This is a very busy week for the mobile phone industry with one new announcement after another. Here is a quick list of all the big headlines for the past couple of days.
First off, Samsung has confirmed that they are going to be releasing a white version of the GT i9000 Galaxy S Android smart phone. No word yet on exactly when this phone will be on stock, but it will be coming. Many believe that Samsung is directly competing with the iPhone 4 (which has a white version that has been terribly delayed).
O2 and the UK police have teamed up to bring down nine individuals that have conspired to steal millions from network providers. The arrest was just made recently and is a major step in helping out the local phone operators from potentially losing millions in a major scam.
Orange Mobile UK has confirmed that the iPhone 4 is now available for free on certain plans and tariffs. The big offer can still be availed off –especially now that the demand for the smart phone has died down considerably. Just be certain to avail of the free iPhone 4 Bumper through the downloadable iTunes app.
It has been confirmed that the Android operating system is now one of the largest mobile platforms available with over 55 million units distributed in this year alone. This volume is almost six times more than the amount of Android shipped out last year. Currently, Google’s Android is second place only to the Symbian OS.
Sony has taken the first step in a marketing campaign that pits the PSP against casual titles on the mobile phone industry. Many, however, believe that this is just a prologue to the upcoming PSP2 smart phone-gaming handheld which is supposedly an Android device. Google is indeed with Talks with Sony and it is possible that there is more to this rumor than meets the eye.
Archive for the ‘Sony Ericsson Phones’ Category
A Week of Mobile News Highlights
Thursday, August 19th, 2010Sony to take on the Apple iPhone Head On
Thursday, August 19th, 2010
At this point, the gaming industry is split between two incredibly large markets: the core gaming community that focuses on portable and home console gaming, and the casual smart phone users who spend plenty of money downloading and purchasing app game content.
There is no doubt that the two industries are generating plenty of revenue for game developers, but are the two markets starting to creep into each other’s territory?
The issue here is that gaming, whether casual or not, is still gaming. Many casual players find themselves wanting more and start venturing into the more hard core titles while core gamer find the assortment of casual titles available in the mobile phone industry to be quite entertainingly light.
Sony just recently aired an advertisement with the new “MarcusPSP” series (which is patterned after the Kevin Butler ads they released) to promote core gaming values to more people. The ad stresses a very important point, even with impressive technology on smart phones, no developer has yet to make a truly impressive title (hence the ad reference ‘for the big boys’). Even Microsoft’s recently released initial list of XBL Service titles for Windows Phone 7 is downright lackluster.
Of course, Sony is also pointing out a very important factor, that people are spending plenty of money on casual titles. After all, the whole point of the ad is to encourage people to spend just as much on games –but on the ‘right’ games. Naturally, general phone users would still stick to apps, but core gamers have more to gain from the PSP.
With rumors of Google and Sony working together to develop an Android PSP2, it is quite possible that Sony intends to take charge of both markets with a single device -though this brings up one interesting little fear that hard core players have: a time when incoming calls and messages will literally interrupt your game.
EISA’s Big Winners: Sony Ericsson and Samsung
Wednesday, August 18th, 2010
The European Imaging and Sound Association knows what the true score is and looking at the recent awardees for best mobile phones, then we all should know too.
There is no doubt that the Samsung GT i9000 Galaxy S smart phone deserves to be called the best smart phone in the field. It really is, in terms of style, innovation, functionality, hardware and of course, software capabilities, this handset works like a dream. Naturally, the Android operating system used in the OS is a definite reason why it is such a great smart phone; the OS has all the necessary features for the handset.
The Galaxy S also packs a 5 mega pixel camera with 720p HD video recording, a 1GHz CPU that gives it plenty of processing power for handling most apps and features and of course, the 4 inch super AMOLED capacitive touch screen display that gives it a visual quality that surpasses all other mobile phones including the retina technology used by Apple.
In terms of looks and style, there is no denying that Samsung’s Galaxy S is a definite classic. Putting aside the fact that the handset looks a lot like the Apple iPhone from certain angles, it is pretty easy to see why this phone is attracting plenty of attention with its smooth lines and sleek form.
Of course, Sony Ericsson took the big win of the day, with the XPERIA X10 Mini smart phone taking away the best mobile phone award and fully deserving it. Though it can be said that this phone is nothing but a watered down version of the original X10 that is where the success of the device is. Not everyone needs a high end smart phone with the specs of the XPERIA X10 or even the Galaxy S, but the X10 Mini is a great fit for many people –making this handset the perfect winner.
Google Rumored to be in Talks with Sony for PSP Android Phone
Friday, August 13th, 2010Technological pipe dreams are nice and hearing that Google might be in talks with Sony to discuss the possibility of a PSP smart phone is pretty impressive to say the least and at this point in the gaming and mobile phone industry it is actually a likely scenario. There are certain factors that should be considered before throwing out this supposed rumor out of the window.
First off, the Playstation Portable has been around since 2004, and the device is slowly, but surely, dying. There is no doubt that Sony is already working on the next PSP device, the only question is whether they would actually add in phone features to the handset as well.
