xperia

Sony releases an app for Windows Phone…to get you to switch to Xperia with Android

Submitted by Daniel Rubino on Mon, 10/13/2014 - 11:31

Is Sony making a Windows Phone? The rumor started to get serious way back in December 2013, although, since then, nothing substantive has come about, suggesting either the info was bogus or talks fell through. Indeed, Sony has spun off their PC business recently, suggesting a cooling with Microsoft in general, (and forfeiting any future tie-in).

Now, Sony has an app for Windows Phone but before you get too excited, it appears to be nefarious tool to get you to switch from Windows Phone to Xperia with Android. The app is dubbed Xperia™ Transfer Mobile and it is part of Sony's program to ease those coming from iOS, BlackBerry, and now Windows Phone onto a new Xperia with Android.

Sony selling off its PC business to an investment fund

Submitted by Sam Sabri on Thu, 02/06/2014 - 03:05

Nothing is ever set in stone. That’s one thing you really learn about when watching the tech industry. Sony has just announced it is selling its VAIO PC business. In addition it will the TV group its own subsidiary within Sony. In turn, Sony hopes to focus on the mobile unit, specifically on smartphones and tablets.

Sony “currently investigating” Windows Phone 8 but makes no commitments

Submitted by Daniel Rubino on Fri, 09/07/2012 - 18:40

116

How we feel about Sony adopting Windows Phone 8

Sony Mobile Communications is one of those finicky OEMs who are constantly adjusting their strategy as the market changes around them. Actually, that’s hardly a bad position to take and that seems to be the case with their position on Windows Phone 8 as well.

In a recent interview with Mobile Magazine, Sony Mobile’s UK & Ireland MD Pierre Perron discussed their latest stance on Microsoft...

Purported Sony Xperia Arc S with Windows Phone OS looks suspicious

Submitted by Daniel Rubino on Tue, 01/24/2012 - 21:29

Seems like people want Sony to make a Windows Phone even if they don't seem keen on the idea. Take these latest images being reported tonight at XDA Developers (main site) which purport to show a device that looks like an Xperia Arc S running Windows Phone 7.

Although we'll say "anything is possible" and clearly Sony was working on Windows Phone back in 2010 (e.g. "Julie" prototype), we're doubtful that this is legit. Reasons? Well obviously it is missing the three keys near the bottom: Back, Windows and Search which have been on every single Windows Phone since day one and are a hardware requirement. Sure, that "arc" near the bottom could double as those (they're buttons on Android) but we find it odd that Sony would get rid of such a defining feature, let alone modify it to such a degree by removing those icons.

Going further, we don't see evidence for a side camera button. Now in fairness, these aren't the best shots and perhaps the button is there and just really flush, but it's one more thing we see that makes us question the validity of these images.

So while we really want to see Sony enter the Windows Phone game, we're calling this one fake. Plus we'd hate to think that Sony would, pardon the pun, phone it in this badly with their first Windows Phone i.e. just recycle an Android device. But hey, we'll see what happens at Mobile World Congress in a few weeks.

Source: XDA Developers

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X7 and X7 mini Rumored

Submitted by Tim Ferrill on Tue, 11/16/2010 - 18:35

We’ve been hearing whispers about Sony-Ericsson considering Windows Phone 7 as a platform for quite some time now. Historically, SE has teased us with the X1a running Windows Mobile, but most of their smart-phones have run Symbian and (more lately) Android.

Now the aforementioned rumors are starting to gain volume (and perhaps credibility) as we have some YouTube video with what appears to be a slide presentation containing specifications and some basic renderings of both an X7 and X7 mini handset. The X7 is rumored to boast a 4.3" screen, 1.2GHz processor, and an 8.1 megapixel camera. The X7 mini supposedly sports a 3.5" screen, 1GHz processor, and a whopping 10.1 megapixel camera with a 3x optical zoom and a Xenon flash.

