Sony Mobile

Sony Ericsson’s Anzu Xperia X12 Leak

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 18, 2010 | 19 comments

The leaks continue on the Sony Ericsson front and we are happy to bring them to you. Following up on the Playstation Phone leaks, we now have some pictures and specs to share for you on the codenamed Anzu. Anzu, which we believe will eventually be called the Xperia X12, is the newest from Sony Ericsson to be sporting the Android OS. Unlike previous models that have been late to the Android OS updates, the Xperia X12 is believed to be currently using the Android 2.1 build but will actually ship with Gingerbread in Q1 next year. This would make the Xperia X12 one of the first phones to be shipping with Android 2.3 and could be a nice flagship model for both Sony and Google to show the Android platform.

Notice anything else from the picture? How about the fact that this thing is damn thin! Other things we know about the phone from its current build:

4.3-inch display
HDMI Out
1080p recording

Hit the jump for some more pictures.

[Via Xperai X10 Blog]

PSP2 and the Playstation Phone Are Two Different Products

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 17, 2010 | 10 comments

Lately, there has been plenty of talk about the next generation PSP, so far being called dubbed as the PSP2. During the same week when rumors hit an all time high for the device, there were also leaks about the upcoming Playstation Phone, and the internet exploded with speculations and rumors, sometimes mixing both devices into one. The first fact that needs to be discussed is that the PSP2 and the Playstation Phone are two different projects, both of course headed by Sony. While it’s no shocker that the Playstation division is working on the PSP2, Sony is also tapping into its Sony Ericsson partnership for the Playstation Phone as this is meant to be a fully functional phone that is also a gaming device. It’s very important to note that these are two different products for the fact that it seems Sony is taking completely different approaches with each. Many might jump to the iPhone/iPod Touch strategy that Apple employs where both products are very similar, yet one of course is a fully functional phone with internet capabilities all the time while the other instead relies on Wi-Fi to jump on the net, yet still boasts the same power and screen factor.

Hit the jump for the rest of this article.

Sony to Close Down Vaio Factory in San Diego?

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 12, 2010 | 3 comments

Sonys last remaining factory in San Diego is designated to the Vaio CTO (configure to order). If rumors are correct, then in order to reduce costs and be more efficient, Sony will be shutting down this San Diego plant and moving operations to their Chinese and Japanese plants. If this does indeed pan out, there is no word on what the factory would be used for, if used at all, or if Sony would simply sell it. In the reality of it, as PC users want more and more cheap units, something that Sony does not indulge itself in like Apple, it’s not a surprise to see demand for custom-ordered laptops to dwindle down and for Sony to not need multiple factories. This is especially true with the surge in demand for tablet units as the industry starts to shift.

[Via SonyInsider]

Sony Ericssons and AT&T Run Special on Xperia X10, Just $99

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 5, 2010 | 28 comments

I’m not sure how long this deal will last, but the recently updated Xperia X10 is enjoying a new price via AT&T. Now, you can get the normally $499 (previously marked at $149) unlocked phone with a two year contract for only $99. Better yet, you will get a free Micro 8GB card as well. Again, I have to applaud Sony here. Sell them cheap via two-year and make the money back from the carrier like Apple does with the iPhone. It’s not like the iPhone 4 is really a $200 device but not many people are willing to pay $600. Same is true for Sony here. Especially with how attractive this phone is and it finally stepping in 2010 with the Android 2.1 update.

[Via SonyStyle]

Sony Ericsson Cybershot S006 Cellphone Offers 16.1 Megapixel Camera

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 4, 2010 | 2 comments

Well, that didn’t take long. In Japan, Sony Ericsson is offering the Cybershot S006 cell phone to provider KDDI with a 16.1 megapixel camera we reported a little while back. Other specs include:

Up to ISO 12800
1GHz Snapdragon processor
3.3-inch screen
WiFi
Bluetooth
GPS

The phone is set to launch in spring with no announced price tag yet. Don’t expect to see this phone in the US or European market as it runs on Sony’s own internal OS and not Android, which has been their primary push. More than likely, this will stay a Japan or Asian exclusive.

[Via KDDI]

Sony to Ramp Up Playstation Phone Process with more Android Engineers?

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 2, 2010 | 6 comments

By now, you have probably read our story on the leaked Playstation Phone. Sony has always had Android 3.0 in mind in order to give them the flexibility that they want to provide a true phone and gaming device in one. Now, an available job posted in the Playstation division points to more confirmation that this project is indeed gearing up with “experience in mobile development, specifically Android” as one of the requirements for hire.

