Gizmodo: MWC 2008

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 Runs Windows Mobile 6.1

Haroon Malik — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 09:00:00 EST

The chaps over at Terminal.hu have just managed to get hold of some exclusive Xperia X1 images. The new pictures show the device will be running the yet-to-be-announced Windows Mobile 6.1 OS, and that explains why we weren't allowed a thorough hands-on at Mobile World Congress 2008. That may not be a shocker, but the other tidbits of information we have gathered are rather interesting.

Besides what we knew before, we can now tell the Xperia X1 will have a Qualcomm 7200A CPU running at 528 MHz, 128MB RAM and a nice 'n' juicy, 1500 mAh battery. Sure, we were not overwhelmed with our first gimped hands-on, but on paper it looks like this sure is one beast. The 528 MHz processor has us excited, but with it being Windows Mobile, we'll be surprised if the onboard RAM doesn't prove itself to be insufficient for heavy multitasking. [Terminal.hu via adonis demon via BGR]

Mobile Internet Device from BenQ—Shake It Like a Polaroid Picture

AddyDugdale — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 07:17:39 EST

We've already seen a video of BenQ's imaginatively named "mobile internet device" (you can call it MID) in action, but more details have been emerging about the touchscreen device, with its customized UI, in Barcelona this week—including the intriguing news that you can shake it, rather like an Etch-A-Sketch, to minimize open windows. More deets, plus a press shot, below.

When the MID finally goes on sale, sometime in the next few months, it will have an 0.3-megapixel webcam, 4.8.inch touchscreen with 1024 x 600 resolution, Wi-Fi and HSDPA. Inside is Intel's Menlow platform with Silverthorne processor. [BenQ via jkkmobile]

LG Prada Phone Now Comes in Silver with New, Matching UI

AddyDugdale — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 04:07:38 EST

It's hard to believe that, just a year ago, the name of the phone on everyone's lips was LG's collaboration with Prada, the sexy touchscreen number that let its users believe that their fingers were fashion (or something). And now, post iPhone, what of the Prada phone? Well, a silver version is now available in Europe, complete with new UI (also silver, apparently) and matching silver accessories. It's available in most of Europe, but don't expect to see it Stateside anytime soon. A couple more pics after the jump.

[Aving USA]

Toshiba G810 Windows Mobile Smartphone Looks Like the HTC Touch

Jason Chen — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 14:35:46 EST

Toshiba's no stranger to Windows Mobile devices, but their latest G810 touchscreen handset looks more similar to the HTC Touch than their previous HTC-like phones. It's got Windows Mobile 6 on board, 3g HSDPA, 3-megapixel camera with auto-focus, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, FM radio 2.8-inch touchscreen display, 256MB internal memory, GPS, and a late Spring European launch. It's got enough features to be a good phone, but it's nothing revolutionary. [Toshiba Europe via Tech Digest via The Unwired]

Video: First Hands On Sony Ericsson's XPERIA X1

Brian Lam — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 08:29:55 EST

Playing with Xperia, Sony's Windows Mobile phone with a hiptop QWERTY, revealed a few interesting things:

• The brushed steel finish wasn't shabby.
• Keyboard play was nice, even if clicks weren't as satisfying as those on a gummy Hiptop QWERTY.
• The demo only went as far as the 3D skin; anything beyond that plunged you into the depths of typical Windows Mobile-ness.
• The API for the 3D tile UI will be opened later on.
• Those icons are like the mini windows you'd see when switching windows in Vista or OS X's Expose. But on this tiny high res screen, they're impossible to read.
• The screen is not exactly brilliant, but I believe the Sony Ericsson booth could have all its phones brightness turned down to extend battery life on the busy show floor.
• It's cool, but because of the underlying OS, I wouldn't call it a killer of anything, let alone an iPhone.

Noise-Suppressing Cellphone Chip Will Slay "Can You Hear Me Now?" Guy Forever

matt buchanan — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 07:44:23 EST

A new sand-grain-sized chip by Audience being demoed at MWC kills extraneous noise (better than current software-based suppression) so they can, even if it sounds like you're skydiving at the time.

