Sony Ericsson

Sony Ericsson’s Xperia Play Retail Booths Leaked

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 4, 2011 | 10 comments

The still unannounced PlayStation Phone of sorts, the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, continues its streak of public leaks. The latest is the retail booths, designed to place in retailer outlets such Best Buy to help the product stand out from the now ever-so-crowded Android market. In this case, these booths emphasize the gaming capability of the Xperia Play, in hopes of drawing in the gamers on the go. As a quick recap, the Xperia Play will boast a 4-inch multitouch 854 x 480 LCD, 1GHz Processor, 512MB of RAM, 802.11 b/g/n, 8 Megapixel Camera with 720p Video Recording and Android 2.3 to name a few.

These booths come as a great step for Sony, helping to show off the company’s new phone as well as hopefully raise the company’s profile in the US. As we reported, Sony Ericsson has enjoyed some success in Europe, selling over 9 million Xperia X10 products. Still, we think the company has some way to go before it can really compete with the likes of HTC, LG and Motorola. This is more due in part to lack of brand awareness than quality of products.

[Via All About Phones]

Sony Ericsson Admits They’ve Made Mistakes, Says 2011 Will Be Better

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 31, 2011 | 2 comments

It’s always humbling to see a company be willing to look back, reflect, and admit that they have made mistakes. It’s even better when the company has learned from the mistakes and is both willing and planning on doing better. With the Sony Ericsson Arc on the horizon, it seems that Sony Ericsson will indeed have a different attitude and offering during 2011.

“The first generation of handsets in our portfolio was about getting the capability out there”, Steve Walker (Acting) global head of marketing for Sony Ericsson.

During 2010, Sony released the Xperia X10, X10 Mini, X10 Mini Pro which have now surpassed 9 million shipped though they all shipped with outdated Android 1.6 and only recently saw an upgrade path to 2.1. This and a lack of marketing and strategy made it hard for Sony to stand out from the crowded Android market with the likes of HTC, Motorola and LG.

“It’s important to remember that 2010 was the first year for mass market Android handsets. Yes there had been one or two things out from HTC previously, but when we started to design our 2010 handsets in 2008, nobody really knew the dynamics of the Android smartphone market or even what the smartphone market was going to be”, explains Walker in respect of a range that hasn’t been too well received over the last 12 months.

“None of us could predict 2 years previously, to what extent users would switch into smartphones. None of us could really predict what would be more important and less important for consumers”.

Sony Ericsson Ships 9 million Xperia Android Phones

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 28, 2011 | 3 comments

With Sony Ericssons Q4 results in, it turned out to be a case of good news bad news for the struggling partnership that has been having high hopes on their new phones. In the last year, Sony Ericsson has been looking to turn their fortunes around, especially with the rise of popular devices like the iPhone and Android has been their savior like almost all other phone makers. During this time, Sony has released the Xperia X10, X10 Mini, X10 Mini Pro which have now surpassed 9 million shipped. This is the good news for Sony and this achievement is that much more impressive when you consider that the Xperia X10 is the only one of the series that was released in the US and it was a product that was never advertised. Other sites have noted that this is equally impressive because most of this fleet was running around during 2010 with the outdated Android 1.6 and only recently saw an upgrade path to 2.1. Still the bad news is that this comes as profits dip with the company reporting a moderate €35 million pre-tax profit for Q4. Though this is below what the company had hoped for and lower then previous quarters, this is still a large turnaround for a division that was losing money left and right just a little over a year ago.

Live Blogging the PlayStation Teams “Live From Japan: PlayStation Meeting 2011” (Pictures and Specs)

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 26, 2011 | 5 comments

Well, I can’t say that our site was magically able to afford a ticket to Tokyo and attend the PlayStation meet so instead, I’ll be going through all the news provided by Sony and other media sites and will be reporting them here. So check back now and especially in the following day and we gather all the bits of information that is likely to be the PlayStation Portable 2 (PSP2) or the PlayStation Phone.

10:10: Video montage of the PlayStation vision that was shown at the 2005 E3 is being shown. This is to show what their vision was then and where they are now, almost 6 years later.

“Let me start off by showing you video footage. It is the same clip we showed at E3 5 1/2 years ago, because we want to revisit the image of the future we revealed in 2005”

10:12 Kaz Hirai: “I believe a lot of what we envisioned back then has materialized for our users.”