Another important factor is the fact that mobile gaming is slowly getting bigger and stronger. Even Microsoft is joining in on the fun by bringing the Xbox Live games to the upcoming Windows Phone 7 mobile platform. With the Playstation Network still limited to the console and the PSP, Sony has plenty to gain by teaming up with the Google and using the PSN on the Android platform.
Considering everything else, it is possible that Sony would be investing its’ time developing a device that combines both gaming and mobile phone features. In fact, what should really be asked at this point is whether this will be a project that they will also develop with Sony Ericsson. While an individual release of the PSP phone outside of SE’s hands would certainly cannibalize sales of other SE devices such as the XPERIA phones (the X10, X10 Mini and X10 Mini Pro), one has to remember that Sony is keeping a very careful watch on its’ Playstation brand.
Right now, rumors are stating that it is Sony Ericsson and not just Sony that are in talks with Google, but that might just be the clincher –the PSP phone might only be a reality if only Sony and Google were in talks.
X10 Mini and X10 Mini Pro: Now in Gold and Pink
Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
Well, not exactly now, but it has been confirmed that gold and pink color variations for the successful Android smart phones from Sony Ericsson will be coming out by September.
Recent reports show a gold chrome finish for the X10 Mini and Mini Pro that gives the handset that stylish factor usually associated with brushed metal finishing on jewelry and accessories. Thankfully, the gold shade they used was a little darker than the usual bright yellow finish –giving the phone a touch of elegance, as opposed to looking like it would look great as a bling.
The pink version adds in a deep tone of red and blue making it look a little closer to lavender –avoiding that childish pink color usually associated with Barbie. The overall effect is interesting though it is hard to see if the hue that was chosen would actually go well with most ensembles.
The two color additions for the Android smart phone will be added by the time September rolls around and both the X10 Mini and X10 Mini Pro.
Speaking of the two handsets, it has been announced that the next update to their firmware (currently the Android 1.6 Donut) will be arriving by September. This means that the XPERIA X10, X10 Mini and X10 Mini Pro will be getting updated at the same time –hopefully, the update to 2.2 Froyo will not be too far behind. Currently, Sony Ericsson’s devices are on the end of the race for most of the newer Android devices (most are already on 2.1 Éclair).
The X10 Mini series of smart phones is actually a smaller sized version of the more powerful XPERIA X10. The two phones are smaller, have less hardware power but are also cheaper. The X10 Mini Pro also has the advantage of having a slide out QWERTY keyboard.
Three New Smart Phones Now On Vodafone
Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
Mobile network operator Vodafone UK has announced that it has three devices that are now offered on various plans.
At a two year, £25 monthly tariff, the BlackBerry Pearl 3G is being offered for free. The plan includes 300 minutes of talk time, unlimited messaging and 500MB of data. LG’s Android Optimus smart phone and the Sony Ericsson X10 Mini Pro handset will be free at £20 per month, also on a two year contract. The plan gives 100 minutes of talk time, 500 MB of data and 500 text messages.
With two new Androids and a BlackBerry handset, anyone looking for a good budget deal on a decent smart phone will certainly enjoy the choices being offered by Vodafone UK.
The SE Android, X10 Mini Pro is undoubtedly the best looking handset of the bunch. It still retains most of the design features of the original XPERIA X10, but on a smaller scale. The slide out QWERTY keyboard also adds and extra notch to the device’s form factor, making it a great choice for heavy texters and email users. In terms of specs, the X10 Mini Pro is virtually identical to the X10 Mini. Both phones come with a 2.55 inch TFT touch screens, 600 MHz CPUs and 5 mega pixel cameras.
Among the three handsets, the Optimus from LG is the least impressive in terms of specs, so unless you are not really fond of having a physical keyboard, then the X10 Mini Pro is a better choice –since they are available on similar contracts.
The BlackBerry Pearl 3G definitely has that unique look that only RIM can deliver –and the BB brand by itself is already impressive which makes it worth the slightly higher price tag (though in terms of monthly consumables, the Pearl offer has great value). Users might take a bit to get used to the unique button layout configuration (it curves down towards the center of the handset).
Sales Charts Show X10 Mini in 3rd Place
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010
It has been recently announced that Sony Ericsson X10 Mini smart phone has taken the third place in the sales charts (when comparing the information on major UK phone retailers Carphone Warehouse and Phones 4 U). The initial reports show that Sony Ericsson’s features and design aesthetics have allowed them to compete evenly with other Android devices that use an even higher version of the open source operating system.
For those not familiar with the handset, the Sony Ericsson X10 Mini (as well as the other SE Android smart phones) are only running the older version of the OS; v1.6 Donut. Despite this difference, many people are still relying on the SE Android devices (the older, high end XPERIA X10 smart phone was also quite successful).
Of course, the X10 Mini has some pretty impressive specs to match up to its competitors. Despite the Mini in the phone’s name, this device is pretty much a solid mid range smart phone. The device runs on a Qualcomm MSM7227 CPU that is clocked at 600 MHz giving it enough speed and power to handle most applications and processes without bogging down –still, expect the device to slow down a little with loading resource intensive apps.