Basically, this speck of silicon wonderment chills in between the mic and the cell's circuitry, where it maps sound as a 3-D matrix, scraping away up to 25 decibels of garbage, leaving just your deep baritones or whiny squeal. Besides letting your singing voice come through the way it was meant to be heard, dumping the excess baggage saves bandwidth, giving stingy-ass network providers a reason to push for this thing as well. [NYT]

Samsung and B&O Join Forces for the Dual-Slider F400

AddyDugdale — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 06:49:00 EST

Behold the latest offering from Samsung and B&O: the 3G, dual-slider F400. Slide the front upwards and you get your keypad, slide it down and your B&O speakers heave into view. As well as the 2.2-inch QVGA display, there's an RDS-enabled FM radio and MicroSD card slot. Price is expected to be around the 380€ mark, which is around 552 of your buckeroonies, when it launches in March. [Tech Digest]

Samsung G400 Flip-Phone has Two Touchscreens, 5MP Camera

Kit Eaton — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 06:33:04 EST

The new G400 gets its "Dual-Touch Chic" surname thanks to a touchscreen on the inside and outside of its skinny metal frame. We do, however, wonder what what the hell it's for—controlling its music-playing functions perhaps? Measuring in at 4.1 x 2.0 x 0.6 inches, this is Samsung's first go at an all-metal flip-phone but, other than shiny looks and those "chic" touchscreens, it's pretty similar to other top-of-the-line Samsung cells. The G400 has a 5-megapixel autofocus camera, 2.2-inch inner display, RDS FM radio, 100MB of memory and expansion via microSD. Available in April/May for around $440. [Mobile review]

Samsung Makes Its Point With 17 New Phones at MWC 2008

AddyDugdale — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 05:53:07 EST

Mobile Review is reporting that Samsung has as many as 17 new cellphones to drop at MWC 2008, including the G810 and the F480, Samsung's Prada phone clone. We'll bring you the best and most interesting here on the Giz.

Postcard from Barcelona as Jesus and Blam Hit Mobile World Congress

AddyDugdale — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 05:34:10 EST

Dear Readers, Well, two out of three ain't bad, I guess. I was meant to be joining Blam and the guy in the red hat, ~~Captain Zissou~~ oh yeah, Jesus, I think his name is, for a couple of days in Barcelona, but I have been struck down by a nasty, virulent, ectoplasm-producing cold, so I'm staying home. Never mind, while they go out and fondle sexy new phones in Spain's second city and keep you informed about the hottest cells and smartphones on offer this year, I shall see if I can break the world record for continuous sneezing. UPDATE: Oh, and to anyone who is speculating that J will play fast and loose with booth babes, I can categorically say that it won't happen—unless the booths are furnished with chicks who look like this.

HTC Updates the Advantage X7510 With 16GB Flash

Kit Eaton — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 03:09:53 EST

The HTC Advantage has just received a hardware and software upgrade, and is now called the X7510. HTC has bumped the internal storage to 16GB of flash, and improved the keyboard as well as adding in Opera 9.5, and a "future version" of Windows Mobile. No price info yet, but the Advantage will be available in March. Expect to see HTC's other hiptop, the Shift, hit Europe a little earlier. Specs of the Advantage and pic of the Shift, after the jump.

The X7150 also has updated HTC VueFLO, so that it detects the device's orientation and rotates the screen. The rest of the hardware remains the same as the earlier Advantage: Marvell PXA270 624MHz and Qualcomm MSM 6275 processors, 5-inch VGA screen with 3-megapixel camera, 128MB of RAM and tri-band HSDPA. Looks like the new battery has about 5 percent less capacity, but we guess that the flash drive should make up for that difference. [ZDnet]

While the Shift also has GSM/GPRS/EDGE/HSDPA network support, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, it looks like if you buy it from Orange in the UK, you'll only be able to get a data plan with it. [Slashgear]

Sony Ericsson G900 and G700: Touchscreens to the Masses

Brian Lam — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 17:04:04 EST

The G900 and G700 belong to a new line of Sony Ericsson midrange phones with dialpads and full touchscreens. Both have calendar and organizer functionalities that take advantage of the touchscreen (for example, you can scribble notes on the page). Only the G900 has Wi-Fi and a 5MP camera with a touchscreen UI for taking, viewing and editing photos.