My biggest hurdle to believing these rumors is the simple fact that every Windows Phone 7 devices is an extension of Xbox Live. I would think that Sony would have to be pretty desperate to be in the smart-phone game to bite that particular bullet. Couple that with the rumors over at our frenemy site Android Central about the "PSP Phone" and the waters aren’t as clear as we would like.

What do you think? Would Sony-Ericsson actually put out a Windows Phone 7 device? Which of these would you go for? Let us know in the comments. YouTube video after the break.

Source: YouTube; via: PhoneArena

iPhone 4 follows Windows Mobile in line of high-resolution, high-dpi phones

Submitted by Daniel Rubino on Tue, 06/08/2010 - 21:54

Gee, that new iPhone 4 sure is shiny, with its high-resolution, 326-dpi screen. But you know what? It's not the first to cross the 300-dpi threshold. That news comes from from an Android guru, actually. Tim Bray, who joined Google earlier this year and knows a thing or three about this business broke it down today on his blog. The Windows Mobile-powered Toshiba G900 and the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 (remember them, folks?) both packed in the pixels back in their day. Of course, neither was a big hit in the United States, so we'll forgive you for not counting their pixels. Check out the whole hubub over dots per inch at Tim's blog. [TimBray.org]

Edit: Getting a high DPI is easy when you double the resolution but *don't* increase the size of the screen, which is what Apple did with the iPhone 4. Fact is, 3.5inch for the iPhone is on the small side these days for smartphones as HTC has made 3.2" small, 3.6" the medium and 4.3" as large.

Had Apple made a 4.3" screen to compete with the HD2, their DPI would drop to a less impressive 268

Incidently, the AT&T Pure is about 291 DPI, which while lower than the iPhone 4, is still in the ball park despite having a lower resolution. Why? It only has a small 3.2" screen. The Xperia X1 was over 300 DPI because it only had a 3 inch screen.

While a high DPI is nice, having a larger screen can be just as preferable, especially for reading on-the-go.

--Malatesta

Sony Xperia X2a delayed?

Submitted by George Ponder on Wed, 05/12/2010 - 04:28

We mentioned a few weeks ago that Sony was accepting pre-orders for the new Sony Xperia X2a. The ship date was marked as "on or about" April 29, 2010.

While Sony is still accepting orders for the Windows Phone (at a healthy $599.99) the anticipated ship date seems to be moving backwards. Today the ship date is estimated at May 12, 2010 and yesterday, it was May 11, 2010; both a little off the mark from "on or about" April 29, 2010.

Could we be seeing a repeat of the X2a's predecessor the X1a? So far Sony has only missed the original date by a few weeks which really isn't a reason to panic. However, if the delay continues for months (as it did with the X1a) the X2a may be competing with the Windows Phone 7 release. And at $599, that could result in disaster for what appears to be a quality Windows Phone.

Sony accepting pre-orders for the Xperia X2a

Submitted by George Ponder on Wed, 04/21/2010 - 22:23

We haven't mentioned much about the Sony Xperia X2a. The predecessor to the Xperia X1 has been making the rounds overseas and it appears to be headed to the U.S. Market.

Over at SonyStyle.com, Sony is accepting pre-orders for the X2a (only $599.99) and is noting expected availability as on or about April 29, 2010.

The X2a is a sliding keyboard styled Windows Phone running Windows Mobile 6.5. It features Sony's "tile" user interface and an 8.1mp camera. Other features include a 3.2", 800x480 screen, Qualcomm 528mhz processor, 1500mah battery, 256mb RAM, 512mb ROM, and is shipped with a 4GB MicroSD card.

From the advertisement's footnotes: "This device is 3G enabled for tri-band HSPA (850/1900/2100 MHz). Please check with your preferred carrier as some features, applications, and services are not available in all areas. GSM network with compatible radio band required. Not available in all countries. Local SIM card required to make local calls, sold separately. Check with a service provider for details."