The screen is a nice big 2.55 inch TFT capacitive touch screen display that practically fills up the entirety of the phone’s front face. Below the screen are three control buttons for the OS. The display itself comes with an accelerometer, and a scratch resistant surface.
SE’s X10 Mini runs a special version of the Timescape user interface made for the small 2.55 inch touch screen. As with the original XPERIA X10, this custom UI allows users to easily view contacts, updates and new social networking content in an easy to use layout.
SE has also released the X10 Mini Pro, which is a second version of the X10 Mini that has a slide out QWERTY keyboard.
September Launch for Android Froyo on Many Smart Phones
Thursday, July 1st, 2010
The new Android 2.2 Froyo may already be out, but the fact that only the Nexus supports the current build means that it will be a while before other handsets will be able to get the new Froyo update. According to reports, it seems that the updates for other Android handsets will only be available until the end of Q3 2010 –which gives us a possibility that all the big updates will be made available by September.
Coincidentally, September is the projected launch date of the Android 2.1 Éclair update for Sony Ericsson’s XPERIA X10, X10 Mini and the X10 Mini Pro. It is possible that when these devices get the Éclair, they might also be given a subsequent Froyo patch to go with it. Currently, the Sony Ericsson Android devices are at the bottom end of the list with most smart phones already updated (or are currently updating) to version 2.1 Éclair. Despite the X series devices being newly released, they still use the older 1.6 Donut OS.
Anyway, the original announcement before was that the HTC Desire was supposed to get an update to Froyo for this week while the HTC Legend and the Wildfire will be getting updates on a slightly later date. Now it seems that instead of waiting for weeks, HTC Android owners might have to wait for months before the release of the new OS is available for downloads.
For those wondering why the new Froyo update is so important, many are pointing out the Flash player support as a major addition. That is not the only feature of Froyo however. The new OS also brings updates to the user interface –such as a batter camera UI for taking images and videos. The OS will also be running faster thanks to improvements with resource handling capabilities.
New Name Reignites Sony Ericsson WP7 Rumors
Monday, June 28th, 2010
While it is often easy to disregard a rumor, one cannot help but notice when a phone manufacturer finally comes out with a name. The Sony Ericsson Jolie is the new handset that we are now digging through the rumor bin for as the Swedish Japanese joint venture has released a little teaser about the fact that they are working on a WP7 device.
It is pretty much a well established fact that many mobile phone makers are already working on various Windows Phone 7 handsets. With a release date not due until later this October, a new, stylish operating system that has a developer version already available and plenty of eager fans, there is no doubt that there will be plenty of demand for Microsoft’s new mobile product when it finally launches later this year.
Sony Ericsson is among those companies whose names have already been mentioned in the roster of companies that will be making WP7 devices.
Still, with most of the companies involved keeping quiet about their progress, every bit of WP7 handset that comes around naturally brings up plenty of interest. Prior to Sony Ericsson, only LG and HTC have made further announcements regarding their devices. LG has confirmed that the Panther will be among the first devices available at launch date. Taiwan based phone maker HTC has dropped two names, the Mondrian and the Mozart though has not confirmed if the two phones are different or one and the same.
Considering Sony Ericsson’s track record, the Jolie nickname will be used for their device while it is in production but it will be given a quick name change once the product is about to be announced for commercial launch (the company has a habit of giving female nicknames to many of their handsets – remember how the Shakira became the XPERIA X8?). Expect to see and hear more of the Jolie in the weeks to come.
Why Sony Needs to Speed Up the Android Updates
Friday, June 25th, 2010
There is no denying that the Android operating system is one of the largest in the mobile phone industry and that many people want Android smart phones. The Google developed Os infamous for its stand as the counter-culture for the Apple iPhone series and at the same time, many tech fans love the open source approach and the fact that developers can simply do much more with this handset than anything else.
The fact that Google is also the first to be getting the Adobe Flash Player version 10.1 is also a serious consideration as it places the handset a notch above all else. However, Sony Ericsson’s XPERIA X10 is far from the impressive Android handset that it should be, and it is mostly due to the fact that the OS in the device is outdated.
Simply put, the new XPERIA X10, as well as the X10 Mini smart phones still uses the older 1.6 Donut version of the Android OS. So far, no announcements have been made regarding a 2.2 Froyo update and that the only thing Sony Ericsson owners can look forward to is an update to version 2.1 Éclair by the third quarter of 2010. It has also been hinted by Google that near that time period, they would already be working on version 3.0, and if that new version launches before the end of the year, SE’s Android devices will be at the bottom of the list.
By that time, most existing Éclair handsets might have already been updated to Froyo which would leave the SE devices far behind. This would leave SE’s Android owners wanting to switch to other phones and is certainly discouraging for anyone hoping to pick up an Android handset from the manufacturer.
With the X10 Mini, XPERIA X8 and a rumored, still unnamed 5.5 inch touch screen Android device set to hit store shelves this year, Sony Ericsson needs to change the way to make updates for their smart phones available.