The G700 gets a 3.2MP cam. The phones have a 2.4-inch screen, which has been seen in a photo being manipulated via finger, but there is a stylus for more precision, too. Doesn't look like these support multitouch, but it's nice seeing. The G900 looks a lot better than the G700 (below).

Sony Ericsson takes touchscreen mainstream with two phones set to simplify your life
10 February 2008
The new G700 and G900 phones are designed to give back time. They place personal organiser features and easy finger-touch control within familiar form factors.
Barcelona, Spain - 10th February 2008 - Sony Ericsson today launched a new generation of phone: Touchscreen organisers with a broad appeal. The G700 and G900 phones are essential tools designed to organise the lives of all those with busy schedules to juggle, both at home and at work.

The G700 is here to help you live your life to the full. This personal organiser in-your-pocket keeps your contacts, calendars, notes, pictures and favourite Web sites all in one place and just a fingertip away. Touch and go.
The G900 has all the functions of the G700 with the added features of a unique new 5.0 megapixel Touch Auto Focus camera, touch photo album and editor. Perfect for those looking for a one-touch media experience combined with their organiser.
"Sony Ericsson is delivering touchscreen and innovative organiser capabilities to a wide audience without compromising on the size or shape of the phone. Both the G700 and G900 have regular keyboards and are no larger than a regular phone." says Martin Winkler, Director Global Marketing and Head of Multimedia Web at Sony Ericsson. "These phones are ideal for users that are only interested in making their lives simpler. It's not about technology for the sake of it."

Sony Ericsson G700 phone

One-touch full organiser functions
Touch controlled Notes application - write and draw your memo's
Large 2.4" display with unique single touch control menu
3,2 megapixel camera
Compact size
Calendar is King
Access your calendar, reach family and friends and scribble and save your notes on your phone. With the G700, you can jot down a note on the screen with a stylus, just as you would with a pen on paper, and save it on your phone's desktop to remind you - just as you'd stick a note on the fridge. You can even draw a map to the local shop or doodle personal notes to send them to your loved ones! Holding everything that is important to you wherever you go, the G700 is the most natural way to manage life. There's no longer a need to have your home calendar separate from work - it works with you, the way you do.

Intuitively simple
With the G700 you can enjoy touchscreen text input, Web surfing, calendar and phone navigation. Want to contact someone at home? Just touch the relevant name in your phonebook and all of the various contact options will appear onscreen. It's instantly intuitive messaging. You can even browse your photo album using the tip of your finger. The G700 also has dedicated keys for messaging, notes and a key lock on the side of the phone. All it takes is one press to unlock.

Sony Ericsson G900 phone

One touch media experience
5.0 megapixel camera with touch Auto focus and Multi-shot function
One- touch media and organiser menu
Large 2.4" display with single touch control menu
Wi-Fi™ for high speed data transfer and internet browsing
Print-quality photos to keep
The G900's 5.0 megapixel camera lets you take print-quality photos and share them with friends and family straight away.

Frame your shot and decide where you want to focus the camera by simply touching the screen. Also, with Camera Multi-Shot, hold down the camera key and take as many pictures as you like. Great for taking photos of your kids as they dash around the garden! Scroll through all of the photos on your phone with touch control and even edit them there with the Touch photo album and editor.

Stay mobile
Got a moment to surf? Access your favourite Web pages when you're in a Wi-Fi™ hotspot and view them on the large 2.4" display. Use the stylus or your finger to zoom-in or pan around the page. When you've barely got a moment to spare, get RSS feeds direct to your phone for the latest updates; news, football scores or whatever you are in to.

Organize with a personal touch
Touch, type or write... Everything comes naturally with the G900. Organise your schedule, touch and tap to make calls and jot down notes before you forget it. The G900 works your way to let you get more into your day. It's the power of personal touch.

The G700 will launch in Silk Bronze and the G900 will launch in Dark Red and Dark Brown. Both are UMTS 2100 and GSM/GPRS 900/1800/1900 phones that will be available in selected markets from Q2 2008.

XPERIA X1 Hiptop Killer: Sony Ericsson's First Video Plus Gallery

Mark Wilson — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 16:41:14 EST

Sony's XPERIA X1 is a hiptop killer that has a touch UI, but a Hiptop-esque slide keyboard. A Windows Mobile device, the X1 features full QWERTY, a 3.2MP camera, 3-inch touchscreen at 800 X 480 resolution, Wi-Fi, 400 MB of internal storage and microSD support. Plus it's ready for every frequency under the sun for Europe and the US. Here's the first video of the smartphone's "panel interface" in action. Is it us, or do you get the feeling that after the X1 takes your call it's going to kick your ass in Pai Gow poker? Coming mid 2008.

The frequencies it works on: (GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 or UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA 900/1700/1900/2100 MHz or UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA 850/1700/1900/2100 MHz).

I'm not sure I can get over the Windows Mobile heart of this phone. The first error message I see will ruin it for me.

Sony Ericsson marks the launch of its new brand XPERIA™ with the unveiling of the XPERIA™ X1 10 February 2008
The world of our consumers and customers is changing. To meet the growing need for mobile Web communication and multimedia entertainment, Sony Ericsson introduces XPERIA™. With this new brand Sony Ericsson will position itself at the forefront of mobile convergence.

Barcelona, Spain - 10th February 2008 -Today marked the launch of XPERIATM and a new era in mobile communications with the announcement of the XPERIA™ X1, a stand-out, arc slider phone from Sony Ericsson designed to address the growing need for a premium, converged mobile experience.

The XPERIATM X1 combines a 3-inch clear wide VGA display and a full QWERTY keyboard within a quality metal-finish body. With Windows Mobile® inside, the XPERIA™ X1 lets you choose from a dynamic range of activities at anytime and anywhere; from enjoying your favourite entertainment content to working efficiently on-the-move. Access a world of experiences simply by touching the XPERIA™ panel on the screen.

"XPERIA™ represents the first brand that is truly borne from within Sony Ericsson. It represents our vision for a premium, energised communication experience," said Dee Dutta, Head of Marketing, Sony Ericsson. "This launch, and the announcement of the X1, further strengthens the overall Sony Ericsson brand and places us at the forefront of mobile convergence."

"Our vision for the XPERIA™ X1 is to deliver a seamless blend of mobile Web communication and multimedia entertainment within a distinctive design," said Rikko Sakaguchi, Head of Portfolio and Propositions, Sony Ericsson. "XPERIA™ is our promise to think foremost of user experience and to deliver the premium experience - anytime, anywhere, anything, with anyone."

Sony Ericsson XPERIATM X1 - energised communication, the premium experience.

* Convergence of multimedia entertainment and mobile Web communication
* Unique arc slider with wide pitch easy-to-use QWERTY keyboard
* XPERIA™ panels - arrange as you want for easy access
* Enjoy multimedia entertainment on bright wide VGA display
* Windows Mobile® capabilities

XPERIA™ panel interface - experiences just the way you want them
Enjoy access to different experiences - Web, multimedia, applications - from your desktop. Navigate with the tip of your finger. Configure and have your XPERIA™ panels just the way you want them.

Multiple navigation - the choice is yours
XPERIA™ X1 lets you interact with your
phone in different ways. Touch, full QWERTY keyboard, 4-way key and optical joystick navigation. Switch seamlessly between operation modes.

Arc slider design - makes it stand out
The arc design gives a distinct and unique feel. Slide the screen upwards to reveal the wide pitch QWERTY keyboard. Ample distance between keys makes writing fast and easy.

Ultimate mobile experience - performance on the move
With Windows Mobile®, the highest data transfer rate (HSDPA/HSUPA) and WiFi™ support, you can enjoy your favourite entertainment and work efficiently on the move. Mobile access to everything that is important to you. aGPS gives you the freedom to explore the world. XPERIA™ X1 is a premium mobile experience.

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA™ X1 will be available in selected markets from the second half of 2008.

Legal Information
1) Facts and features may vary depending on local variant.
2) Talk and standby times are affected by network preferences; type of SIM card, connected accessories and various activities e.g. games. Kit contents and color options may differ from market to market. The full range of accessories may not be available in every market.

© Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB, 2007.
The Liquid Identity logo, XPERIA, the XPERIA logo and PlayNow are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB. Sony is a trademark or registered trademark of Sony Corporation.
Ericsson is the trademark or registered trademark of Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson.
Microsoft, Windows, PowerPoint, Windows Media, Windows Mobile, Office, ActiveSync and Internet Explorer are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Bluetooth is a trademark or registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG Inc.. Java and all Java-based trademarks and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc.
Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Any rights not expressly granted herein are reserved. Subject to change without prior notice.
Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications was established as a 50:50 joint venture by Sony and Ericsson in October 2001, with global corporate functions located in London. The company serves the worldwide communications market with innovative and feature-rich mobile phones, accessories and PC-cards, and it has R&D sites in Europe, Japan, China, India and America. Sony Ericsson is the title sponsor of the Women's Tennis Association, and works with the Association to promote the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour in over 80 cities during the year. For more information, please visit www.sonyericsson.com

Sony Ericsson XPERIATM X1 - At a Glance

Camera

* Auto focus
* 3.2 megapixel camera
* Photo light
* Video recording

Music

* Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)
* Media player
* Music tones
* PlayNow™
* Windows Media Player Mobile
* 3D games
* FM radio
* Java
* Video streaming
* Video viewing

Internet

* Internet Explorer® Mobile
* RSS feeds

Communication and Messaging

* Polyphonic ringtones
* Speakerphone
* Vibrating alert
* Video calling
* Email
* Picture messaging (MMS)
* Predictive text input
* Text messaging (SMS)

Design

* XPERIA™ panels
* Optical joystick navigation
* Navigation key
* Picture wallpaper
* Touch navigation

Organiser

* Alarm clock
* Calculator
* Calendar
* Document editors
* Document readers
* Flight mode
* Handwriting recognition
* Notes
* Phone book
* Tasks
* Touchscreen

Connectivity

* aGPS
* Bluetooth™ technology
* Modem
* Synchronization
* USB support
* WLAN

Windows® Mobile® Operating System

* Microsoft® Outlook Mobile: email, contacts, calendar, tasks
* Microsoft® Office Mobile: Word, Excel, PowerPoint
* Internet Explorer® Mobile
* Windows Media™ Player Mobile
* Windows Live™
* Exchange ActiveSync®
* Voice control
* Utility Applications: file explorer, calculator, pictures & video, notes

Facts and Figures

* Size: 110 x 53 x 16.7 mm
* Weight: 145 grams

Available colours

* Black
* Silver
* Main screen: 65,536 color TFT
* Resolution: 800 X 480 pixels
* Size: 3 inches

Memory

* Phone memory: up to 400 MB
* microSD™ memory card support

Availability and versions
Networks

* GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
* UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA 900/1700/1900/2100 MHz
* UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA 850/1700/1900/2100 MHz

Google Phone Prototype to be Shown Next Week at Mobile World Congress

Jason Chen — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 13:18:57 EST

ARM, the chip manufacturer that makes many of the processors in many of the phones you're currently using, says they're going to show a prototype Google Android phone at Mobile World Congress next week. That's pretty much all we know so far. Chances are the prototype will have the same SDK that's available for emulation on your PC right now, and will mostly be used to show phone manufacturers (HTC & friends) that the ARM processors will handle an Android phone just fine; a.k.a. "please use our processors in your phones!" [Reuters]