Bert Nordberg: SE Said “No” to Google Phone

Posted on February 22nd, 2010 by Simon

Google Nexus One 3Apparently, Sony Ericsson was offered the chance to make the Nexus One before HTC. While we cannot confirm if any other mobile phone manufacturers were approached by Google, it is pretty safe to assume that the CEO of a Swedish Japanese joint venture would not just say something like that as a joke.

Well, not really surprising, but considering how fitting it was that HTC made the Nexus One (they also made the G1 Android phone after all), seems like everything went well for HTC.

Google is doing okay. While the Nexus One itself is not quite performing so well in terms of sales, it does have a pretty good reputation as a smart phone. HTC on the other hand got plenty of rave reviews and exposure for being the main tie up at the major device launch.

In retrospect, it is Sony Ericsson that totally missed out.

According to Bert Nordberg, CEO of Sony Ericsson, they refused to make the Google phone since they wanted to produce their own branded devices and will play the role of a subcontractor (what? Are they not a joint venture in the first place? Why use the purists’ approach?).

Looking back at 2009, most of the news related to Sony Ericsson spoke of offices and facilities closing down, phones being pulled out of shelves and upcoming devices getting constantly delayed. When the year ended, the company was losing money.

SE could have certainly used the positive feedback they would have gotten for supporting Google.

In any case, Bert’s interview regarding this topic appeared in a Swedish newspaper. Anyone reading this article will be raising eyebrows at the decision made by the company. 2010 will show if SE made the right decision or not.

Get to read more about Bert Nordberg and SE at Engadget.

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X10 Mini Looks Good, Delivers Plenty

Posted on February 17th, 2010 by Simon

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 MiniThe Sony Ericsson XPERIA Series of mobile phones took a pretty big change in terms of design and hardware factors by late last year. What was originally SE’s line of high end devices quickly became an unmarketable pair of products with the X1 and X2 Windows Mobile devices.

Hoping to bring back life to this series, SE had reinvented the XPERIA name with the announcement of the X10 and the Pureness. The Pureness was a concept art phone that delivered the world’s first mobile phone with a fully transparent display (and a very high class concierge service). The X10 was a hardware Prometheus with its 1GHz Snapdragon processor and 4 inch touch screen display (which were really high end specs when the device was first announced last year).

The X10 will finally be launched this coming March, much to the excitement of Android fans. But for the Google enthusiasts who are not willing to shell out so much cash for a smart phone, SE did not have much alternatives until the announced the XPERIA Robyn last month. The phone was quickly dubbed as the X10 Mini and gave everyone hope that a mid range SE Android phone was in the works.

The Mobile World Congress held at Barcelona, Spain last Sunday finally debuted the just renamed XPERIA X10 Mini in all of its pint sized glory. The phone is confirmed to be available in many colors (about seven to choose from) and will be available sometime this second quarter of 2010.

Two other devices debuted with the X10 Mini; the Mini Pro and the Vivaz Pro –two new SE smart phones that are similar to the original devices in terms of hardware and are equipped with slide out keyboards.

See the new Sony Ericsson X10 Mini at Know Your Mobile.

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Vivaz Pro: Looking as Good as Ever

Posted on February 16th, 2010 by Simon

Sony Ericsson Vivaz Pro (1)When the Sony Ericsson Kurara was first revealed, many commented that it had one of the most unique and interesting form factors in terms of SE devices. Most of Sony Ericsson’s other mobile devices tended to be hard edged and heavy looking, or in the case of the Satio and the Aino –they looked like closed devices. The Kurara was unique as such that it had smoother flow with its shape.

Of course, the new Sony Ericsson phone had more than just good looks, the Symbian device was also the very first SE smart phone that would come with HD video recording capabilities –and at the time SE announced this device, HD recording was not a common feature for mobile phones (unlike now).

Last January, it was announced that the Kurara would be launched this coming March and be renamed as the SE Vivaz. Both the Vivaz and the XPERIA X10 are launching around the same time. It was also announced that the Vivaz would have a successor, the Kanna –which carries the same specs and comes with a full QWERTY keyboard.

During the Mobile World Congress, Sony Ericsson showcased not only Vivaz, but also revealed that new Vivaz Pro. While it has yet to be confirmed that the Vivaz Pro is the Kanna; the fact that it is practically a Vivaz with keyboard practically makes it the final version of the Kanna.

Specs wise, the two devices are nearly identical. The only thing missing from the Vivaz Pro is the 8 mega pixel camera –it has been downsized to a 5 mega pixel camera, but it still has 720p HD video recording capability. The Vivaz Pro comes in silver and black variants.

For more details, information and close up images of the new Sony Ericsson Vivaz Pro go to the SEMC Blog.

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Sony Ericsson Vivaz

Posted on February 9th, 2010 by Simon

Sony Ericsson Vivaz 2It appears that Sony Ericsson did not mean for the information about their new phone to get leaked out so quickly, but unforgettably it is all over the internet now, so they felt obliged to correct the mistakes and list the official specifications. Titled the Vivaz, this may be one of the most technical and modern phones Sony Ericsson has ever released.

