SonyEricsson Blog

T-Mobile launches Sony Ericsson Equinox

2009-10-30T07:04:00.000-07:00

Sony Ericsson Equinox is already launched by T-Mobile company. The quad-band GSM (850/900/1800/1900) Equinox is available since October 28 for $50 with service. The device is a 3G clamshell phone with a cool design that offers “pulsating night effects” to allow users to tell when they get a call or text.

Night effects is a feature that allows you to give your five favorite people their own unique pulsating light effect when a call comes in. The custom light features come in amber, sapphire, beryl, diamond, and amethyst colors.

The midrange feature set includes a 3.2-megapixel camera, a music player, stereo Bluetooth, an FM radio, a personal organizer, USB mass storage, PC syncing, a voice recorder, and a speakerphone. It also supports T-Mobile's 3G network and Sony Ericsson's gesture control feature, which allows you to control some calling functions and the alarm clock by waving your hand across a sensor. Follow the link for more features.

Reference:
http://cut.io/gkq2

Sony Ericsson Announces Rachael on 3rd of November

2009-10-30T04:07:00.000-07:00

Sony Ericsson announces its first Android-based smartphone which has codename Rachael and is XPERIA™ device.

The Rachael is going to be called Sony Ericsson Xperia X3, or Xperia X10 as one of the Xperia series.

Though the news is not exactly stated on the company website, it became clear according to the new media campaign that Sony Ericsson Rachael annoucement will be on 3rd of November.

Rachael will be available in two colours: Sensuous Black and Luster White. According to some rumours Sony Ericsson Rachael has nice pack of internal memory.

Reference:
http://cut.io/gky2
http://cut.io/fAM6

Sony Ericsson's Jalou by Dolce & Gabbana

2009-10-24T04:19:00.001-07:00

Sony Ericsson introduces new Jalou fashion clamshell mobile phone. Also announced the the Dolce&Gabbana design limited special edition Jalou that is rose colored and comes with real 24 carat gold plating.The new device is small, touts just enough tech spec to not make it a joke, and has a mirror function and 24 carat gold plating.

It measures just 7.3cm long and comes with three satin bags to let you protect the phone or store the charger in. It also comes with a Dolce & Gabbana branded headset with gold accents, and a button press will turn it into a compact mirror. When turned on, the phone has content from Dolce&Gabbana's women's Autumn/Winter 2010 runway show pre-loaded, along with a variety of themes, wallpapers, and an RSS feed for Dolce & Gabbana's blog. It has a camera, video recording, stereo FM radio, Bluetooth 2.0, an MP3 player, the aforementioned "mirror key", a walkmate step counter, Google search, maps, mail, YouTube and IM applications.

Jalou™ Specifications
Screen	External screen	Memory	Weight
- 262,144 color TFT QVGA	- Monochrome LCD	- Phone memory 100MB*	- 84.0 gr
- 240x320 pixel	- 128x36 pixels	- SanDisk microSD™ support	- 3.0 oz
Networks	Available colors	Sizes	Camera
- GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900	Deep Amethyst	- 73.0 x 45.0 x 18.2 mm	3.2-megapixel
- UMTS/HSDPA 2100	Aquamarine Blue	- 2.9 x 1.8 x 0.7 inches
	Onyx Black

The Sony Ericsson Jalou by Dolce & Gabbana is about as fashion as any handset aimed at the female market gets. As well as being available via O2 on contract, the Jalou is available to buy handset-only for around the £400 mark.

Reference:
http://cut.io/JOPW

Sony Ericsson launched Satio and Aino handsets

2009-10-17T09:55:00.000-07:00

Sony Ericsson launched two highly anticipated new multimedia handsets, the Sony Ericsson Satio and the Sony Ericsson Aino.

The Sony Ericsson Satio comes with a 3.5-inch HD touchscreen with 16:9 widescreen format and a 12.1 megapixel camera with Xenon flash, face detection and auto focus. With the Satio, photos can instantly be uploaded directly to Picasa and commented on directly from the handset. The Satio runs on Symbian OS and offers HSDPA connectivity.

The Sony Ericsson Satio will be available in black, silver and bordeaux colours.

The Sony Ericsson Aino is a slider cellphone with touch controls as well. Using Remote Play Access, control your PlayStation 3 media content, play and organize all your content with Media Go and transfer it from a PC to the handset via Media Home.

The Aino also has a traditional keypad with an intuitive touch UI in media mode. The Aino can also be used to as an FM Radio or MP3 player and offers a 8.1 megapixel camera.

The Aino will be available in colours Obsidian Black and Luminous White.

