It is a commonly accepted fact that operating systems are part of what makes or breaks a smart phone, and more often than not, gear heads would put aside the hardware issues as long as they get the right operating system.
This is because a good operating system will have an average phone performing well. Whereas a badly designed OS would make even a high powered handset seem clumsy and jerky to use. Take the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2, this smart phone has plenty of good hardware features, but the Windows Mobile operating system tends to slow it down a lot, and the fact that it relies on a resistive touch screen display means that it requires a stylus to be operated properly.
At the same time, the Sony Ericsson X10 Mini is a very mid range smart phone in terms of today’s hardware standards, but the Android 1.6 Donut OS 
makes it a very well rounded device. Speaking of the Android OS, the HTC Desire and the Dell Streak push the limits in terms of both hardware with their high speed 1GHz CPUs and software (with the newer Android 2.1 Éclair).
Some manufacturers rely heavily on proprietary operating systems. Take the Palm WebOS, RIM BlackBerry OS and the Apple iPhone OS. Since the devices that make use of these platforms are specifically designed to maximize the capabilities of the OS, the user experience is not only uniform, but the all of a phone’s features are also fully utilized.
This is why it is important for buyers to know what kind of operating systems they want before they decide to purchase a mobile phone. Even if the hardware seems like a good fit, if the OS is not compatible with a user’s needs then choosing a different device would be the wiser option.
Posts Tagged ‘Sony-Ericsson-XPERIA-X2’
Understanding Mobile Platforms
Friday, June 25th, 2010Vodafone: No Love For Windows Mobile?
Monday, January 11th, 2010
No other Windows Mobile phone has been as successful as the HTC HD2 in terms of delivering the Windows experience in a whole new way. This is why anyone who would like to try the new WinMo 6.5 is best off with the HD2.
Still despite the success of this device, Vodafone has seen it fit to cease offering the HD2 only after two months of its launch –and people still consider the HD2 a great success for WinMo. This is thanks mostly to HTC’s Sense user interface which made accessing the many functions of WinMo easier. Windows Mobile is infamous for its stylus-reliant and hard-to-use interface.
With that in mind, how did the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 hold up?
The XPERIA X2 has a resistive touch screen, the SE Panels user interface and, most importantly, the phone got delayed from its holiday launch due to issues on the device. It is not a surprise that Vodafone will not even be offering the device in the first place. Officials have stated that the issues have made the device unfit for Vodafone’s 2010 lineup. Not only is this a bad thing for Windows Mobile, it is also bad news for Sony Ericsson.
The Japanese-Swedish joint venture has been plagued by problems for quite some time now.
Just last 2009, the company was forced to let go of about 2000 workers as they shut down facilities across the world and some offices the United States. They also got a bad reputation due to having the Satio pulled out of shelves due to software issues. While the Satio was indeed saved before the holidays; having the X2 delayed made the company lose major profits.
Right now it appears that the X2 may never make it to shelves at all, but with all the focus on Android Phones, it is unlikely that anyone would even miss it.
N97 Mini and X2 Pulled Out of Shelves
Friday, January 8th, 2010
Here is a dose of déjà vu; Nokia’s N97 and Sony Ericsson’s Satio went through pretty much the same problems last year when they got pulled off shelves. Now, the same problem is happening to the N97 Mini and XPERIA X2.
The N97 was beset with so many problems that at the end of the day, retailers starting pulling the device off shelves and urging people to get the N97 Mini instead; which, in retrospect, was not really a great idea. Seem like Nokia’s Mini also had its full sized share of problems as it was revealed that Orange Mobile UK would no longer be offering the device.
Apparently, the phone failed many of Orange’s quality tests.
The poor performance of the N97 Mini does nothing to help the bad image painted by the original N97. While users still claim that the Mini is far more stable than the original device, the fact that it has been off an operator’s listing shows the device still suffers from too many problems.
In a more surprising twist, Vodafone has announced that it will no longer be releasing the XPERIA X2 on its shelves, citing that the technical problems that delayed the launch of the device has made unfit to be part of Vodafone’s 2010 lineup.
While not many people are sad about the loss of a WinMo phone, it goes to show that without HTC’s Sense user interface, the OS is a mobile dead-end for manufacturers.
So as not to end on a sad note, it is important to remember that the Sony Ericsson Satio was saved by a timely hot fix that not only solved the device’s problems, but also found a way to improve the performance. The fix was then converted into a patch to update the Aino and Yari phones too.
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 Bows Out Early in the UK
Friday, January 8th, 2010Does the UK really need another WinMo phone?
Despite what many may consider to be ruddiest and worst designed user interface to be ever unleashed on the mobile phone community, the Windows Mobile 6.5 professional operating system still delivers a great degree of functionality.
HTC has been able to salvage the usefulness of the operating system by using the HTC Sense UI instead, making navigation and access of device functions easy and enjoyable –which is why the HTC HD2 WinMo phone has been successful as of late.