So if you're on AT&T (or another compatible network) and are dying to get your hands on a Sony Windows Phone, now's your chance.

X2 on Sony's Web site, springtime launch anticipated

Submitted by Phil Nickinson on Mon, 01/11/2010 - 22:54

Oh, look. There's the Sony Ericsson Xperia X2a (the "a" points to the North American version) on the Sony Style Web site. It's still not available for purchase, but we saw it at CES running Windows Mobile 6.5.3, and CNET says its been told to expect launch this spring. We're not holding our breaths, given the lack of expediency given the X1, but we'll definitely be glad to see it when it comes.

No Windows Mobile 6.5 update for Xperia X1

Submitted by Phil Nickinson on Wed, 11/18/2009 - 15:47

Those of you holding out hope that the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 will get an official update to Windows Mobile 6.5 can let that dream die. An SE rep apparently has told Crave Asia that there will be no update, quit asking, now go buy the Xperia X2. (OK, we made up those last two parts.)

The good news? Unoffocial ROMs have been available for quite some time now in the usual places, so long as you don't mind a little hardSPL trickery. And as a reminder, here's the link to the semi-official (and still rather sparse) upgrade list, so check it to see if good news is headed your way. [Crave Asia via wmpoweruser]

Xperia panels now working on the Touch Pro 2, Diamond 2

Submitted by Daniel Rubino on Tue, 11/03/2009 - 19:35

Funny we were just talking about this 2 podcasts ago — Mobility Digest is reporting that forum whiz Herg has successfully ported those swanky Xperia panels to Touch Pro 2 and Diamond 2 devices (specifically the Pure).

Mchapman007 at PPCGeeks has confirmed that this is working on his Verizon Touch Pro 2 as well, noting it works "perfectly" and "...The Fish panel worked for me.. Also the main screen or home panel is awesome, all of the variations that go into that panel seem to be working."

You'll want to grab the .cab here and head to XDA to experiment with more panels.

Besides custom ROMs, seems like a whole new can of worms for UI choice has just opened up, offering an unparalleled selection for Windows phone users. Nice work Herg!

Read More: Mobility Digest

Xperia X2 passes the FCC, but it comes without US 3G

Submitted by Phil Nickinson on Wed, 10/21/2009 - 14:40

The good news: The Sony Ericsson Xperia X2 has passed the FCC. The bad news: This is the European variety, which lacks the U.S. 3G bands. But, it does mean you can import the X2, if you're so inclined. Whether you'll be willing to spend that kind of cash for great hardware and a sometimes-frustrating software experience is a completely different question. (Peep Dieter's hands-on if you need a reminder why.)

FCC via Unwired View

Hands-On: Xperia X2

Submitted by Phil Nickinson on Wed, 10/21/2009 - 14:35

Maybe I'm a little jaded after waiting so long for the Xperia X1 only to have it land, look impressive, but fail to make a big impact on the Windows Mobile world. Don't get me wrong - the Xperia X2 is very nice: the build quality is amongst the best of the couple dozen devices I've handled here at CTIA. From the slider to the feel of the keyboard to the subtle curve on the lower-rear of the phone, everything is top-notch.

Not so top-notch, the latest iteration of Sony's Panel's interface. It's awfully pretty and definitely the sort of things you can use to wow your friends and shame your enemies, but only if you're careful to stick with one panel and not switch between your different options, as the lag starting them up is a little disappointing. Perhaps it's time Sony moved beyond the standard 256RAM/512ROM 528MHz Qualcomm processor and into the big time if they're going to try to power interfaces that are this dynamic.

Still, the 480x800 screen and 8mp camera can't help but impress. I can definitely see Sony fans coveting this and I can't blame them for it, the X2 is a very futuristic-looking rig, I just wish the internals we are futuristic as its looks.