[Via Sony Jobs]

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 to Gain Android 2.1 This Weekend

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 29, 2010 | 2 comments

After several delays, Sony Ericsson is finally bringing its Xperia X10 to the year 2010 (just in time for 2011) by giving its users Android OS 2.1. Starting on Sunday, October 31st, Sony is going to roll out the over the air software in small segments to its users and gradually increase the adoption rate throughout November. So don’t be surprised if your Xperia X10, X10 Mini and X10 Mini Pro does not notify you for an update as this will be a month long transition.

Hit the jump for a list of changes Xperia 10 owners will get from Android 1.6 to 2.1.

Sony Ericsson Posts Q3 Profit, Where To Go From Here?

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 29, 2010 | 1 comment

For the third quarter in a row, Sony Ericsson has posted a profit $69 million on a $2.26 billion income. Though that might not be a high profit level compared to other handset makers like HTC and Nokia, this is a big turn around for a company who was losing money quarter after quarter. During this time, Sony has released the Xperia X10 and Xperia X8 and shifted their strategy to smartphones with Android. Even though the numbers shipped from Sony have dipped, compared to prior quarters, Chief Executive Bert Nordberg thinks that the company is on the right track.

“Our strategy to focus on the smartphone segment is succeeding and smartphones now comprise more than 50% of our total sales. During the quarter, we launched our Android-based Xperia models in new markets, such as China and the U.S.”

Still, this isn’t all that bad for Sony. Remember, Apple only makes one or two iPhones, depending on how you look at it (the iPhone 4 and 3GS) and they rake in the cash. Of course, Sony and Apple are not in the same position so it’s a very rough comparison, but the point is that Sony does not need to make 20 different handsets like before to be profitable. Instead, Sony needs to steadily increase their presence in the Android community with newer phones and target all different consumers. That means making both lower end $100 handsets, as well as the $300 handsets. Another must for Sony Ericsson will be to amp up their brand awareness. Although still known in Europe and Japan, Sony Ericsson has all but no name. Till now, their strategy had mostly been to sell unlocked phones through their website and select retail stores that come at a much higher price point. But in today’s world where an iPhone 3GS starts at $99 with a two year contract, a $500 unlocked phone is not an attractive offer. Instead, Sony needs to continue to partner with carriers and offer subsidized pricing on its phones to draw in the consumer. A commercial once in a blue moon wouldn’t hurt either. Also Sony, please stop shipping smartphones with Android 1.6. That OS is over a year old.

[Via Sony Ericsson]

The PSP or Playstation Phone, Leaked. We Have Full Details and Specs

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 27, 2010 | 4 comments

It seems like the Playstation Phone is indeed real. We’re still not sure if the Playstation Phone or PSP phone is the same as the PSP2 or if these are two different projects Sony is working on. If they are the same thing, I would very much hope that the only way to get your hands on it is not by having to activate a phone. This makes me believe that either they are different projects or that you may get the next PSP in a phone version or just a handheld gaming console.

The following images are courtesy of Engadget who through reliable sources has been able to snap of plenty of pictures from this internally dubbed “Zues” project from Sony. As you can tell, the device is a mix of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 and the PSPgo. The device is currently said to be running some version of Android 2.0 but many believe will actually ship with Android 3.0 once it’s set to launch. If you look at the pictures, you can tell that the device slides open like the PSPgo to reveal the gaming controls. Instead of the cingular thumb stick found on the current PSPs, there is now a sleep touch track pad which will probably allow for dual thumb stick controls, as well as singular. You can also note that on the sides, the device also has the trigger finger, exactly like the PSPgo. If based on the Xperia X10 and some of the leaked information, we can put the following specs together:

1GHz Qualcomm MSM8655
512MB of RAM
1GB of ROM
8.1 Megapixel Still Camera
HD Video Recording
4.0 Touch Screen
Image Stabilization
MicroSD Card

We will bring you plenty more as it comes but for now, hit the jump for more pictures of this device. For the record, Sony is probably the worst company when it comes to keeping secrets. Way too many leaks. It should also be noted that the device we see here is still a prototype so the final design will probably very different, especially when it comes to aesthetics.