Reference:
http://cut.io/eoLM

Sony Ericsson Xperia Pureness – Get Closer

2009-10-06T10:57:00.000-07:00

Sony Ericsson plans to launch the Xperia Pureness, a see-through handset inspired by water, in November. This handset has been approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and is now on its way to the markets. This weird looking candy bar handset boasts of its transparent display. However there is no official word on the pricing or availability of this handset as yet.

The Xperia Pureness claims offer support for 3G connectivity. Apparently, this handset eliminates features like GPS, camera, Wi-Fi, and touch screen that are found in most of the handsets. The detailed spec sheet of this handset is still under wraps. The joint venture between Japan's Sony and Sweden's Ericsson said that it approached the Pureness as a work of art rather than technology, crafting it with a transparent screen and hidden keypad - revealed only when the device is activated. Unveiled at a media event, the handset is the first phone to reflect the company's new "make believe" advertising campaign.

Sony Ericsson didn't release any details on the Pureness, but said that it would be released worldwide in select cities in November.

Reference:
http://cut.io/bqGK
http://cut.io/mAB1

Accumulate Delivers Flexion Technology to Sony Ericsson

2009-10-01T03:25:00.000-07:00

Accumulate UK has announced a global licensing deal with Sony Ericsson for the use of its Flexion technology, that will allow Sony Ericsson to pre-load full versions of mobile games onto new handsets.

The first device to be shipped with Flexion technology will be Sony Ericsson's Yari device expected later this year.

Accumulate’s MD Jens Lauritzson adds: ‘We are delighted that Sony Ericsson has taken this step together with us. We have been preloading Flexion enabled games with operators for a while now with very good results. With the help of Sony Ericsson we will extend our reach significantly.’

Flexion technology has previously been used by Hutchison 3G ( mobile operator 3 UK ) but this is the first time Flexion has been used buy a mobile phone manufacturer.

Preloaded games feature highly and are more recently considered as a necessity by many mobile phone buyers these days.

Reference:
http://cut.io/ehS9

PlayNow Arena Accepting Xperia Panels and Windows Mobile Apps

2009-09-27T09:50:00.000-07:00

Sony Ericsson has announced recently that its PlayNow Arena portal accepts both Xperia Panels and applications for Windows Mobile.

According to the company's website for developers, the new content can be submitted both to “the Sony Ericsson PlayNow arena one-stop content store and also Fun & Downloads.”

This announcement offers developers that work on building Panels in Java ME, Capuchin or Flash the possibility to add them to the software portal, and the same applies to those working on Windows Mobile applications and games. The company also says that the Windows Mobile-based Xperia X2 handset will come to the market in early Q4.

There are a series of tools that offer developers the possibility to convert their existing applications into an Xperia Panel, all of which can be found included in the Sony Ericsson Panel SDK, such as:

• Java Panelizer – turns jad/jar in to a Panel
• Flash Panelizer – turns Adobe Flash swf in to a Panel
• EXE Panelizer – turns existing EXE application in to a Panel
• NET Panelizer – turns existing .net application in to a Panel

submit.sonyericsson.com is the portal where developers can submit applications, games and Panels for sale or free download in Sony Ericsson’s channels to market: PlayNow arena and Fun & Downloads. Submission is free of charge, and there is no need to certify the content until it has been accepted for deployment. Developers receive a 70% share of net revenue.

Developers are already able to upload XPERIA Panels and Windows Mobile applications and games.

Reference:
http://cut.io/luL9

New T715 Slider Phone by Sony Ericsson

2009-09-25T06:20:00.000-07:00

The new Sony-Ericsson T715 cell phone is a sophisticated slider phone that fits a busy lifestyle and is perfect for those who are looking for a cell phone with practical and up-to-date features. Sony-Ericsson T715 compact phone is newly introduced by Sony Ericsson Company.

Sony-Ericsson T715 still offers a large keypad and font size allowing you to get the most out of your SMS, MMS or email management. You can keep yourself organized with the Sony Ericsson T715 smart desktop feature, direct reminders of appointments, notes and special animation to remind you of birthdays and global events. Messaging and Social networking is quick and easy with the ability to review the history of your conversation as you go along. The Sony Ericsson T715 has support for microSD memory card. The Sony Ericsson web site compares the phone with F305, Naite and T280 which are considered low- to mid-end models. The final retail price for T715 is currently not known.

Sony-Ericsson T715 communication features: Elegant compact slider - looks sophisticated no matter what the setting; Large keypad and font size - get the most out of your SMS or E-mail; 3G network connection - quick and easy internet browsing; Large 2.2” screen - even in direct sunlight; Smart desktop and birthday reminders - organize your life; 3.2 megapixel digital camera - perfect photos during all light conditions.