Xperia X2 due on Vodafone Nov. 6; LG GM750 is out this Friday

Submitted by Phil Nickinson on Wed, 09/30/2009 - 22:40

Remember how Vodafone said customers can expect the LG GM750 in October and the Sony Xperia X2 in November? That was it. No actual dates attached.

But never fear: We've gotten (very blurry) word that the X2 (aka the Vulcan) is due Nov. 6. Price and plans still to be determined (or at least leaked).

Even better, the GM750 should be on hand this Friday, Oct. 2. As you can see, £25 a month gets you 300 minutes and unlimited texts, and the phone itself is free. Unlimited data will cost another £5 a month.

For us, the question remains: Will either of these phones see love on this side of the pond?

Thanks, anonymous tipster!

Retailer lists Xperia X2 release as early January

Submitted by Phil Nickinson on Fri, 09/11/2009 - 23:45

Expansys, everybody's favorite UK importer/exporter, has the Sony Ericsson Xperia X2 listed on its site for the low, low price of 604 British pounds, or right about $1,000 U.S. That's only hundred more than the original X1 initially went for when it trickled out in its U.S. release, so you could do worse, we guess. Also listed is an "expected release date" of Jan. 11, 2010. This is an Xperia, after all, so we'll believe it when we see it.

Via Pocketnow

Video review of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X2

Submitted by Phil Nickinson on Thu, 09/10/2009 - 19:12

For those of you drooling over the recent announcement of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X2, here are five more minutes of pre-release review goodness, thanks to Phone Area.

While the screen is slightly bigger, a lot of the innards remain the same, including the processor. Is that going to be enough to get people to shell out several hundred dollars this time around?

Sony Xperia X2 Videos Surface

Submitted by George Ponder on Fri, 09/04/2009 - 13:09

It was only a matter of time before hands-on videos for the Sony-Ericcson Xperia X2 to surface and here's a short and sweet overview of the new Windows Mobile phone as presented by SE-First.

Can't say there's any surprises in the design of the X2. The battery door does appear to have a safety latch and you can't miss the 3.5mm jack. If you've survived the techno sound track, follow the break for yet another hands-on video from EngadgetMobile that focuses on the X2's unique user interface.

Sony Ericsson announces Xperia X2

Submitted by Phil Nickinson on Wed, 09/02/2009 - 16:48

Sony Ericsson today unveiled the Xperia X2. The latest iteration features the familiar panels interface but also debuts SlideView, "which provides quick access to frequently used phone activities."

Like with the original X1 (read our review), there actually are two versions of the X2, with the X2a the version with U.S.-compatible 3G bands. That said, there's no U.S. availability mentioned anywhere, and the X2a appears slated for Australia and New Zealand.

Specs are a little incomplete, but we'll start you off with a massive 8.1-megapixel camera with autofocus, image stabilization, geotagging, a 16x digital zoom, flash and more. Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional is on board the 3.2-inch 480x800 touchscreen (resistive, still, unfortunately). There's quad-band EDGE and tri-band (850/900/1900) on the 3G side.

Sony Ericsson says the X2 will be available in the fourth quarter. No word yet on pricing, but you can bet it'll cost a pretty penny. Next question is whether the X2 will get any support from U.S. carriers, after the X1 was spurned. Get the full rundown here, and we've got more pictures after the break.

Oh, and if new hardware's not enough, SE's opened up the panel SDK. Get the lowdown on that here.

Xperia X2 announcement next week?

Submitted by Phil Nickinson on Mon, 08/24/2009 - 21:11

It's entirely possible that the unsourced rumor emanating from SEMC Blog could be true, and the Sony Ericsson Xperia X2 could be announced next week. But we've been down that road before, haven't we?

Video of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X2

Submitted by Phil Nickinson on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 15:28

Here's nearly six minutes with the Sony Ericsson Xperia X2, running Windows Mobile 6.5. We also get a look at the custom SE panels interface that we came to know with the Xperia X1, and some other customizations make an appearance, too.

Via Engadget Mobile

xperia

Pages