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XPERIA unites Sony Ericsson and Windows Mobile

by Parm Mann on 11 February 2008, 10:00

Tags: XPERIA X1, Sony Ericsson

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XPERIA X1 offers qwerty keyboard, HSUPA, Windows Mobile and more

Sony Ericsson kicked off its presentation at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona with quite a bang by announcing that it would feature Microsoft's Windows Mobile operating system on future handsets. The first handset from Sony Ericsson to feature Windows Mobile will be the XPERIA X1, currently scheduled for the second half of 2008 with a planned release in select markets.

The XPERIA X1 will mark the first ever handset from Sony Ericsson to carry Windows Mobile. For Microsoft, it will mean that five of the top handset manufacturers will now be utilising its operating system.

Sony Ericsson executive Steve Walker says "In the case of the X1, Microsoft gives us an opportunity to build on", and build on it they have. Taking the core operating system, Sony Ericsson has added many features unique to itself including a whole new interface to make Windows Mobile provide a better user experience.

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1

Now that we know that Microsoft is getting its mobile OS wherever it can find a home for it, lets take a look at the rather tasty XPERIA X1. This Windows Mobile powered device features a 3" 800x480 TFT touch screen, a curved QWERTY keyboard, 3.2 megapixel camera (with auto focus and light), aGPS, Bluetooth, WLAN and up to 400MB of onboard memory with a microSD slot for further expansion.

So, it packs a fair punch. Granted, the XPERIA X1 doesn't offer the camera capabilities that other Sony Ericsson handsets usually do. But then, this is more than just a camera phone. In terms of looks, the XPERIA X1 is certainly easy on the eye and the following video showcases how swish the interface could be. Users of Windows Mobile will be well aware that an improved skin is needed on todays handsets to prevent Microsoft's OS from looking, well, boring. Sony Ericsson's proposed skin definitely gets a thumbs up.

"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."

No pricing has been announced yet and the second half of 2008 release schedule is a little vague too. However, judging by its feature set and target market, expect the XPERIA X1 to be one of Sony Ericsson's most premium handsets.

Complete specification:

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

Official press release: Sony Ericsson marks the launch of its new brand XPERIA™ with the unveiling of the XPERIA™ X1



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