The Sony Ericsson X2 on the other hand, has not been so fortunate. With the device still relying mainly on the WinMo UI (despite having SE Panels), not a lot of people were curious over the phone, let alone care when the device got delayed from a pre-Holiday launch to be bumped into 2010. Now, with the first week of January already past, the X2 could very well become vaporware without anyone giving a second look.
Vodafone UK has confirmed that the device will no longer be part of their lineup despite having previously listed the X2 along with the HD2 under their business phone category.
While this may be a bit of a blow to Sony Ericsson, it is the least of the companies’ worries. Between the Satio just recently revived after getting pulled off shelves for technical problems and the company having to shut down offices and facilities across the globe, it is a wonder that SE still continues to operate today. If or when the X2 actually gets released, it is unlikely that people would actually bother with the device when there are so many better alternatives.
Besides, even if Sony Ericsson will not be delivering a WinMo phone; HTC already has three impressive WinMo phones using the HTC TouchFlo UI coming soon.
Sony XPERIA X2 Available for 500 Euro
Wednesday, January 6th, 2010There really is not much love for Windows Mobile 6.5. Even with all the great hardware Sony Ericsson is providing with its XPERIA X2, and a slightly lower than expected price of 500 Euro, it seems like nobody is paying attention. So far, the most impressive WinMo phone has already been out for over a month, the HTC HD2 with its Sense UI making short work of the originally clumsy and awkward WinMo user interface.
The X2 will be using Sony’s panels UI, but will also be reliant on the stylus with its resistive touch screen (shows that HTC has truly mastered how to handle WinMo, the HD2 uses a capacitive touch screen thanks to Sense and the upcoming HTC WinMo phones will use the TouchFlo 3D UI).
The XPERIA X2 got delayed many times to a point that a lot of people already lost interest in the device. Had it been launched last year, on time, it would have at least given the HD2 a little competition. As it is, the X2 is being released without much hype or expectation. Even the promise of a capacitive-touch screen compliant WinMo 6.5 update will not save the X2 with its resistive touch screen.
Windows and the resistive touch screen aside, the X2 does pack some pretty good hardware. It uses a Qualcomm MSM 7200 528 MHz processor, has over a 100 MB of internal storage and can support up to 16GB cards. The screen is a 3.2 inch touch screen with a color capacity of 65 thousand colors and a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels. The 1500 mAh lithium ion battery delivers up to 640 hours of standby time on 3G and 6 hours of 3G talk time when fully charged.
With the X10 just across the horizon, it would be hard to imagine if this phone will be making good sales.
The Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 Demo Video is Out
Monday, November 16th, 2009
The folks at Mobile Choice UK did a hands-on demo of the X2 and posted the video on their official site. The device is truly a sight to behold. The XPERIA X2 sports very a slick style thanks to its thin yet solid matte steel edges and the black gloss screen. With the display fully operational, the images are bright and clear to look at. The back of the device is matte black plastic with a texture that feels good to the grip. The location of the micro USB slot of the upper left edge of the device seems peculiar, while the camera on the back is placed on the upper left with the back turned to you.
The touch screen seems to respond pretty well to touch input commands and there are no significant slowdowns or lag when accessing the menu or features. Music and media playback is clean and smooth, delivering a very relaxing experience. A really impressive feature is the navigation pad of the X2 which allows users to smoothly navigate the screen without moving their finger on the screen surface itself. The slide out keypad is backlit, and looks smart – a perfect match for the rest of the smart phone.
The Sony Ericsson has decided to stop the use of Windows Mobile as an operating system and this has been further given credence by the use of the Android OS and the Symbian S60 OS on two of Sony Ericsson’s upcoming devices. The Sony Ericsson X2 is currently succeeded by the upcoming X10 – an Android 1.6 smart phone and the XPERIA Pureness – a unique keypad operated 3G mobile phone that uses a transparent display screen. The X10 is slated for early 2010 release. The upcoming S60 devices from SE are also expected to arrive next year.
Sony Ericsson Xperia X2 To Arrive In November
Tuesday, October 20th, 2009
Mobile phone manufacturer Sony Ericsson is preparing to release the Xperia X2 onto the market running Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system; it seems that the device will be available as part of Vodafone‘s handset selection, with their website already displaying November as the month of release.
The Sony Ericsson Xperia X2 has got a lot of excitement surrounding its upcoming release, although up until now we had no date to look forward to – although it was seen in Vodafone’s “coming soon” section previously, spurring rumours of an October release date, that sadly was not the case – luckily November isn’t too far off now, though.
Sony Ericsson is heavily promoting the fact that the Xperia X2 mobile phone is powered by the Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system, meaning that users will be able to enjoy viewing and editing their Microsoft Office Mobile documents as well as enjoy good multimedia functions on the handset’s 3.2 inch high resolution touch screen display. There is also a very nice slide out full QWERTY keyboard, something we’ve been missing on a lot of recently released touch screen devices.
Vodafone describes the Sony Ericsson Xperia X2 as being; “Designed for those who always need to be connected, the Sony Ericsson Xperia X2 brings great personal and business experiences into one easy-to-use mobile phone. With specifically designed preloaded Xperia panels and 16 more to download, users can work with no boundaries – and ensure you are kept up-to-date with what matters to you most. With an improved touch interface and new 3D signature panel users can benefit from flexible desktop panels designed to categorise business, fun and communication features.”
