrase "Windows 8 apps" has already turned up on the promo page for Lenovo's new ThinkPad Tablet 2, which also indicates that the traditional Windows 8 apps will simply be known as "desktop" apps to distinguish the two. We'll keep you posted if we hear more on the change from Microsoft itself.

Sony hoping to work Android 4.1 into Xperia line

Sony has not completely ruled out an Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update for its 2011 Xperia line, despite what the company may have told you just days ago.
A post on the company's blog today advises that it is "actively investigating" software updates for all of its devices and that 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich deployments still are on track.
Rumors spread quickly last week that Xperia models from 2011 wouldn't see an Android 4.1 update. A member of the Sony UK team hosted a Q&A with Facebook followers where he advised that the Xperia Arc S and a few other handsets would not be getting Jelly Bean. Fast-forward a few days and we've since learned that the rep "gave information out in error."
It's not immediately clear whether the agent was actually right or he let the news slip out in a very unofficial capacity. At this point, I'd be surprised if the left hand is talking to the right hand over at Sony. I suspect that some of the models released in the second half of 2011 will see 4.1, but those released early in the year may get snubbed. Sony was somewhat hesitant to push its Android smartphones stateside until just recently so I cannot imagine too many U.S. users worried about Jelly Bean.
Sony advises that users and interested parties keep an eye on its product blog where it will continue to outline details for Android 4.0 updates and beyond.