10:13 Kaz is setting the audience up for the new device they are looking to introduce.

“Today, I’d like to speak about a whole new world that PlayStation is about to bring to reality”

Kaz believes that the PlayStation 3 “has won its place as the center of the living room” and that the next challenge for Sony will be to win what device is in peoples hand.

10:15 A whopping 80% of PS3’s are connected to the internet.

10:16 As of January 25th, there is over 69 million PSN accounts. This includes PS3, PSP and accounts created to access PlayStation content online like the PlayStation Blog.

“When we released PSP, cell phone providers were unable to deliver PlayStation quality content. After 6 years, these multi-function handheld devices are ready for PlayStation-like experiences”

10:20 Sony wants to deliver the PlayStation experience to a wider audiences, something that was not possible in 2005, especially with phone technology.

10:21 Sony has announced the PlayStation Suit. It is a cross endeavor platform.

“PS Suite will make PS content available on Android smartphones and tablets”

Hit the jump for our continuing live coverage and additional photos.

NGP: With Front/Rear Camera and Front/Back Touchscreen

Live Blogging the PlayStation Teams "Live From Japan: PlayStation Meeting 2011" (Pictures and Specs)

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 26, 2011 | 15 comments

10:10: Video montage of the PlayStation vision that was shown at the 2005 E3 is being shown. This is to show what their vision was then and where they are now, almost 6 years later.

“Let me start off by showing you video footage. It is the same clip we showed at E3 5 1/2 years ago, because we want to revisit the image of the future we revealed in 2005”

10:12 Kaz Hirai: “I believe a lot of what we envisioned back then has materialized for our users.”

10:13 Kaz is setting the audience up for the new device they are looking to introduce.

“Today, I’d like to speak about a whole new world that PlayStation is about to bring to reality”

Kaz believes that the PlayStation 3 “has won its place as the center of the living room” and that the next challenge for Sony will be to win what device is in peoples hand.

10:15 A whopping 80% of PS3’s are connected to the internet.

10:16 As of January 25th, there is over 69 million PSN accounts. This includes PS3, PSP and accounts created to access PlayStation content online like the PlayStation Blog.

“When we released PSP, cell phone providers were unable to deliver PlayStation quality content. After 6 years, these multi-function handheld devices are ready for PlayStation-like experiences”

10:20 Sony wants to deliver the PlayStation experience to a wider audiences, something that was not possible in 2005, especially with phone technology.

10:21 Sony has announced the PlayStation Suit. It is a cross endeavor platform.

“PS Suite will make PS content available on Android smartphones and tablets”

Hit the jump for our continuing live coverage and additional photos.

NGP: With Front/Rear Camera and Front/Back Touchscreen

First Official Pictures of the PSP2?

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 24, 2011 | 6 comments

Though by now we all know what the inevitable PlayStation Phone will look like, the PSP2 has been guarded more closely by Sony. We’ve received bits and pieces of information here and there with a supposed spec sheet and rumors of the unit losing its UMD drive (a no brainer really) and being as powerful as the Xbox 360. Starting last week, new rumors started to go around that Sony is planning on announcing and showing off the PSP2 for the first time on the 27th of this month. That puts it at just 2 days away by the time you read this and it might lead some to believe that the above picture is indeed legitimate. I for one am not buying into the rumor. If it’s indeed a scan of the press photo that will be handed out on the 27th, and that is what those behind this leak claim, then why it it at such a low resolution? Better yet, why do some parts of the image appear more crisp then others? Also, a stylus? I just don’t see Sony releasing a gaming device that is meant to go toe to toe with the iPod Touch being released with a stylus. Still, we are only 2 days away and we will find out soon enough.

Editorial: Sony Wants to Become a Top Android Handset Maker. Can They Do It?

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 21, 2011 | 9 comments

Sony Ericsson finally got into the Android handset race mid 2010 and its been a bumpy ride for the two company partnership ever sense. Though they offer a few models, starting with the current flagship Xperia X10, followed by the Xperia X10 mini and Xperia X10 Mini Pro, Sony has been unable to gain much traction within the cellphone world (though to be fair to them, the company currently claims that they have 17% of the Android market in Europe). Some might point towards the fact that its been hard to find their devices out of few Sony Style stores and now Best Buy promotion. Other might think that the problem has been with the lackluster Android support that we have chronicled on this site with the Xperia X10 finally getting Android 2.1 in late December, months after devices like the Droid X, X2 and HTC Evo had them. Still, Sony Ericsson has been bullish on its prospects and the company has gone on record, stating that it wants to be the top Android handset provider. Can they do it? Currently, I say no.

