Phones

Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman Lands at the FCC

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 12, 2011 | 16 comments

More often than not, the FCC tends to be a good indicator of a product’s release. Only when a product has been built to final specs will the FCC place their stamp of approval and only with FCC clearance can a product enter the US market. Now, the Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman is getting the honors from the FCC. This Android Gingerbread 2.3 Walkman is designed to target music lovers out there while keeping the costs low for the end user. Now, the FCC is showing us the innards of this device. As always, you can find plenty more pictures after the jump.

Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY 4G Heads to AT&T for $50

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 8, 2011 | 65 comments

Previously thought of as the PlayStation phone, the Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY has now been available for a few months on Verizon for $99 with a two-year contract. The first of its kind, this PlayStation Certified phone is designed to give users all the functionalities of a traditional Android smartphone with the twist of a slide-out keypad that reveals PlayStation-like controls. The device is aimed at those who want to game on the go without carrying multiple devices. PlayStation Certified Android phones will also get exclusive access to PlayStation One games and games which are designed to take advantage of the system’s unique controls.

Now we’ve learned from today’s announcement that there will be a new variation of this phone. The Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY 4G is headed to AT&T on September 18th for $49 with a two-year contract. This means that the Xperia PLAY 4G can tap into AT&T’s Edge, 3G, and HSPA+ network throughout the US. Sticking to its commitment, Sony Ericsson is also making sure that its Android phone launched with the latest version of Android, so expect to see Android 2.3.3 when you power on the device. After the jump, we give you the phone’s specs, 7 pre-loaded games, which includes Madden NFL, and the full press release.

Meet the Sony Ericsson Xperia arc S. We Have Specs

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 2, 2011 | 16 comments

Announced just under a year ago at CES 2011, Sony Ericsson is now refreshing the Xperia arc. The Sony Ericsson Xperia arc S, as the model will be known, is quite similar in design to its predecessor. Underneath the hood is a different question. The Xperia arc S is now stepping into the 1GHz+ category with a single core 1.4GHz chipset (MSM8255T), 512MB RAM and the Adreno 205 GPU. This new combination is said to result in a 25% faster camera and 20% faster web rendering when compared to the Xperia arc.

Launching this October, the Xperia arc S will also get a improved 8.1 megapixel camera with an Exmor R sensor. 3D sweep panorama mode is also added, though it will be taking 2D pictures and converting them to 3D, instead of native 3D. Coming in the same 4.2-inch multitouch display as the Xperia arc, this Android 2.3.4 phone will be available in Pure White, Midnight Blue, Misty Silver, Gloss Black, and Sakura Pink. No word yet on pricing or carrier availability. After the jump, a video preview, additional pictures (including the other colors)and a press release awaits you.

Sony Ericsson to Release LiveDock Accessory. Allows Xperia Phones to be Controlled via USB Keyboard/Mouse & PS3 Controller

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 26, 2011 | 20 comments

Sony Ericsson will soon be releasing a new accessory for their Xperia line of phones. Dubbed the LiveDock, this smartphone dock allows you to charge your phone and watch videos in landscape mode. Sony will also be releasing a LiveWare manager application that allows you to launch specific apps like a clock or photo slideshow that will take advantage of the phones horizontal placement. Those who purchase multiple LiveDock units can also set which application they would like to launch automatically when connected to the dock. An example would be to have your slideshows launch when docked at home while a clock appears when docked at work.

The power management and phone attachment will be handled via a microUSB for power, and a USB port for connecting USB devices. Come Android 2.3.4’s release, the LiveDock will get boost of functionality from some unlikely devices. That’s because users who plug a USB keyboard and mouse or a PS3 controller via USB will be able to control their Xperia smartphone from that given input device. Even Xbox 360 controllers will work! The video below from SE-First should give you a good idea how the device will work.

After the jump, you can find a list of compatible phones, as well one additional picture.

Gmail Plugin for Sony Ericsson’s Timescape Now Available

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 23, 2011 | 19 comments

One of the unique features from Sony Ericsson’s Xperia line of Android phones is Timescape. This is a new native app, built from the ground up by Sony, which is designed to bring together Facebook, Twitter, text messages, and missed calls in one window. The app not only lets you view the latest information, but also to respond back, directly from within the app. Thanks to a new Gmail plugin which can be found in the Android Market, users can now also view emails from Gmail right within the Timescape window. However, keep in mind that the Gmail plugin is not developed by Sony and does have some limitations—like the inability to open the specified conversation and the void of contact images.