[Via Engadget]

Sony Ericssons Xperia X10, Exclusive to Best Buy with Taylor Swift

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 18, 2010 | 9 comments

Last week, we talked about the Sony Ericsson Xpera X10 coming to Best Buy on October 24th and the possibility of it being an exclusive product over there. We now have confirmation that indeed, Best Buy will be the only store, outside of Sonys on Sony Style stores to carry the Xperia X10. This AT&T only phone will be offered for $99 with a two year contract which is not bad at all, considering all other similar phones retail for around $149 or $199. Sony is also be pre-loading in the Xperia X10 what it called the “The Essential Taylor Swift Experience,” which is meant to promote the new Tayler Swift album that will be released on October 25th by none other than Sony/BMG. Including will be two albums, a new single, ringtone and video content, and access to her new album. And interesting promotion at a very intriguing price.

Hit the jump for the full press release.

Sony Ericsson Teams Up With Best Buy to Offer Xperia X10

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 14, 2010 | 1 comment

Sony Ericsson and Best Buy are teaming up to bring you the Xperia X10 on October 24th and you can reserver yours today with a $50 deposit. It’s believed that for the time being, this will be a Best Buy exclusive, outside of Sonys own retail stores.

Sony Starts Shipping Xperia X8, Still Sports Android 1.6

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 12, 2010 | 854 comments

Sony Ericsson has started to ship the Xperia X8, the smaller, less beefy version of the Xperia X10. The unit includes what you would expect with GPS, 3G, Wi-Fi and touchscreen. Less stellar is its 600mhz processor and 3.2 fix focus camera, but then again, its not meant to be a flagship unit and not everybody cares for all the bells and whistles out there. Currently, this unit ships with Android 1.6, but an update to Android 2.1 is expected for later in the year. Although I’m not too clear about the contract based price of this phone sense those shift weekly with provider promotions, you can pick this unit up from Sony unlocked with no contract for $300.

Hit the jump for a video overview of the Xperia X8 which will give you a pretty good feel of what Sonys take is on the smart phone.

Sony Updates Vaio Z Lineup, Looks at Apple and says "What?"

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 7, 2010 | 10 comments

Sony has just updated their 13″ Vaio Z lineup with just about every feature you could ask for, beating out Apple’s 13″,15″ and 17″ MacBook Pro when it comes to power. This little 13.3 inch laptop can be configured with a Intel Core i5-460M (2.53GHz), Core i5-580M (2.66GHz) or Core i7-640M (2.8GHz) processor, 8GB of DDR3 RAM and a 256GB or 512GB SSD hard drive. Yea, no more SATA drives for this lineup. If that’s not enough, you can also get a NVIDIA’s GeForce GT330M graphics card and a Blu-ray player/burner. All this is then wrapped in the ever-so-classy carbon fiber case with a 1920 x 1080 resolution screen. Holy shit. Santa, I swear I’ve been a good boy. But remember, Apple still can’t figure out the whole Blu-ray thing, not even on their high end Mac Pro towers.

[Via Sony Style]

Sony Brings New Navigation XNV-770BT and XNV-660BT + TomTom to the US

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 6, 2010 | 12 comments

Remember those new Sony Navigation units we talked about last month with TomTom and Google integration? Well it looks like Sony will be bringing the XNV-770BT and XNV-660BT to the US as well. For those are TomTom users, expect all the features like IQ Routes, Advanced Lane Guidance, MapShare and six million POIs. Look for these to launch in November with a $1,000 starting price. Hit our old article on the Sony Navigation for a full list of features.

Sony Xperia Won’t Gain Android 2.1 Till Late October

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 4, 2010 | 17 comments

Sony Ericsson continues to be one troubled division, seeming to be schizophrenic. There are times where the company gets it and decides to get into the smartphone war with a lower price to gain some shares and even abandon dead formats. Then, during the same big launch, Sony releases its Xperia X10 and Xperia X10 Mini Pro with Android 1.6, already a dated OS. Now, after promising a September release date, Sony wont be giving its users Android 2.1 till late October. This of course wouldn’t be as bad if Android 2.1 hadn’t been out for months, but not only has 2.1 been available all summer, but 2.2 is currently out as well. Sony needs to realize that the smartphone market is moving fast and every other week there is a new device coming out that wants to be king of the hill. Sony Ericsson, who has not had any real presence in the US market, cannot afford to enter the market with outdated software. This then brings us to the point that this is a software upgrade. All Sony needs to do is to give Xperia users new build to download and they will gain all the new features. Now I understand that there needs to be engineering and coding to make sure the build works with all of the Xperia features and layouts but this is work that should have been done months ago. In order for Sony to truly compete, they cannot play catch up with everybody else. They need be aggressive, both in their pricing, marketing, and support of their smartphone lineup.

[Via Sony Ericsson Blog]