Sony Ericsson Arc Will Comes With Android 2.3, Not 2.4

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 20, 2011 | 11 comments

Remember those screen shots from the Sony Ericsson Arc sporting Android 2.4 during CES? Well many started to speculate if there was another build of Android after 2.3 before the OS went into 3.0 category and if so, did this have something to do with the PlayStation experience Sony is looking to bring to it’s PlayStation phone. As it turns out, the simple answer is no. Seeing how the Sony Ericsson Arc has yet to go into full production, Sony had to grab still prototype models to use as displays for CES and one phone happened to be sporting the wrong code and thus was showing 2.4. This ended up being part of no greater coverup or surprise from Sony and Google and instead was just an internal code error from Sony. So nothing to see here folks, move right along.

No OS Updates from Sony Ericcson for Xperia X10 Beyond Android 2.1

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 19, 2011 | 2 comments

I’ve long chronicled the hardship Xperia X10 users have had to deal with, with it comes to Android and the latest offerings from Sony. Sony Ericsson first launched the Xperia X10 in Fall with Android 1.6 which for it’s time was already out of date and it took the company till late December to begin a true roll out to Android 2.1. Still, at least those users now have the semi current build of Android. But what about Android 2.2 and 2.3? Not so much says Sony. A few quotes from Sony Ericsson:

“We believe that the current Xperia range on Android 2.1 coupled with Sony Ericsson’s proprietary upgrades and unique hardware delivers a user experience that is on par with, and in many cases better than, a vanilla installation of Android 2.2.

We’re planning another upgrade to bring new features (such as for example multi-touch for Xperia X10) to the current family of Xperia™ smartphones in Q1 2011.

Our priority right now is to keep enhancing the user experience of the existing products through coming updates and to deliver a fantastic range of smartphones in 2011 that are all on the latest possible version of Android – that is a target we are determined to hit.”

So this is a case of good news, bad news. The bad news is obviously that Sony isn’t looking to bring further Android OS releases to the Xperia X10. The good is that the X10, X10 Mini and X10 Mini Pro are not being abandoned. Instead, Sony will release it’s own updates for the phones, like Pinch-t0-zoom, something that is completely different from improvements from Google’s Android and can give Sony specific areas to improve upon, without having to wait for the mothership to do something about it. Just keep in mind, the up coming Sony Ericsson Arc will sport Android 2.3 from day one.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc Announced; We Have Specs

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 12, 2011 | 26 comments

Though not the PlayStation Phone, Sony Ericsson did have a new phone to show off during CES, the Xperia Arc. This 4.2-inch phone packs some of the latest from both Sony and Google by being one of the thinnest Android phones out there with a thickness just under 8.7mm and running Android 2.3 as the OS backbone. With the latest OS comes great power and a 1GHz Snapdragon processor should please the multitasker and ADHD kid inside of you, while the phones 8.3 mexapixel Sony Exmor R camera with LED flash should give the photo camps something to smile about also. Other little tidbits about the phone include a 802.11n wireless card and HDMI out. Another first for Sony is the collaboration between the Sony Ericcsson and Bravia division to produce what Sony calls “Reality Display” with a Mobile BRAVIA Engine. This new screen is meant to fight off the Super AMOLED display from Samsung and the Retina Display from Apple with Bravia engineers optimizing the engine, insuring optimal brightness and color with special focus on deep blacks when it comes to video and game playback. As I mentioned, this also marks a first for Sony as two completely separate divisions are collaborating on a singular device to draw from the strength of Ericssons phone design and the Bravia teams know how of displays. Hopefully we will continue to see further collaboration between Sony’s many different devisions as they have a vast array of products and offerings that can complement and build off of each other, while helping to reduce cost and the need to go to 3rd party venders for parts and licensing. Once released, the phone will be available in two colors, Midnight Blue and Misty Silver.

Hit the jump for another shot of the Xperia Arc and full press release from Sony.

Check out our Photos from the CES 2011 Sony Press Conference

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 6, 2011 | 16 comments

Head over to our Flickr Page to check out pictures from the CES 2011 Sony Press Conference. Expect a lot more details overviews of products, offerings and pictures from the Sony Booth to come as we attend our second day at CES.

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]

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.