Sony Ericsson Xperia Acro Announced. We Have Specs

Before anybody gets overly excited about this, we have to point that this phone is intended for Japan only and you can probably blame that on the lack of infrastructure offered in your country. The Xperia Acro, not to be confused with the Xperia Arc which will have a global launch, is Sony Ericssons new flagship phone for the Land of the Rising Sun. This Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) smartphone will carry a 4.2-inch touch Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine to offer some of the most crisp and vidid viewing experience to be found on a handheld device. This is partially due to the entertainment value that the Acro will carry, seeing how the phone has built in Mobile TV functionality, enabling live TV viewing on the device, which is different from video streaming off of a 3G network. The Acro will also come equipped with a 8.1-megapixel camera with Exmor R sensor which also allows for 720p video recording. Both recording modes are optimized to offer low-noise and function under low light quality which is a welcome feature for most cellphone owners. For those of you who are looking to share you content, no need to worry as this 1GHz CPU, Adreno 205 GPU will also come with HDMI out. Besides the TV tuner functionality, another reason why we won’t see the Acro make it to the West is due to the built in mobile wallet (NFC) which allows your Xperia Acro to function as a credit card. With no standard and support system in the United States and Europe, these two features would mean a higher priced phone with a locked out functionality which of course does not make sense. Seeing how easy it is to purchase Starbucks with my iPhone app, this is a feature that I cannot wait for to make its way to the West. This would make running into the store and being out, that much more convenient while requiring me to have one less thing on me. No price point has been announced for the Acro at this point but look for the unit in Black and White by the end of Summer.

Hit the jump for the official press release from Sony Ericsson. While you are there, what do you think about the Acro? How about NFC technology? Is that something you would like to see implemented in your country?

Sony Announces New Xperia Mini and Xperia Mini Pro with Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)

Sony really wasn’t kidding when they said that they wanted to get in on the Android smartphone action and become one of the top Android handset makers. Though that dream might not happen this year, especially due to the delays from Sony Ericsson, because of the tragic events that unfolded in Japan nearly two months ago, the company has a bright future ahead with the slew of phones that they are releasing this year. In addition to the Xperia Play, Arc, Neo, Walkman W8 and rumored Acro, the company today unveiled two new Android 2.3 Gingerbread based smartphones.

The Xperia Mini and Xperia Mini Pro which are slated for a global Q3, 2011 launch are meant to fill in Sony Ericssons gap of lowered end Android phones. Still, don’t automatically think to yourself that lower end means lower quality. Instead, both phones offer some unique features which might just be perfect for a lot of users out there, especially those who might not need a large phone or if media consumption isn’t there thing. You see, both the Xperia Mini and Xperia Mini Pro come with a 3-inch, multitouch, scratch-resistant display which powered by Sony’s exclusive Bravia Engine for smartphones. Both units will also give you a 1GHz processor, 720p HD video recording camera and 5 megapixel photo camera and of course, have access to the Android Market, seeing as they run Android 2.3 Gingerbread, the latest from Google.

If you want to know the difference between these two models, there isn’t a whole lot is the simple answer. The obvious one is that the Xperia Mini Pro (pictured above) also features a slide out keyboard while the Xperia Mini relies on touchscreen input. The second and only other difference is that the Xperia Mini Pro also has a front facing camera for taking photos and videos of yourself and for the of course, video chatting usage.  So what do you guys think about these two new phones? They are still a few months away but they should fit nicely into Sony Ericsson’s portfolio. Would you get one or know somebody who would?

As always, hit the jump for an official press release and for a shot of the Xperia Mini.

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 on Sale at Best Buy for $1

Thanks to a report from Engadget, Best Buy is selling the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 for just $1. As the guys over there point out, they cannot find the deal online so this mean be an indication that Best Buy is looking to clear their inventory out and might be just an in store deal. As we reported last week, Sony has now changed it’s mind and will be pushing out Android 2.3 to all Xperia X10 user, making this deal, that much more tantalizing. Have you seen the Xperia X10 on sale at your local Best Buy?