Often we aren’t 100% agreeable on the mobile phone descriptions we read from carriers, but this sounds spot on to us!
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2: Perfect for Work and for the Home
Wednesday, October 14th, 2009
Work and Home Life Functionality
There is a need for people to have functionality in a mobile phone that caters to both the needs of the home, as well as the needs of work. Typically, one usually has to take a back seat in order to satisfy the needs of the other. That means a phone might have the heavy-functionality needed for work but lacks the flexibility and fun-aspect one usually wants in a home phone. With the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2, however, people can now get the best of both worlds. They can now have the functionality of a work phone, along with the entertainment value typical of a home mobile phone.
Functions for Work
First, this mobile phone comes equipped with a full tactile QWERTY keypad that helps in typing of emails or documents. Aside from this, it also has access to RSS Feeds from the web; allowing a person access to the latest news, stock prices, and any other developments from any website that offers the feature. It also comes with the XPERIA panels UI, which one can populate with preferred applications, making these applications one click away.
This slider phone also comes with Pocket Office that allows users to access their Word documents, Excel Spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and PDF files, allowing users to bring their work wherever they may be. It also comes with push-email support that is really helpful.
Functions for the Home
As for the fun functions of the phone, it comes equipped with an 8.0 megapixel camera that has autofocus, LED flash, video capture, photo editor and TV-out capabilities. This gives people the freedom to click, capture, and show off any moment they deem significant. This offer from Sony Ericsson also has a great multimedia player, instant messaging capabilities, a great mobile Internet browser, handwriting recognition capabilities and a whole lot more.
This mobile phone truly marries home life with work life and if this is something that you need; then this is the phone for you.
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 Links:
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2: A Chance for Flexibility
Wednesday, October 7th, 2009
The new Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 is a smartphone that gives people flexibility in managing and utilizing the different features of the phone.
How to Write
First of all, this smartphone has a full QWERTY keypad that one can use when one is crafting emails, SMS, instant message, or other documents. This certainly makes typing easier but if a different experience is desired, then one can use the touchscreen. This is possible because this mobile phone comes equipped with a handwriting recognition application, allowing one to write straight on the screen, without it being inconvenient. Writing straight on the touchscreen can also allow one to jot down notes quickly without sacrificing the integrity of the message or idea being written.
The Panels Interface
Another source of flexibility comes from the XPERIA panels Interface, which is a tool users can utilize to make accessing of favored applications very easy and very convenient. People can configure this interface tool to be able to fit their needs and their preferences. This allows them the opportunity to place a Youtube application next to a panel containing CNN RSS Feeder, which allows one to shift from work to fun with a touch of a fingertip.
Work life and Leisure life
Finally, this mobile phone allows for people to seamlessly shift from work-mode to fun-mode and back. That is because its features cater to both the needs of corporate life, as well as the need for some leisure time. It comes with Pocket Office that affords users access to Excel Spreadsheets, Word Document, Powerpoint Presentation, and even PDF files.
It also features an organizer, video conferencing capabilities, and other features designed to make corporate life easier. On the other hand, this smartphone comes with an 8.0-MP camera, TV-out capabilities, a great Web browser, instant messaging function, and other applications one can use during his/her down time.
It is obvious that Sony Ericsson has released a phone that satisfies the need of people to have some flexibility in their lives. If you are looking for a mobile phone that will allow you to balance you work and play life, then this is the smartphone for you. Not only will it meet your expectations, it will exceed them.
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 Links:
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2: The Theme is Choices
Saturday, October 3rd, 2009With the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 users are given choices. They can choose to look at CNN feeds, or to watch Youtube videos. They can choose to use the 8.0-megapixel camera, or the secondary one in the front. They can opt to use the tactile QWERTY keypad, or use the touchscreen. Yes, with this slider phone, choice is definitely the theme.
Interface Choice
The first main choice users will have to make concerns the XPERIA panels UI. With this interface, users are given the convenience of having their favorite applications right in the homescreen, providing easy access to them. What users will need to decide on is the configuration of this interface. Users will be given the opportunity to assign panels different applications, according to their preference. This means that they can opt to have Youtube in one panel, while the other one is for Bloomberg; giving users free control of what goes in these panels and what are left out, depending on their personality.
Touch or QWERTY
Another choice given is whether to use the touchscreen, or the tactile QWERTY keypad and optical trackpad. With the full QWERTY keyboard, typing instant messages or emails is a breeze but with the use of the touchscreen, one can have a very different experience. This is because this slider phone comes with the ability to recognize handwriting. This means that users can simply write on the touchscreen, as they would on any paper and still get the same result as when one uses the keyboard. This adds convenience and also allows for jotting down notes quickly and efficiently.
The Final Choice
Finally, the choice left is whether or not to get this new offer from Sony Ericsson or not. Thankfully for a lot of people out there, this choice is the easiest to make, grab the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 as soon as you can. With its functionally packed software and beautiful design, choosing this slider phone is one decision you will not regret.
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 Links: