Xperia X1 Coming Oct 13th?

According to Mobifrance the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 will be available to Europe on Oct 13th 2008. Costing around 700 Euros before subsidies it is aimed mainly at the high end market. This is keeping in-line with Ewan from SMSTextNews stating the Xperia is coming to 3 towards the end of the year and Sony Ericsson themselves stating a 4Q 08 release date.

Will this turn around Sony Ericsson's recent poor results? Let's hope so, here's hoping they don't follow in the way of Motorola on redesigning the wheel (RAZR in their case) a zillion times! To be honest that's what seems to be coming out of the Sony Ericsson factory these days, just a bundle of similar handsets that appeal to the low end and middle markets, it's not going to cut it, Nokia own that sector.

Lesson here is to innovate and come out with something new that will sell to the masses, please stop churning out handsets one after the other.

Sony Ericsson W902 (Patti) Pics

That Arabian forum (SE4M) has once again got the scoop on the latest Sony Ericsson handset. The previously code named "Patti" has now been revealed to be a new Walkman Series - W902.
Looking at the pictures you can spot the 5 Mega-Pixel Camera, with LED flash and will include Auto Focus I presume.

Being a Walkman Series it obviously will have dedicated music buttons, which are this time located on the side of the device. The big question is what's new? Perhaps a 3.5mm headphone jack instead of the propriety connection that comes with all Sony Ericsson handsets would be nice.

Sony Ericsson Video Phone Concept

This nice little concept of a Sony Ericsson handset aimed at better User Friendly design and video playback looks intriguing. Slightly fat in my opinion and also not the most stylish of concepts, but it does have some nice features both design and function wise.



Sporting a hinged design for video playback and internet browsing similar to that of a desktop experience with touch-screen and handwriting recognition. It's not going to win any awards for design but as a concept for multimedia and web browsing I can see a positive for it.



via [Tuvie]

Sony Ericsson C905 Review

The guys over at Phone Arena have just published their review on the Sony Ericsson C905. As we all know the C905 is one sexy monster, sporting lovely curves with a black and metallic look and a massive 8 Megapixel camera! But that's not all it has, it's one of the few non-smartphone handsets on the market which includes WiFi and is DLNA certified, it also has GPS included, a must in any modern day handset it seems.

The release date is predicted to be 4Q 08.

To read the full review on the C905, you can head on over to the Phone Arena page.

Sony Ericsson W890 Scirocco Edition

The Volkswagen Accessories shop is offering a Special Limited Edition Sony Ericsson W890 - Scirocoo Edition. This is going to appeal to current owners of the VW Scirocco and potential buyers. Of course we all know the VW Scirocco is a car and this branded W890 is going to be a great matching accessory for it.
The handset comes with some extra content and of course VW Scirocco branding:

• Front face in white
• Software with various Scirocco recordings
  
• Java racing game from the mission Scirocco pre-installed

Apart from that, there isn't anything else that is different about it. Even still, this is a seriously sexy handset.

via [UESB]

Sony Ericsson C905 vs Nokia N95 8GB

A quick set of pictures with the new announced Sony Ericsson C905 8 Megapixel monster and the Nokia N95 8GB goliath.

One things for certain the C905 is definitely sexier.









via The Unofficial Sony Ericsson Blog

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 Review - by BGR

Well finally the awaited review of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 is here. The Boy Genius gives a decent review on many features. So how does it fair? Well most of it seems to be positive, call quality, screen, build quality and data connectivity seem to be satisfactory enough. He does have gripes about the keyboard and the lack of tactile feedback.

So, it pains us to report, that at least with our particular unit, the keyboard wasn’t great. It didn’t take time to get used to it, it just didnt perform like the way we had hoped. The reason is because the keys almost are completely flush with the case and don’t give good tactile feedback when pressed. Odly enough, the spacebar was actually ok. It faired the best out of all of them. We understand why there really is no travel in the keys — there is a huge sliding mechanism right over them — but we would have liked to see a little more feedback when typing.

Head on over to the BGR post to read the full review and express your opinions.

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 Hands on

That lucky BoyGenius is at it again. He's got himself an Xperia X1 to review. For now we only get a nice picture gallery, but expect a review up soon.



Click to head over to the BoyGeniusReport Gallery page.

Sony Ericsson C905 Pics

Pictures of Sony Ericsson's unannounced C905 have been found on SE4M forum. It seems to be a hotspot for Sony Ericsson handset leaks.
Pictures of this 8 Mega Pixel monster Cybershot handset after the jump.