[Via Engadget]

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 to Get Android 2.3 After All

Wow, call us shocked, surprised, and happy for Sony Ericsson owners but before we get into the details, lets back up a little bit to see how all of this unfolded and why this news is actually a big deal. Sony like many other handset makers was left in turmoil after the introduction of the iPhone with no particular plan of action to counter Apple. Like many others, Android seemed the sure way to fight off Apple and with Google continuously updating and expanding Android, Sony Ericsson like others could instead focus on making their build personal and their phone unique. During 2010, Sony released quite a few of different Android phones, ranging from the Xperia X8, to the Xperia X10 Xperia X10 Mini and Pro. Though fine phones on their own, compared to the slew of handsets in the market, the Sony Ericsson phones all shipped with out dated Android builds. In fact, when Sony shipped the Xperia X10 in late 2010 with Android 1.6, most other developers has already been shipping with Android 2.1 and were transition to Android 2.2, seeing how Android 1.6 had been out for almost a year. This left Sony’s handsets at a disadvantage, with an older, more problematic build, compared to other devices. Sony did however promise to deliver a new Android build and during the last few days of 2010, they did manage to give the Xperia X10 series a bump to Android 2.1 which again was already outdated. Soon, Sony announced that they had no plans to release any further updates for their 2010 phones. Irony would of course set in only a few weeks later when Sony released their Reader App for the Android Market which required Android 2.2 or higher, leaving out Sony’s entire lineup of phones.

That was 2010 and since then, Sony has recognized that they have made mistakes during that period and have stated that 2011 will be different. With the current batch of new phones that are set to arrive, we have every intension to believe Sony’s claims, and now, we are more confident then ever that though they might not become the top Android maker quite yet, there is some form of strategy being put together behind the scenes.  You see, Sony has realized that it’s in their best intentions to give their older phones a bump of new life and that is exactly what they are doing. Sony Ericsson has announced that the Xperia X10 will be jumping from Android 2.1 to Android 2.3, specially, the Android 2.3.3 (the latest) build in late Q2, early Q3 of 2011.

We plan to bring an upgrade to Android Gingerbread for the XperiaTM X10 to generic trade kits end Q2 / early Q3 this year.

[Via Sony Ericsson Blog]

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play Games to Range from $1.50 to $16

As we continue to learn more and more as we get closer to the North American launch of Sony Ericssons gaming focused, Android Smartphone, the Xperia Play. By now, it’s apparent that even though this new phone will feature all the staples of a modern Android phone with the latest Android OS 2.3 Gingerbread, the real focus of the Xperia Play is gamers out there. Not only will the Xperia Play have access to nearly all Android based game with its 4-inch, 854 x 480 multi-touch LCD screen, but also exclusive games, designed for certified PlayStation Suit Android phones which have the capability of playing PlayStation One games. With the Xperia Play being the first of the PlayStation Suit certified phones to hit the market, all eyes were on the pricing scheme that would follow and as we have now learned, it’s really nothing to write home about. As in, prices are expected to be between $1.50 and a high of $16 which is fairly normal on both the Android Market and iOS Appstore. Of course, at the end of the day, it’s really in the hand of developers to set the price for their game but going off these numbers, it seems that Xperia Play users will not be hit with some form of premium pricing, just because they have a gaming enabled smartphone.

[Via MCVUK]

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play Priced and Dated for Spain

Sony Ericsson’s Xperia Play is a hot and leading phone for Sony. Combining the latest from Android (Gingerbread 2.3) and giving the users a taste of PlayStation on the go, this soon-to-be-released phone has many things going for it. Sony Ericsson also has high hopes for the device. Though the company sold over 9 million Android phones last year, the company was hardly able to make a dent or appearance in the US market. One of the ways Sony is looking to change this is with the Xperia Play, targeting smartphone users with the need for more gaming. Now we have learned that the Xperia Play will launch in the UK on March 31st and follow into Spain on April 1st. The only piece of the puzzle remaining is the price of the device, which Sony Ericsson has announced is €649 for Spain, which translates to roughly a little over $900. Now, before we all freak out, we have to take into consideration that this is the price for an unlocked Xperia Play with no contract. We should also take note that there is a big difference between the value of Euro and the dollar so an exact conversion does not give the whole picture. To put things into context, the iPhone 4 with no contract is over $600 in the US which we imagine is even higher in Europe. It will be interesting to see what price the Xperia Play gets tagged with, once carrier subsidies are factored in which helps drive the price of the iPhone 4 down to $200 with a two-year contract.

[Via Engadget Spanish]

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play Video

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Play is designed to cater to the smartphone user who wants to game on the go as well. Running Android 2.3 Gingerbread, the Xperia Play is a fully loaded with the latest offerings from Android while giving PlayStation users a familiar pop out keypad, designed to satisfy the gamer on the go. If you haven’t already, read our previous post where we dive into the phone and it’s offerings. Bellow, you will find some videos from Sony Ericsson, highlighting the idea of the Xperia Play and some of the devices functionalities.

Sony Ericsson’s Xperia Play Retail Booths Leaked

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

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 Arc Will Comes With Android 2.3, Not 2.4

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

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

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.