Featuring a huge 8.1 megapixel camera, you can take professional looking shots with incredible quality. Many digital cameras are only around 5-6 megapixels, and it just goes to show Sony Ericsson really go to all lengths to get a good quality and reliable products together. The camera itself is not the only perk when talking about the photographic capabilities of the phone however as it is capable of recording HD video.

Sony Ericsson VivazThe phone features many applications designed to give you great quality shots. The first of these is called image stabilization. This basically helps to stabilize the image, so when your hand is shaking slightly, the camera will detect this and balance it out, so the shot doesn’t turn out lop sided or wonky.

The second program is called face detection. This program automatically picks up where people’s faces are, and changes certain things to that specific area of the photo, for instance red eye, the camera will not apply quite as much flash to that area in order to reduce the chance of red eye coming out in the photographs.

The phone features an FM radio, so that you can listen to your favorite stations whilst on the move, particular useful when embarking on long tedious journeys, whether it be on a train, a boat of even walking down the street. The phone uses a 3.2 inch screen, perfect for viewing all your pictures and videos one. Available in four different colors, Sony Ericsson Vivaz 3this phone is ideal for everyone, and you are bound to find a style that appeals to you.

Using 3G technology, the phone will give you lightning speed access to the internet, and will allow you to connect directly with your favorite social networking sites, such as Facebook, MySpace and Bebo. Even simple tasks such as checking your emails and your websites will be fast and easy on the Vivaz, and best of all you can connect nearly everywhere, whether it be on a bus, a train or even in an office building! The release date for the phone seems to be being pushed back all the time due to complications regarding the contract options.

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    XPERIA X10 Getting Software Update

    Posted on February 9th, 2010 by Simon

    Sony Ericsson Xperia X10The Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 is an impressive mobile phone with plenty of features and top notch hardware. The only thing it really lacks is the latest version of the Google Android OS. With versions 2X being used in most of today’s modern smart phones, Sony’s Android gambit will be the old version 1.6 Donut.

    Good news now comes to those who have been planning to get the X10. It has been reported that a firmware update to the device will be implemented soon though no details as to the specific launch date or version of the OS has been given.

    Considering that Sony Ericsson is counting on this phone to lead its lineup this 2010, the announcement of the update could not have come at a later time. We can expect this news to play a big role when Sony Ericsson talks about the new XPERIA phone this coming Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

    Anyway, the phone has been in the limelight since early on. Being one of the very first ambitious Android phones that were sighted to use the Snapdragon processor, plenty of people followed the news of the device until they were distracted by other high end Android devices such as the HD2, the Milestone and others.

    The XPERIA X10 comes with a 1 GHz Snapdragon CPU, a 4 inch capacitive touch screen and an 8 mega pixel camera. Overall it’s a great mobile phone in terms of specs. Aside from the existing Android OS, the device also uses the new Timescape and Mediascape user interface for the XPERIA X10 –it has also been reported that the custom UIs will also get an update as well.

    To see the initial news feed regarding the release of a new software update for the XPERIA X10, head straight to Know Your Mobile.

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    Eco Friendly WinMo Phone: SE Aspen

    Posted on February 3rd, 2010 by Simon

    Sony Ericsson AspenThe Sony Ericsson Aspen is the very first business edition Greenheart mobile phone from the Swedish Japanese joint venture and judging from the initial specs, it is one device worth looking forward to.

    Speaking of looking forward to something, SE has a lot banking on their 2010 lineup of devices. The company has had a very rough year last 2009 and they have lost quite a lot (over 800 million Euros). Despite this, the company is optimistic that their products this year will put the company right on track.

    Anyway, back to the Aspen, the device looks professional and stylish. The form factor is clearly very Sony styled, with the hard edges and solid lines defining the phone’s no-nonsense purpose. This is also the first time such specs will appear on a Greenheart device. With SE’s Greenheart series trying to prove that eco friendly phones can be as fully functional as other devices, the addition of this business-centric device certainly goes a long way.

    For those not familiar with the SE Greenheart series, the eco standard set by Sony Ericsson maintains that all devices under the Greenheart line will be made of over 50% recycled plastic and will be manufactured under special procedures that will eliminate the use of toxic chemicals.

    The Aspen itself comes with a 2.4 inch touch screen display and a physical QWERTY keyboard in portrait orientation. It is very BlackBerry like in terms of form, but it is that well known look that gives the device its professional looking theme.

    The device is expected to arrive this Q2, though it might also appear at the Mobile World Congress later this month at Barcelona, Spain where MS is expected to unveil the new 6.5.3 operating system.

    Get more details on the Sony Ericsson Aspen from the folks at Mobile Choice UK.

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    Sony Ericsson releases details of Xperia X2

    Posted on January 29th, 2010 by Simon

    XPERIA2_03Since the first pictures were leaked of the new Xperia X2 from Sony Ericsson, people have been waiting to hear the release date, and asking what the exact specifications were. No one knew exactly what was going to be included with the phone, but everyone thought it would be quite a special phone, and they were not wrong. The new Xperia X2 is packed full of new technology designed to keep people in touch with each other. The phone uses a huge 8 megapixel camera, so big that it out does many professional digital cameras.

