Hoping to forge ahead in its quest to lead mobile convergence, Sony Ericsson has this week introduced the first handset from its new XPERIA brand. The conveniently titled XPERIA X1 is being positioned by its creators as the ideal mobile phone to address the growing demand for Web-based communication and multimedia entertainment.
Sony Ericsson unveils its new arc-slider XPERIA X1 handset. Credit: Sony Ericsson
The X1, which sounding not unlike a prototype test rocket from the 1960s, will arrive as an arc slider phone that offers users an impressive 3-inch clear wide VGA display screen (800 x 480) and a sleek curved QWERTY keyboard encased in a sleek metal-finish body.
“XPERIA represents the first brand that is truly borne from within Sony Ericsson. It represents our vision for a premium, energised communication experience,” enthused Dee Dutta, Head of Marketing at Sony Ericsson. “This launch, and the announcement of the X1, further strengthens the overall Sony Ericsson brand and places us at the forefront of mobile convergence.”
That “energised communication” comes in the form of Windows Mobile 6, which allows X1 users to select from a “dynamic range of activities at anytime and anywhere,” outlines Sony Ericsson, which is keen to point out that a world of experiences becomes available on the X1 simply by touching the XPERIA panel located on its display screen.
Features to be found on the X1 include access to Web, multimedia and other applications through the XPERIA panel(s) interface, 4-way key and optical joystick navigation, and seamless operation mode switching. Web connection is provided by Internet Explorer Mobile, while multimedia duties are handled by the likes of Windows Media Player Mobile, Bluetooth, PlayNow, Java, and FM Radio.
The X1 enjoys a healthy data transfer rate thanks to HSDPA/HSUPA and Wi-Fi support via the Windows Mobile operating system. It also comes equipped with 400MB of (expandable) memory, built in aGPS, a 3.2 mega pixel camera, and a host of Microsoft software applications such as Office Mobile and Outlook Mobile.
Here’s the full list of the X1’s specifications:
Camera
Auto focus
3.2 mega pixel 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
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
No price range has been released at this juncture. Expect that and more information on availability closer to the phone’s release, which is currently scheduled across selected markets in the second half of 2008.
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