<![CDATA[Gizmodo: xperia x1]]> http://tags.gizmodo.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/gizmodo.com.png <![CDATA[Gizmodo: xperia x1]]> http://gizmodo.com/tag/xperiax1 http://gizmodo.com/tag/xperiax1 <![CDATA[Windows Mobile Browser Battlemodo: Can You Get the Real Internet?]]> Many of you asked for a re-do of Windows Mobile browser testing after our Battlemodo declared the platform beyond worthless for surfing. So here it is, the internet running on Windows Mobile's finest hardware.

Before we get started, a quick note on the last Windows Mobile test, and what we're doing differently here. Some of you guys complained that the Samsung Epix was a crappy, slow piece of hardware. However, according to Laptop, its 624MHz Marvell processor and 128MB RAM are specs that just about on par with the three phones clamored for in the comments. Still, you get your wish: Here we lined up the Sony Xperia X1, HTC Touch Pro (AT&T's Fuze) and the Samsung Omnia, and put them through the same tests. On the Epix, for Opera testing, we went with v8.65 in order to not use beta software. (Opera's own site lists 8.65 as its most recent stable version.) Here, all the Windows Mobile hardware we've added to the test have Opera 9.5 built right in.

So without further explanation, here are the numbers—time to load the page, and how accurately it was rendered using Firefox 3 as a reference:


As you can see, the Xperia, Fuze and Omnia are about on par with the Epix when it comes to IE (they suck!), though Opera Mobile 9.5 obviously crushes 8.65 when it comes to speed and competency. I asked Opera why I saw the performance differences between the three phones and they admitted that there are some tweaks, which "are mainly with making our browser work best on the different devices." So, let's look at the new phones and see how they rate against the Epix:

Xperia X1
You probably noticed in the chart that load times are longer over Wi-Fi in a few spots. This is because it would randomly hang, not loading data, for up to 20 seconds. The Xperia was aggravating because its touchscreen seemed to be the least responsive of the three, making navigation a pain, though its optical mouse came in handy for zipping around pages, and it worked better than the Omnia's. One other annoyance is that Opera blocked its virtual symbol keyboard from coming up, which made it hard to enter one of the URLs. It falls smack in the middle.

HTC Fuze
I had the smoothest overall experience with the Fuze, and would be my closest thing to a recommendation. Its touchscreen was responsive, which made double tapping to zoom and pan around pages fast and mostly intuitive in Opera Mobile. Having symbols mapped directly to the keyboard is a big time saver while punching in URLs. This is good, since it seemed to be the slowest of the three, both over 3G and Wi-Fi. Sluggishness aside, the web experience is markedly more usable than the other two new phones.

Omnia
The all-touchscreen Omnia, despite being the fastest over 3G in a number of cases, was a nightmare. During the 3G tests, it managed to crash Opera on three of the six pages tested. I also had tons of Wi-Fi issues. Eventually I was told by Samsung that VZAppZone, Verizon's pseudo-app store that's all but pre-installed on the phone (after you fire it up, it installs), was breaking the Wi-Fi. (On the Epix in the previous showdown, I was later told by Samsung that installing Opera is what broke Wi-Fi for IE. So, uh, Samsung maybe...oh, whatever.) Also, its portrait keyboard has keys so ridiculously skinny, they'd remind anorexic models not to eat. When Opera did work and a page was actually loaded, it was the snappiest at moving around the page. But overall, yeesh.

Conclusion
So where would I slot Opera 9.5 overall if I were to slide it into the previous browser battle? I'd give it a B-. It has a great, desktop-y UI (though I wish a few of the buttons were a smidge bigger, taking into consideration fat fingers and the inadequacies of resistive touchscreens). It's really competent, and it has a solid zoom metaphor, with the double taps usually working like a charm. And it has extras like tabs. But, and this is the big but, it still doesn't feel quite as smooth or instantly responsive as Safari or Android's browser. It's clearly an OS issue, though, not an Opera one.

Speaking to that, testing these three phones actually took longer than it did to test the six in the original Battlemodo, entirely because of how much wrestling I had to do with Windows Mobile. I've used close to a dozen Windows Mobile devices over the last year, and it's still a bitch.

If you haven't noticed in our reviews of Windows Mobile phones, we've basically ceased comparing to them anything but other WM phones, in a wishful attempt at dulling our totally appropriate disdain for the OS, lest the review essentially turn into one giant bitchfest. They're clearly off in their own world of performance and function.

Even ceding the point that Windows Mobile is somehow more functional than the iPhone or Android, it's like comparing one of those 100-in-1 kitchen gadgets that'll blend, slice, dice, toast, saute, braise, set the table, clean the dishes AND suck you off while it's doing all that to a Waring MX1000 blender. It doesn't matter how much the all-in-one gadget can technically do if you can't figure out how to use it, and it performs every task with only mediocre results.

If the iPhone ran half as poorly as Windows Mobile phones, Apple haters would (rightfully) scream as loudly as Apple fanboys do about Vista. If any BlackBerry was as much of a flustercuck, reviewers would trash the crap out of it. I'm sorry, but at this point, any apologist left defending Windows Mobile is either delusional or full of crap—either way, not worth listening to.

I won't touch another Windows Mobile phone until WM7 or at least 6.5, no matter how awesome the hardware looks. Call me when it runs Android.

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<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 Delayed Until January 12th]]> The U.S. version of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 has been pushed back until January 12th. That gives you another month to figure out what else to spend your $800 on. [Electronista]

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<![CDATA[SE Xperia Panel Interface Modded to Work on HTC Touch HD]]> Not sure why anybody would take on this project, but several modders at the xda-developers forum have gotten Sony Ericsson's Xperia X1 panel interface to work on HTC's Touch HD. From the look of it, X1 installs, launches and works without much of a speed difference, and the panel interface actually seems nicer on the Touch HD's roomier screen. I doubt either company would be happy about this, but if you ever wanted X1's interface rather than TouchFLO on your HTC handset, I guess now there's a way to get it. [xda-developers via Engadget China]

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<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 To Drop Black Friday For $800]]> Sony's Win-Mo 6.1 Xperia X1 finally has a firm U.S. release date set: November 28, better known as Black Friday. Although unlike most things on sale on that fateful day of darkness, the Xperia will not be a particularly awesome deal at $800 for an unsubsidized, unlocked X1. It'll work on AT&T's 3G network here in the States, though, if you are so inclined. Pre-orders begin tomorrow, and general availability will be at Sony Style stores and authorized retailers. Full release after the jump.

Sony Ericsson Xperia(TM) X1 Available in U.S. for 2008 Holiday Season
November 12, 2008, 8:00 AM

Pre-orders for the premium converged device begin today at SonyStyle.Com

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Nov. 12 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Sony Ericsson North America announced the arrival of the highly anticipated Xperia(TM) X1 to the U.S. marketplace. The Xperia(TM) X1 delivers a range of multimedia and communication experiences that have long been coveted and in demand by consumers

The Xperia X1 will be available unlocked through Sony Electronics and its authorized retailers beginning on "Black Friday," November 28. Pre-orders of the Xperia X1 will be available through the Sony Style Web site at www.sonystyle.com beginning November 13. This premium device will be sold unlocked for the MSRP of $799.99, giving consumers the freedom to choose their own mobile operator and data plan.

"The Xperia X1 continues the Sony Ericsson tradition of delivering the highest quality experiences and the most advanced technology available today," said Karen Morris, vice president of marketing, Sony Ericsson North America. "The most exciting scenarios enabled by the Xperia X1 will be created by consumers - enabling them to customize and personalize their device and content to fit their lifestyle and personality."

The Xperia X1's unique panel user interface is at the heart of the device's ability to create and adapt consumers' personal choices. With up to 9 panels, it's easy to find and enjoy the information and entertainment content they want. Sony Ericsson is busy working with third-party developers to create a wealth of new applications and new panels that will soon be available for download.

By incorporating the Windows Mobile(R) 6.1 Professional operating system, the Xperia X1 frees consumers from their home and office, allowing them connectivity to their content wherever they are.

"Windows Mobile gives people the ability to easily navigate between their business and personal lives," said Todd Peters, vice president of marketing, Mobile Communications Business, Microsoft. "The panel user interface found only in the Xperia X1 is bringing unique experiences to consumers who want more from their converged devices."

As Sony Ericsson's most advanced phone to date, the Xperia X1 brings together a large, 3-inch wide VGA display touchscreen and a full QWERTY keyboard all wrapped into a sleek silver metal- finished arc slider handset. The Xperia X1 supports fast 3G networks, enabling audio and video streaming, high-speed internet surfing, multimedia messaging and email on the go. In addition to delivering 3G mobile broadband speeds, the Xperia X1 supports WiFi to meet the needs of consumers' always connected lifestyles.

In the tradition of Sony Ericsson, the Xperia X1 offers consumers the ultimate multimedia experience with a 3.2 megapixel camera, video streaming, video playback and video recording, and the ability to enjoy all their digital music.

"The Xperia X1 complements Sony Electronics' family of Windows-based devices and leverages the company's heritage of providing beautifully designed, highly functional, portable electronics," said John Kodera, vice president of product marketing, Sony Electronics. "The Xperia X1 delivers the highest quality entertainment, communication and personalization options for consumers."

Sony Ericsson Xperia(TM) X1 - At a Glance

Camera

• Auto focus

• 3.2 megapixel camera

• Photo light

• Video recording

Multimedia

• Bluetooth(TM) stereo (A2DP)4

• Media player

• Music tones

• Windows Media(R) Player Mobile

• 3D games

• FM radio

• Java(TM)

• Video streaming

• Video viewing

Internet7

• Internet Explorer(R) Mobile

• RSS feeds

• Opera(TM) 9.5

Communication and Messaging

• Polyphonic ringtones

• Speakerphone

• Vibrating alert

• Video calling3,8

• Email

• Picture messaging (MMS)9

• Predictive text input

• Text messaging (SMS)9

Design

• XPERIA(TM) panels

• Optical joystick navigation

• Navigation key

• Picture wallpaper

• Touch navigation

Organizer

• Alarm clock

• Calculator

• Calendar

• Document editors

• Document readers

• Flight mode

• Handwriting recognition

• Notes

• Phone book

• Tasks

• Touchscreen

Connectivity

• aGPS

• Bluetooth(TM)4 technology

• Modem

• Synchronization

• USB support

• WLAN

Windows Mobile(R) Operating System

• Microsoft(R) Outlook(R) Mobile: email, contacts, calendar, tasks

• Microsoft(R) Office Mobile: Word Mobile, Excel(R) Mobile, PowerPoint(R) Mobile

• Windows Live(TM)

• Microsoft(R) ActiveSync(R)

• Voice control

• Utility Applications: file explorer, calculator, pictures & video, notes

Facts and Figures

Size: 110 x 53 x 16.7 mm (approx.)

Weight: 145 grams (approx.)

Available colors: Silver

Main screen: 65,536 color TFT

Resolution: 800 X 480 pixels

Size: 3 inches (approx.)

Phone memory5: up to 400 MB

microSD(TM) memory card support

Networks:

GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900

UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA 850/1900/2100 MHz

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<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 Cleared by FCC]]> The highly-anticipated Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 smartphone has been approved by the FCC and helpfully posted on their website so I can spend my Saturday mornings combing through confusingly bureaucratic PDF files looking for announcements like this. The specific model vetted by the fatcats in Washington probably isn't the one we'll be seeing here in North America: it's referred to as the X1i, which in Sony terms means Europe, and it's not yet equipped with 3G. Still, this is a good indication that we will be getting the X1 before 2009, though it'll still be after those shifty Europeans. [Crave]

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<![CDATA[SE Xperia Phones Might Not Use Windows]]> In a small blow to Microsoft's smartphone market dreams, Sony Ericsson has refused to confirm that their spanking new Xperia line will continue shacking up with the Windows Mobile platform. The heartless cad of a company insisted that it not commit to any specific operating system, presumably because it'd be doing the world a disservice if it allowed itself to be tied down. Hmm, sounds like some of the dudes I've dated. What are the chances M'soft will also have to shoulder hysterical 3am phone calls begging for a second chance at making the relationship work? [Reuters]

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<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 to Hit Streets First in Europe, September 30]]> Sony Ericsson's upcoming Xperia X1 smartphone is due to go on sale at first in Europe in just 20 days. It'll hit the streets in the UK, Germany and Sweden then, followed by many other countries throughout the remainder of 2008. To "start the countdown" SE will be launching a live global webcast on September 15 at 1PM London time, demonstrating the handset's fucntions. That's fab news, and confirms that rumor the phone would go on sale this year... just not in the US. Dates for North America and other countries will be out "in the coming months" apparently. Press release below.

London, UK - 10 September 2008 - Sony Ericsson today announces 30 September 2008 as the official launch date for the highly anticipated Xperia(TM) X1 - initially available to consumers in the UK, Germany and Sweden. The handset will be available in other markets across Europe, Asia and Latin America throughout Q4 2008.

APAC:
Indonesia, Singapore, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam
Western Europe:
Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Netherlands, Austria, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Portugal
Central Europe:
Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic
Middle East:
UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait
Africa:
South Africa
Latin America:
Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia

Availability dates for North America, China, Australia and Russia along with other countries not mentioned above will be announced by local markets in the coming months.

Webcast
To start the countdown to the launch of Xperia(TM) X1, Sony Ericsson will host a live global webcast on September 15 at 13:00 GMT + 1, offering viewers the first in-depth demonstration of the handset. The web cast will also premiere the first episode of an alternative reality thriller Johnny X. To register to view the web cast and Q&A session with Xperia(TM) X1 Senior Product Manager Magnus J Andersson, please visit: www.sonyericsson.com/premiere.

"We are extremely pleased with the innovation and new user experience we have created for consumers on the Xperia(TM) X1," said Rikko Sakaguchi CVP and Head of Creation and Development at Sony Ericsson. "The in-depth demonstration on the web cast will showcase how this handset is truly unique. The nine panel eco system puts the user in total control of the primary experiences available on the phone and allows consumers to personalise the panel interface to suit their needs and lifestyle. The Xperia(TM) X1 has the highest quality screen on the market, four-way navigation keys and optical joy stick to give a stressless browsing experience and, with its super fast processor and network speed the Xperia(TM) X1 really bridges the gap between personal, entertainment and work mobile needs."

Johnny X Alternative Reality Thriller
Johnny X is about a young man with amnesia desperately piecing together his identity. The webisodic thriller comprises of nine episodes, created to demonstrate the rich, immersive and experiential elements of the Xperia(TM) X1.

The storyline follows Johnny X on his mission to rediscover his identity. As he finds out more about his lost life in a race against time, he updates his Xperia(TM) X1 with new content to piece together his personality and identity, reflecting how the phone can be personalized to suit users' individual lifestyle and needs. Will Johnny X find out who he really is before it's too late?

"Producing the Johnny X thriller has given us an engaging platform to demonstrate all the capabilities and features a user can experience with the Xperia(TM) X1 phone," said Lennard Hoornik, Head of Marketing at Sony Ericsson. "The panel interface is a perfect way to reflect your personality and can be tailored and changed to suit your exact needs at any given time. No two Xperia(TM) X1 will ever have the same combination of panels on the phone; we are all individuals and deserve to have a phone that reflects that. "

Over a three week period, one new episode of Johnny X will be posted online atwww.sonyericsson.com/Johnnyx every Monday, Wednesday and Friday starting on Monday, September 22. Check out the trailer for the series at www.whoisjohnny-x.com

Global Launch
The official global launch of the Xperia(TM) X1 will take place at Tent London as part of London Design Week between September 18 - 21st. Journalists are invited to attend the official Tent London opening party on Friday evening 19 September 2008 to see the Xperia(TM) X1 and meet with Sony Ericsson spokespeople. To register, please email: sonyericsson@bm.com

Tent London is one of the most comprehensive and diverse design events of the year. It is a multi-disciplinary event in an exciting location that will appeal equally to designers, media and consumers - embracing art to architecture, vintage to contemporary and raw talent to established trend-setters.

Open to general public from 18-21st September, from 10am, with admission prices starting at:
Public & Students £7.50 in advance £10.00 on the door
Child (under 16) £5.00
Child (under 5) FREE
For advance ticket purchases, visit: www.tentlondon.co.uk
Address: Circa at Tent London, The Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London, E1

Xperia(TM)
The Xperia(TM) X1 is the first product under Sony Ericsson's new premium sub-brand Xperia(TM). Designed to meet consumers' needs for a converged entertainment and mobile web communication experience, the Xperia(TM) X1 is an extremely stylish handset encased in a real stainless steel body, with a striking arc-slider design, supported by a powerful multimedia ecosystem.

Consumers can access a world of experiences by tapping on one of the unique customisable panels on the three-inch high resolution touch-widescreen. Windows Mobile® lets you choose from a dynamic range of activities anytime and anywhere; from enjoying your music, watching a video, checking email, shopping online or working with Windows Mobile Office on-the-move. The full QWERTY keyboard and quality metal casing completes this premium handset. For more information please visit: www.sonyericsson.com/x1

[SonyEricsson]

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<![CDATA[SDK for Sony xPeria X1 Phone Launched, Doesn't Cost a Penny]]> Sony's just come up with the software development kit for the xPeria X1, designed to let programmers create new "panel" apps for the phone's funky one-touch panel interface that sits on top of its Windows Mobile 6.1 OS. The idea is to create stuff that will "meet the consumer’s demand for a rich, individualized multimedia experience on their phone"—everything from search engines to social networking apps, all easy-access through the panels, or so says Sony anyway. If you're keen to get to grips with making software for this phone, you'll be able to get hold of the SDK for free here. Otherwise, check out a video of the panel interface at the Sony link. Press release below. [Sony]

London, UK — 3 September 2008— Sony Ericsson today published its Software Developer Kit (SDK) for Xperia™ X1 and invited developers and content creators to capitalize on the opportunities offered by developing mobile content for the phone. Whether it is music, photography, email or instant messaging, gaming, social networking or video applications, developers can now create a host of unique multi-media entertainment and content for the Xperia™ X1 for consumers to enjoy.

Xperia™ X1 brings a totally new experience to mobile phone users by introducing nine easy-to-use, interactive panels which sit on the touch screen interface of the phone.

Developers can use the Windows Mobile SDK, free of charge, to produce a wide variety of panels to meet the consumer’s demand for a rich, individualised multimedia experience on their phone. Users of the Xperia™ X1 will be spoilt for choice as they personalize their handset with panel applications to suit their mood and lifestyle. Whether it is a search engine, advanced calendar or social networking application, music or film catalogue, sports or news related content, the panels enable you to access any information – quickly and directly – with a simple tap on the 3” super high resolution touch screen.

“Sony Ericsson is committed to providing its customers with rich, open content environment to make their mobile experience more enjoyable and entertaining,” said Rikko Sakaguchi , CVP and Head of Creation and Development at Sony Ericsson. “Making the Windows Mobile SDK available for free to developers and mobile content creators will accelerate the development of new panels and applications for the Xperia™ X1, offering consumer choice and personalisation.
The Xperia™ X1 will offer the richest mobile user experience, putting the world at the fingertips of the user.”

Entertain yourself:

* Customise your Xperia™ X1 panels so you are a touch away from your favourite content – music, film, TV, sports
* Or, be the envy of your friends by watching TV or film clips in DVD quality on the three-inch high resolution touch-widescreen
* Get picture happy on the 3.2 megapixel camera and show the images in crystal clear clarity on the 800 X 480 pixels screen
* Access the latest 3D mobile games by simply touching a favourite gaming panel you have selected

Make your personal life a little easier:

* Access all your contacts and calendar entries wherever you are, as the Xperia™ X1 can automatically sync with your PC making sure you never miss a birthday, anniversary or meeting
* Search or book a holiday in your lunch hour by going online via a travel panel
* Add your local supermarket website and do your weekly food shop in just a few taps on the bus on the way home
* Read the latest restaurants reviews, look up cinema listings, call a friend or reply to personal email on the move using the full QWERTY keyboard
* Find that bar, restaurant or hotel using Assisted GPS and Goggle Maps™ for mobile when you’re on vacation or a business trip

Work on the move:

* Windows Mobile™ 6.1 makes working on the move easier with easy access to work emails and Microsoft® Office Mobile applications, such as Excel, Word and PowerPoint
* Always stay up-to-date with colleagues and important appointments by syncing the handset to Microsoft Outlook on your work PC

“The X1’s panels are a simple but immersive way of interacting with content, services and applications that will delight and engage consumers,” said Todd Peters, corporate vice president, Mobile Communications Marketing Group, Microsoft Corp. “Sony Ericsson’s X1 is a fantastic demonstration of how to harness the power of Windows Mobile to connect people to the things they care about most.”

Xperia™ X1
The Xperia™ X1 is the first product under Sony Ericsson’s new premium sub-brand Xperia™. Designed to meet consumers’ needs for a converged entertainment and mobile web communication experience, the Xperia™ X1 is an extremely stylish handset, with a striking arc-slider design, encased in real stainless steel, supported by a powerful panel multimedia ecosystem.

The Xperia™X1 can be personalised through its nine panel user interface to suit the user’s moods and lifestyle. Users can access content quickly and directly through the touch screen, easily switching between applications by touching one of the unique customisable panels.

Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X1 – A new era in mobile convergence

* Unique arc slider with 3.0” WVGA display and finger touch navigation
* Customisable panels
* Wide pitch easy-to-use QWERTY keyboard
* Four way navigation keys and optical joy stick for stressless browsing
* 3.2 megapixel camera
* DVD quality video and 3D Gaming capabilities
* Windows Mobile® capabilities such as Microsoft® Outlook Mobile, Internet Explorer® Mobile and Microsoft® Office Mobile: World, Excel, Powerpoint

Distribution information
The Sony Ericsson SDK for Windows Mobile™ 6.1 will be made available for easy download on the Sony Ericsson Developer World website: www.sonyericsson.com/developer.

Click on http://www.sonyericsson.com/x1panelvideo/ to see a video of Ramanath Bhat, Application and Product Planning for the Xperia™ X1, talk about the phone’s unique panel interface and the benefits of publishing the Windows Mobile SDK for Xperia™ X1.

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<![CDATA[Video Could be Glimpse of Future Sony Ericsson Xperia Cellphones]]> We've been following the off-again, on-again news about Sony Ericsson's upcoming Xperia X1 smartphone for a while: Blam even managed to get his mits on one. But now there's this video doing the intertube rounds that may be showing the next phones that'll carry the Xperia brand. Look past the CGI and notice that the guy and the girl are holding slightly different models: hers has a front-facing camera, his has three extra buttons on the front. And also notice that "may be": these might not be Xperia phones at all, though Sony has mentioned a future Xperia range. There's not more much we can tell, apart from the fact that the phones look like pretty advanced bits of touchscreen kit. Watch this space. [ via TBGR]

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<![CDATA[Rumor Smashed: Xperia X1 Still Coming in 2008]]> While this weekend we reported on a rumor that Sony Ericsson's upcoming Xperia X1 was delayed until late 2009, it turns out that isn't the case. Sony came out and confirmed that they're still on for a late 2008 release. Now you can sleep easier, I'm sure. You're welcome. [Unofficial Sony Ericsson Blog via Mobility Today]

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<![CDATA[Xperia X1 Delayed Till 2009?]]> We brought you news that Sony Ericsson's first Windows Mobile smartphone would ship mid 2008, however, the guys at Sony Ericsson Blog have spotted an official Sony Ericsson webpage showing the expected release date as 10/02/2009.

Considering Sony Ericsson Blog are as reliable as a really reliable source, and that they have pointed us in the direction of an official webpage backing their claim, this looks to be solid. If true, the wow factor of the Xperia X1 just may fade a little; who knows what we may see by 2009? We'll bring you any updates as we receive them, but a delay would surely suck big time for those awaiting the Windows Mobile 6.1 running, dual touch and QWERTY sliding, sexy beast that is the Xperia X1. [Sony Ericsson via Sony Ericsson Blog]

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<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 Runs Windows Mobile 6.1]]> 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]

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<![CDATA[Video: First Hands On Sony Ericsson's XPERIA X1]]>
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.

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<![CDATA[XPERIA X1 Hiptop Killer: Sony Ericsson's First Video Plus Gallery]]> 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

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<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson's Complete New Lineup]]> Sony Ericsson has just held a press event detailing the majority of their new lineup, and boy, do they have some show stoppers for us. Here is the entire roundup of all the new handsets that are soon to be gracing pockets the world over:

Xperia X1 (above). HSDPA, 3-inch touchscreen (800 x480) with 65K colors, 3.2MP camera with AF, A2DP supported Bluetooth, assisted GPS, internal 400MB memory, microSD support, FM radio, WMP, IE Mobile, WiFi connectivity, Windows Mobile OS and available in either black or silver. [More on Giz]

•Cybershot Series:
C702:c702top.jpgHSDPA, 2.2-inch TFT (240 x 320) with 260K colors, internal 160MB memory, M2 card slot, 3.2MP camera with AF, Face detection and various photo editing software, A2DP supported Bluetooth, assisted GPS, Google Maps, and available in speed black or cyan blue colors. [More on Giz]

C902: c902top.jpgAs above, but with a 2-inch TFT (240 x 320) with 260K colors, 5MP camera and available in luscious red or swift black colors. [More on Giz]

All New G-Series:

G700:g700g900.jpg Large 2.4-inch touchscreen display, 3.2MP camera and a single touch navigation control system. [More on Giz]

G900:g900top.jpgLarge 2.4-inch touchscreen display, 5MP camera with AF and Multi-shot, single touch navigation control system and WiFi connectivity. [More on Giz]

Walkman Series:

W980:w980top.jpgHSDPA, 2.2-inch TFT (240 x 320), internal 8GB memory, 3.2MP camera, A2DP supported Bluetooth, FM radio, shake sensitive controls, MP3/AAC playback, black color and a clamshell design. [More on Giz]

Z-Series:

Z770:Z770.jpgHSDPA, 2.2-inch TFT (240 x 320) with 260K colors, 32MB internal memory, M2 card slot, A2DP supported Bluetooth, 2MP camera, MP3/AAC playback, red, black or gold colors and a candybar design.

That's it for now. The new additions to each range, as well as the all new G-Series product line look extremely promising. We'll have our grubby hands all over these handsets tomorrow, so stay tuned for some video review goodness.

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