Looks slightly podgy, but one would expect it from something packing as massive a camera as this.

Leaked Sony Ericsson Beibei?

Not sure on the details (my Chinese isn't up to scratch) but could these be pictures of the upcoming rumoured UIQ handset from Sony Ericsson codenamed "beibei"? There are no details except just some pictures, but from looking at them, we can expect a Camera, WiFi, Bluetooth and most likely UIQ 3.0, oh and a bug from the looks of it!



(via Just Another Mobile Phone Blog)

Sony Ericsson W890 Review

Michell Bak over at the Unofficial Sony Ericsson Blog has posted an in depth review of the Sony Ericsson W890, the upgrade to the old W880 this model has one thing for sure; it has sex appeal in abundance!

Initially listing the advantages and disadvantages of the handset, Michell goes through comparing it with the W880 and W890, he also looks at all the other functions of the handset including the Camera, Music and Call Management. You can head on over to the full review and leave a comment, be warned it has LOTS of pictures so 56k (who is on that nowadays anyway?) it might take a while to load.

I'll leave you with some pictures Michell has taken of this sex bomb of a handset.

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 Delayed Until Q1 2009?

Maximys over at the SEMC Blog has released a list of the new touted handsets from Sony Ericsson, which includes the new C and G series and the Xperia X1. Looking at the source which is hosted on the SonyEricsson.com domain we can see the X1 is touted for a 10-02-09 release date. This is far from the Q2 2008 date, which Sony Ericsson representatives told the press at Mobile World Congress 2008.

If this information is true and the release date is in fact correct, personally the hype that surrounded the Xperia X1 would most likely have died down leaving many potential buyers looking elsewhere (including myself).
Is this the effect of releasing a model with Microsoft, who are notorious for running into delays? Or is this due to the X1 having some more modifications being done (having Windows Mobile 6.5 implanted) or just plain complacency on Sony Ericsson's part? All in all it probably doesn't matter what it is, as most who were anticipating this great handset would have moved onto something different (most likely a Nokia N series).

Personally I hope it will be released in time for Xmas as that is when I planned to get it, but if it doesn't, well that's just Sony Ericsson shooting themselves in the foot, as this is the greatest opportunity to gain some market share on Nokia and perhaps attain 2nd place from the suicidal Motorola.

(Now where is that N82 WOMWorld are sending me...)

New Xperia Handset Leaked?

Pictures of an alleged Xperia model have surfaced via the SonyEricsson Blog. The claim is that it's a new Xperia model, but looking at the picture it isn't easy to establish whether it is real or any other significant features or information relating to it.


There are a few things which can be seen in the picture.The large touch-screen, full keyboard and slider design are easy give-aways, but other than this information there really isn't any concrete information whether this is a new Xperia model or a mobile handset at all.

But for now it is nice to have leaked pictures of an interesting model to keep the juices flowing.

Leaked Sony Ericsson Slider Pics

Another day and another set of pics of the mysterious Sony Ericsson slider phone appears. Personally I'm not sure what the big fuss is about. Looking at the pictures it sports a 1.3Megapixel camera, the design is somewhat debatable and generally it doesn't even interest me in the least.

Honestly, these days I think leaked pictures need to be put into perspective, unimpressive pictures and handsets being revealed is plain and simple boring, let's not get it all snowballing out of control for no apparent reason. There is nothing remotely interesting about this leaked slider.

Pictures after the jump.


Click on the pictures for a higher resolution.



Source SE4M

Leaked! Xperia X1 Runs on Windows Mobile 6.1!

Terminal.hu has just posted pictures of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1. What's so special about this? The fact that it runs on the yet to be announced Windows Mobile 6.1.
Bloggers and Journalists alike were frustrated with the team showcasing the Xperia X1 at Mobile World Congress, the team were very "hush hush" about it all. Well the reason was because Microsoft probably didn't want them showcasing the unannounced Windows Mobile 6.1 Operating System.
All that has now been blown apart by these leaked pictures!

Apart from the OS exposed, there are some other features to be found; the Qualcomm 7200 a running @ 528 Mhz for one, 128MB of RAM and a 1500mAh battery (that's right Nokia, common sense).

