LG has begun the roll-out Android 2.3 Gingerbread across its European range of unlocked smartphones today.

Starting with the LG Optimus 2X, Android 2.3 will be available from November 1st, with the update coming to Optimus 3D on November 21st and Optimus Black on November 28th.

On its Facebook page LG said, "LG would like to express its sincere thanks to all of the Optimus Series owners who have been waiting patiently for the Android 2.3 Gingerbread upgrade."

Though manufacturers such as HTC and Sony Ericsson are preparing their newer models for Android 4.0 support, LG has said that it’s not currently looking to bring the latest update to its Optimux 2X model, which was the first smartphone to feature a dual-core chipset.

"We will not be introducing Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich updates on LG Optimus 2X P990. Keep watching this space for further updates,” it told one customer.

Though current owners of LG models will undoubtedly be pleased that an upgrade is imminent, why is LG always so far behind with its firmware updates? Isn't it worried that some users may jump ship for the delights of Ice Cream Sandwich on rival smartphones?

The firmware update is likely to roll-out to carrier-locked Optimus models at a later date.