[Via Xperia Blog]

Sony Ericsson Announces ‘Live with Walkman’ Android Smartphone, Targets Music Lovers. We Have Specs

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 22, 2011 | 3 comments

If you’ve been craving an iPod-Touch-like smartphone that runs on Android, instead of Apple’s iOS, then today’s announcement should give you something to look forward to. Sony Ericsson has announced a new Walkman phone, named “Live with Walkman.” Powered by Android 2.3, this 1GHz processor smartphone is aimed at music lovers by enabling features like a dedicated Walkman button that will automatically launch the new Walkman music interface (which is capable of taking music from your PC iTunes library). Continuing that theme, users will also find a handful of unique Facebook integrations, like sharing your current song to Facebook, and discovering new music. Qriocity, Sony’s music streaming service will also play a central role, giving owners the capability to streaming music. After the jump, you can find additional specs, including more details on Facebook integration, photos and an official press release.

Sony Ericsson Xperia arc Challenges the Sun’s Power, Helps Plants Grow

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 18, 2011 | 4 comments

LCD screens today, compared to a few years ago, are drastically brighter and yet more efficient then before. Even without new technology like Sony’s WhiteMagic LCD, new smartphones can be extremely bright and the Xperia arc is no exception. How bright though can be a matter of your definition. However, if your smartphone is powerful enough to do the job of the Sun, I think we can all agree that it’s got one major LCD backing behind it. Sony wanted to prove just that and so it created the following video which attempts to see if the Sony Ericsson Xperia arc is capable of helping flowers bloom in place of the Sun’s rays. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, sit back, and relax while the video unfolds after the jump.

Skype Video Chatting Extends to the Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY and Others

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 9, 2011 | 2 comments

When Skype made its video chatting debut on Android handsets, Sony Ericsson phones were in line to be some of the first phones to receive this functionality. Now, the list of Sony Ericsson smartphones with Skype video chatting compatibility of gone up again. This latest rounds of update now adds the Xperia PLAY, Xperia ray and Xperia mini pro to the elite list. However, there is still no word on when Sony will drop this silly name capitalization scheme. Head to the Android Market to download the free Skype app.

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Gingerbread (2.3) Rollout Finally Begins

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 5, 2011 | 36 comments

The once-prematurely-announced Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Gingerbread (2.3) has taken a cue from the Autobots and begun its rollout. The new software update, which is slowly expanding from country to country, “will update your X10 to Android 2.3.3 (firmware 3.0.1.G.0.75) on Baseband 2.1.71 and Kernel 2.6.29-00054-g5f01537.” The software update, which can only be installed from your PC (again, sorry Mac users) via the PC Companion software, is currently issued to only 10% of the Xperia X10 phones. If you’ve checked via the PC Companion software and have yet to receive the new update, the best you can do is to hang tight and wait during the next week as the update expands to your territory.

[Via XperiaX10]

Sony Ericsson Xperia arc and PLAY Gain Landscape Home Screen, DLNA and More

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 3, 2011 | 3 comments

If you’re all about landscape mode with your Xperia arc or PLAY when it comes to surfing, gaming and texting but have been left empty handed when it comes to your home screen, then this news should brighten up your day. A new Android 2.3.3. Firmware version number 4.0.A.2.368 is now available for both devices which adds support for a landscape home screen, allowing you to rotate your phone while having your icons adjust. Other goodies in the new update include DLNA compatibility with Digital Home devices, allowing for streaming of content back and forth between DLNA certified devices. Last but not least, both phones are also receiving a new xLoud mode which boosts the volume from the speakers with little distortion. Those with a PC (sorry Mac users), a USB cable and the PC Companion software can fire up their machine for this small update.

[Via Xperia Blog]

Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini Lands At the FCC

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 2, 2011 | 16 comments

Following in the footsteps of big brother Xperia Mini Pro, the Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini has also landed at the FCC for some photos with a ruler. The Xperia Mini is considered to be one of the smallest Android phones around that is capable of capturing HD footage while also running the latest Android 2.3 Gingerbread build. However, unlike the Xperia Mini Pro, which sports a sliding keyboard, the Xperia Mini will only give you a touchscreen to work its wonders with. Hit the jump if you’re in the mood for some more Xperia Mini and ruler photos or if you would like to see the the internals of this tiny phone.

Qriocity Video Streaming Lands on Sony Ericsson Xperia Handsets Today

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 1, 2011 | 2 comments

With the realization that all content will one day be accessed via the cloud, Sony created their Qriocity Music Unlimited services which allows for unlimited music streaming to capable devices for a monthly fee. What many might not be aware of is that there also has been a video version of Qriocity in the works as well. Starting today, Qriocity video-streaming will be available to the Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini and Xperia Mini Pro in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Australia, Japan, Canada and the United States. Through a separate software update later in the year, Sony’s other handsets, which include the Xperia arc, Xperia neo, Xperia PLAY, Xperia pro, and Xperia acro, will also be receiving Sony’s Qriocity video-streaming services.

Unlike Qriocity Music Unlimited which gave you unlimited music for a monthly fee, Qriocity video-streaming will be more like an on-demand and pay-per-view offering which will give you different prices, depending on if you want to buy or rent movies and TV shows. Current studios onboard with the program include:

NBC
Universal International Television Distribution
Paramount Pictures
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Warner Bros. Digital Distribution
Local studios

The only big studio missing from the current lineup is Disney, though I cannot imagine them staying away from a revenue stream for too long. For those with eligible phones, just head to the Android Market and search for Qriocity to download the free application.