Honestly, all the fuss about nothing! Did they really think they could keep these things secret in this day and age? Rest of the pictures below:

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 UI Screens

Following on from the quite intriguing hands on pictures and full feature list, I've come across some screenshots of the UI via SEFanatics. From the looks of things, the UI is designed and is similar to the Sony PSP / PS3 layout, which is not a bad thing as personally I'm pretty fond of that menu structure.
So far these seem to be nice and sleek, there are nice clear icons and the overall look of it is very modern and sleek. I'm intrigued on how Sony Ericsson plans on using the 9 panel feature they seem to highlight, personally I hope it only Wow's me even more.


I'll leave you with screenshots of the UI.




Source: SeFanatics.

Dress Up Your Handset for Valentines

As we all should be aware, (even those that hate it), February 14th is Valentines Day. Whether you love it or hate, single or taken, you will always have your handset, unless you live in a cave hundreds of feet underground. To be fair to all and share the love, this post will cover various models not only S60 handsets. Only quality themes need apply here.


First up a selection of 3 different themes for the S60 3rd Edition platform. All QVGA and very good quality. I have chosen 3 different designs for all different tastes.
From left to right:

• Pink N Series by P@sco
• Love is in the Air by Chaos Inc
• Green Love by Bishop Bacon.

Next up 3 themes created for the S40 3rd Edition range, they will also work on newer S40 5th Edition devices.
From left to right:

• Valentine by H0ckey
• Sweetheart by Popskev
• Coeur Rouge Animated by Joelke

Moving away from the Nokia models and onto Sony Ericsson, first up we have themes made for models such as k810i / k770 / k800i / k790i / w850i / w830i. These should work on models supporting QVGA resolution screens (240x320). These may also work on Sony Ericsson K850 / W580 / Z750 / W850 / W760 / W910 models depending on which Theme Creator they were created on. Although it's worth trying them out to see if they are compatible. If someone could confirm that would be great.
From left to right:
Angel Love Animated by Happylass
Pink Heart by odracir55
Valentine Red by odracir55
Valentine by Dr_Megabyte
I Love U Red by Oopsession

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 Specs & Video

More information on the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1, including in-depth feature highlights and promotional videos, availability and live pictures;

Promotional Video found on the Xperia X1 website:



Features Highlights:
Convergence of multimedia entertainment and mobile Web communication

• Unique arc slider with wide pitch easy-to-use QWERTY keyboard
• XPERIA™ panels - arrange as you want for easy access
• Enjoy multimedia entertainment on bright wide VGA display
• Windows Mobile® capabilities
• XPERIA™ panel interface – experiences just the way you want them
• Enjoy access to different experiences – Web, multimedia, applications – from your desktop. Navigate with the tip of your finger. Configure and have your XPERIA™ panels just the way you want them.

Multiple navigation – the choice is yours
XPERIA™ X1 lets you interact with your phone in different ways. Touch, full QWERTY keyboard, 4-way key and optical joystick navigation. Switch seamlessly between operation modes.

Arc slider design - makes it stand out
The arc design gives a distinct and unique feel. Slide the screen upwards to reveal the wide pitch QWERTY keyboard. Ample distance between keys makes writing fast and easy.

Ultimate mobile experience - performance on the move
With Windows Mobile®, the highest data transfer rate (HSDPA/HSUPA) and WiFi™ support, you can enjoy your favourite entertainment and work efficiently on the move. Mobile access to everything that is important to you. aGPS gives you the freedom to explore the world. XPERIA™ X1 is a premium mobile experience.

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA™ X1 will be available in selected markets from the second half of 2008.

Live Pictures (courtesy of Engadget Mobile and GSMArena);




Full Specification List:

Camera

• Auto focus
• 3.2 megapixel camera
• Photo light
• Video recording

Music

• Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)
• Media player
• Music tones
• PlayNow™
• Windows Media Player Mobile
• 3D games
• FM radio
• Java
• Video streaming
• Video viewing

Internet

• Internet Explorer® Mobile
• RSS feeds

Communication and Messaging

• Polyphonic ringtones
• Speakerphone
• Vibrating alert
• Video calling
• Email
• Picture messaging (MMS)
• Predictive text input
• Text messaging (SMS)

Design

• XPERIA™ panels
• Optical joystick navigation
• Navigation key
• Picture wallpaper
• Touch navigation

Organiser

• Alarm clock
• Calculator
• Calendar
• Document editors
• Document readers
• Flight mode
• Handwriting recognition
• Notes
• Phone book
• Tasks
• Touchscreen