    With a camera with that much quality you can take photographs of anything, including moving objects and still receive great quality photographs. Using WVGA video recording facilities, you can take great quality videos, ideal for funny family moments, of recording a song you heard at a music event. The X2 from Sony Ericsson features a slide out keyboard, allowing you to type up emails and letters faster than ever, as you have a proper keyboard rather than 3 letters to one key.

    Available in 2 colors, black of silver the phone is designed for anyone with a passion for connectivity, whether it be a business man needing to keep in touch with partners, or a phone for purely social use. If you want to get your hands on the Xperia X2 on contract then have a look at what deals are available online.

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    Sony Ericsson produce the calmest music phone the Xperia Pureness

    Posted on January 28th, 2010 by Simon

    Sony Ericsson Xperia PurenessEveryone looks for different things in a mobile phone. Some look for design and looks, some look for reputation and reliability whilst others look for ease of use. One thing which many people appreciate though is the music facilities on a mobile phone. Whether you are into heavy metal and rock music, or rap and trance music, the new phone from Sony Ericsson can handle anything, and has many new features to help it cope will all different types of music whatever the genre may be.

    Titled the Sony Ericsson Xperia Pureness, the phone is designed to be easy to use and reliable to the user. The phone has a high definition video and music player, allowing you to catch up on favorite TV shows at any time of day, or listen to some music whilst on the way to work. The special program called Track ID is designed to allow you to know any song name and artist if you do not know it. When you hear a song which you do not know the name off, simply hold the phone up to the speaker, and within seconds the phone will display the song artist, the album and the song name.

    The Xperia Pureness has a huge 350 hours on battery power whilst on standby, and 8 hours of talk time battery, allowing you to chat for hours and not worry too much about the battery consumption. The phone has a Bluetooth connection so that you can share photographs with your friends or family for free, and without the hassle of using a computer to do so. Check out your local store or look at the Sony Ericsson internet site for more information regarding release dates.

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    O2 to Release XPERIA X10

    Posted on January 27th, 2010 by Simon

    Sony Ericsson Xperia X10Looks like the XPERIA X10 might be getting a release through O2 Mobile UK. Online, there is already space on the official O2 website for the upcoming Sony Ericsson smart phone. Despite the fact that it is still over a month before the device is expected to launch, it appears that mobile phone operators are eager to subsidize the mobile phone. Given that the Nexus One is available exclusively through Google’s online store, it makes sense that the next Snapdragon Android phone will be snapped up by operators.

    Fans of the Google Android operating system may have been dismayed at the fact that the Google phone is so hard to acquire in the UK short of having the device shipped from the US at an additional cost of 30 Pounds. Having a device with similar specs that is available locally would certainly be much better.

    The XPERIA X10 is powered by a Qualcomm QSD8250 Snapdragon processor clocked at a speed of 1 GHz -expect to get fast loading speeds on this device. The screen is a 4 inch (diagonal) capacitive TFT touch screen with 65 thousand colors and a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels. It comes with an accelerometer for auto rotate and a proximity sensor (for voice calls so you can press it to your ear).

    The phone will be using the new Timescape and Mediascape user interface along with the Android OS. The device will be powered by a 1500 mAh battery so expect to get plenty of hours of use on a full charge.

    The X10 is expected to launch alongside the Sony Ericsson Vivaz (formerly SE Kurara), a Symbian smart phone with 720p HD video recording capability. It is not known if O2 will also be getting the Vivaz.

    Get to know more about O2’s X10 offer from the source.

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    Sony Ericsson release the Elm eco-phone

    Posted on January 26th, 2010 by Simon

    Sony Ericsson Elm 2Sony Ericsson have long since had a reputation for producing easy to use and stylish mobile phones. Their simplistic design makes them attractive to any type of user, and they can be used for any uses, as the title states. The new Sony Ericsson Elm is Sony Ericsson’s new release. It is designed to be used in all different situations, accommodating for any use.

    One of them main advertised factors of the Elm is the small impact that it has on the environment. Many mobile phones use a lot of chemicals and other bad elements which can harm the atmosphere in the long run. The Elm uses recycled household plastic, which has been treated and reproduced to create exactly the same material you would normally find with a phone. It looks the same, the only difference is that it is Eco friendly.

    The built in widget manager allows you to instantly manage all your specified needs. For instance, you can set up a Facebook or Twitter widget, which once clicked will take you directly to your page, saving you from having to go through the browser.

    Coming with a free GPS navigation system, you will never lose your way to a meeting, a holiday resort or just a friend’s house again. The system takes you through road by road which way to go, and warns you of approaching turns and possible hazards. The new music recognition software lets you hold your phone up to a song and will recognize it. It will tell you the artist, song name and album. This is great when you hear a great song on the radio but missed the announcement of who it the song was by.

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