[Via Sony Ericsson]

Android 2.3 Gingerbread Coming Soon to Sony Ericsson Xperia X10

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 27, 2011 | 9 comments

In 2010, the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 was the flagship smartphone from Sony Ericsson. Upon its release to the wild, the device that was designed to lead the then ailing company from the “dumbphone” to the smartphone revolution was already out of date, running Android 1.6 while many competitors were already running newer builds. Throughout the coming months, Sony Ericsson would continue an internal transition to the new business model and phone offerings and at time give hopes to X10 owners with small updates. Eventually, Sony would announce that the Xperia X10 would never see the light beyond Android 2.1 which would be release in late December of 2010. Then, something happened internally at Sony and they began to announce new and exciting models with the latest Android OS already on them. As the company escelated their support for Android, they did so while keeping owners of previous models like the X10 in mind. Sony would soon announce that Android 2.3 Gingerbread would be coming to the Xperia X10 in August of 2011.

Now, Sony Ericsson has announced reconfirmed that. Though some sites have been reporting that Android 2.3 is now out for the Xperia X10, it’s actually not quite true yet, but the update is right around the corner. Mattias Holm, who is the head of product PR from SE went to say:

The launch is imminent and timing according to plan but we just need some more days before we can push the button.

So although it might be a tad disappointing to find out that the update is not coming out today, we do have to keep in mind that Sony’s original target date was sometime in August and we are still a few days away from that. Once the update is live, users need to simply need to plug your Xperia X10 to your PC (not Mac) via a USB cable and download Sony’s PC software management which will then help you with the rest of the process. Sony Ericsson is also working on a OTA (over the air) update though no timetable has been given to that. Once Android 2.3 Gingerbread is released for Xperia X10 owners, you can expect to find the following updates:

Facebook inside Xperia – a series of unique integrations of Facebook into your multimedia apps, phonebook and calendar
The possibility of using your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot (carrier specific)
Music player with equalizer
USB tethering – Share your 3G data connection via USB connector
Photo widget – one click access to your photo gallery app
App tray sorting – arrange your apps in the order you want them

Once the Android 2.3 update is late, you can be sure that we will be reporting it for you.

[Via Sony Ericsson Blog]

Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini Pro Hits the FCC

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 22, 2011 | 27 comments

Much like the Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray, the Xperia Mini Pro has landed at the doors of the FCC for approval. With a grant from the fine folks at Washington, expect a Q3 2011 release from this Android 2.3 device. With frequencies listed as 900/2100MHS, the Xperia Mini Pro will not have 3G capabilities unless Sony Ericsson releases a different variation for the US. Those frequencies do however give eventual European owners of the device 2G capabilities. Though the lack of 3G might seem a surprise, it really goes along with the original intent of the Xperia Mini Pro: to provide an entry-level Android smartphone. However, don’t think entry as lacking when it comes to the Mini Pro. As we previously discussed in detail, some highlights of the Xperia Mini Pro include:

3-inchMultitouch, scratch-resistant display
Sony‘s exclusive Bravia Engine for smartphones
1GHz processor
720p HD video recording camera
5 megapixel photo camera

Discuss:

Is there a market for low-end smartphones like the Xperia Mini Pro? If internal phone parts are your thing, you can find additional pictures from the FCC take-apart.

Is the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play Selling Poorly? UK Retailers Believe So

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 20, 2011 | 8 comments

Sony Ericsson, which was a supporter of Windows Mobile and the CLEO, came late to the Android game and when it did finally, enter, the company was slow to update their devices with the most recent builds of Android. While companies like Motorola, LG and Samsung were fighting tooth and nail for market share, Sony at times would release a phone like the Xperia X10 with a 6-month-old Android-build. All that changed in 2011 as the Japanese and Swedish partnership began to grasp the format. The company who was once behind the times with Android is releasing the second Android 2.3 phone available for AT&T while other Android phones all hold older builds. New phones from Sony Ericsson are unique, like the Xperia Play which has the capability to play PlayStation-Certified games and all other Android Market games with a sliding gaming pad. The Xperia Arc, on the other hand, is capable of capturing beautiful photo and video, thanks to Sony’s Exmor R camera and play them back with vivid details, again thanks to Sony’s Reality Display powered by Sony’s Mobile Bravia Engine.

With so much unique and state-of-the-art technology not found in other Android phones, it would be foolish to think that these devices haven’t garnered Sony Ericsson some market share and sales volume. However, things don’t seem to be so rosy, at least according to UK retailers who complain that the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play is targeted at the wrong crowd. Whether it be the European commercials or US ones, Sony marketed the Xperia Play as the Android phone for the businessman who wanted to play as well.

Past the jump, you’ll find examples of Sony’s marketing and the UK retailers response.