Connectivity

• aGPS
• Bluetooth™ technology
• Modem
• Synchronization
• USB support
• WLAN

Windows® Mobile® Operating System

• Microsoft® Outlook Mobile: email, contacts, calendar, tasks
• Microsoft® Office Mobile: Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Internet Explorer® Mobile
• Windows Media™ Player Mobile
• Windows Live™
• Exchange ActiveSync®
• Voice control
• Utility Applications: file explorer, calculator, pictures & video, notes

Facts and Figures

• Size: 110 x 53 x 16.7 mm
• Weight: 145 grams

Available colours

• Black
• Silver
• Main screen: 65,536 color TFT
• Resolution: 800 X 480 pixels
• Size: 3 inches

Memory

• Phone memory: up to 400 MB
• microSD™ memory card support
• Availability and versions

Networks

• GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
• UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA 900/1700/1900/2100 MHz
• UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA 850/1700/1900/2100 MHz

WOW Sony Ericsson Xperia X1, Nokia What?

There were many things I was looking forward to being revealed in Barcelona at the Mobile World Congress 2008. Nokia's UI was one of the things that had me excited, also to see which new devices they would be revealing, which they did. The 6210 Navigator and the N78 at which Zach at SiMo seems to be very happy with and so he should be, finally Nokia have done something right for the NAM market. Myself personally, I couldn't give a (insert expletive here)! Yes they give the NAM market a reason to love Nokia and will probably give them a way into the US market as evidently it has been a pretty poor show on their part.

The N96 and 6220 classic were also announced and yet still I'm not the slightest bit excited, so there seems to be only one thing left that could get me excited, Nokia S60 Touch UI! Wow!, Well it should have been, except it kinda blows, why? Two main reasons:

1. What's New? Apart from it being a "touch" OS there has been nothing added nor is there any WOW factor in the UI to get excited about. Yes it keeps in with the S60 OS and users will be familiar with the interface and menus, but where is the WOW factor!?
2. Where is an actual working model? Even a prototype model running the Touch UI would have gotten a better response and anticipation, seeing is believing, see the Google Android Demo here, working on an actual device!

Personally I was expecting more from Nokia, and as it seems to have been for the last few years, they don't seem to do it first time!

One thing that did WOW me and nearly knocked the socks off me was the first pictures of Sony Ericsson's Xperia X1.
Let's just take a few moments to gawk at this beauty (click through for full size and more pictures...)



Now breath in again...

This is exactly what I mean about the WOW factor! Just the pictures have gotten me all intrigued into finding out more about it. What is it? When is it available? What are the specs? None of the questions I had in my mind when viewing the Nokia handsets released nor the Touch UI Demo. Last time I got that excited was with the Nokia N95 and I went out and purchased it first day of release!

Moving on to the Xperia X1, clearly that's where the attention deserves to be on the sheer wave of excitement. Some of the key features to look out for; HSUPA! 3-inch TFT Display! QWERTY Keypad! Touch UI! Is that not enough? Well it also comes with aGPS, 3.2 Megapixel Camera, 30fps VGA video capture and playback, Windows Mobile OS. Still not enough?! Seriously?! For the full specs and product page, check them out on the Xperia X1 web page and Product Page respectively.

The big question here is, will this be replacing my N95 and N800 combo? My answer right now is most likely it will. I had my mind set on the N82 Black, but as it still hasn't been made available here and as I have yet to visit the Nokia flagship store in London (which would have been the deciding factor) it looks like Nokia missed the boat on that one.

Will I be missing the S60 OS, perhaps, as we all know there has been lot of progress made in the year or so, and with it's great developers it will get stronger. What the S60 needs right now is perhaps better marketing strategy and some WOW features to freshen things up.
Whilst S60 bloggers have been throwing the convergence word around a lot, I have yet to see something that actually lives up to a solid convergence device. The N95 did a lot striving towards it, but ever since then it's been an evolution from one device to another. What's needed here is a revolution not an evolution. Look what the iPhone did to the Mobile Market last year. It got everyone realising what seemed like a dream (pretty close one mind) into reality with the blink of an eye. The iPhone might not have been the best device in terms of features but what it did was revolutionise the market. It brought fantasy to reality, made the consumer "realise" they could do more with their handset than voice and SMS. Who's going to take the torch and carry it forward? Nokia? My bet, probably not.