Sony-Ericsson VH310 Headset - Also announced is the new Sony-Ericsson Bluetooth Headset VH310 - made to fit everyone. The Sony-Ericsson VH310 headset gives you hands free freedom with no wires, no worries and only 10 grams. The Sony-Ericsson VH310 headset lasts for more than 20 days on one charge.

VH310 Sony-Ericsson Headset features: Designed for comfort - made to fit; The perfect fit - three earpieces and two removable ear hooks; All day comfort - weighs only 10 grams; Talk, talk, talk - more than 20 days of life on one charge.

The Sony-Ericsson T715 mobile phone supports HSPA 2100 and GSM / GPRS / EDGE 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 and the Sony-Ericsson T715a supports HSPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 and GSM / GPRS / EDGE 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900.

You will not find the T715 stores yet. Sony Ericsson expect the T715 to be available in the third quarter with the color variants Galaxy Silver and Rouge Pink.

Developer link:
http://tinyurl.com/y9t3589

The World’s First Ever Motion Activated Headphones

2009-09-22T05:54:00.001-07:00

Sony Ericsson today introduces the MH907 headphones that activates by being inserted into the ear. It gives an opportunity to listen to your favorite music and receive calls without touching a button with the Motion Activated Headphones MH907.

The Sony Ericsson MH907 headphones mean users simply plug in two earphones to start listening to music and pause by removing one earbud. To start listening again simply plug it back in. Do exactly the same to answer and end calls. Sony Ericsson representatives are so convinced that this technology works that the MH907 do not have any volume or play/pause buttons.

The MH907 must be in contact with human skin to start playing. It will not answer calls accidentally or start the music player if you have it in your pocket or purse. Once size does not fit all, so it is possible to change the actual ear pieces. You will need a Sony Ericsson mobile phone with a Fast Port to use this headset.

The MH907 comes in different colors: Yellow/White and Titan Chrome. In size it is 164cm long and weights only 25.32g.The MH907 will be available in a global market and will cost about 39 Euro.

Developer link:
http://cut.io/aiv2

More Smartphones, More Sony Ericsson

2009-08-20T05:30:00.000-07:00

It has been quite a while since the last post appeared on this blog. Unfortunately, Nick is no longer writing for the Sony Ericsson blog, however, I will try to continue his wonderful blog. I have received numerous e-mail from our readers whether the blog would continue or not. So, surprise surprise. This blog will be continued. One of the factors why I decided to contribute to this blog is the rapid change on the market. Let's quickly touch the base.

Earlier this month, there was confirmed news that TechChrun's Michael Arrington had abandoned iPhone for an Android phone. Not a big deal you may think. Wait a minute. Michael Arrington is the founder and owner of TechChrunch. Not only is TechChrunch one of the most respected technology sites but Michael Arrington had been one of the greatest proponents of the iPhone.

Eric Schmidt, Google's CEO had to resign from the board of Apple. Well, the conflict of interests you know. So, there is a tendency of tech leaders abandoning iPhone and moving to... well to Google's Android. One of the factors influencing tech leaders to abandon iPhone is Apple's ultimate decision to ban applications in the App Store that enable Google Voice. With this decision, iPhone developers and users were frustrated. As an iPhone proponent and owner I was frustrated as well.

So, what do these facts have to do with Sony Ericsson? Well, as you may be aware, Sony Ericsson has been struggling past couple of months or maybe more. However, the company looks to have finally sorted itself out and I believe will emerge strongly on the market. The company will be lead by a new CEO, Bert Nordberg, from October as well.

Interestingly, this fall we shall see much awaited XPERIA X3 based on Google Android. A while XPERIA X3 was posted to the Expansys USA site and preorder was availbale. Moreover, Celluloco posted a price of $948. So, most likely, we'll see this wonder phone somewhere by the end of September.

To sum up, Sony Ericsson looks pretty well prepared for the upcoming months and the holiday season. Hopefully, the overall economic situation will get improved in the upcoming months and this will play a positive role in Sony Ericsson's new wave.

Sony Ericsson W995 Walkman and Media Go

2009-03-11T01:56:00.000-07:00

Keep amused like never before on one powerful video mobile phone; watch news, TV shows or blockbusters in premium video quality or check out the latest videos from YouTube using Turbo 3G or Wi-Fi. Complete with an 8.1megapixel camera and Walkman player, with clear audio experience, the W995 Walkman is the ultimate mobile phone to keep you entertained when on the bus, lunch break or waiting for a train.

With Media Go it’s easy to bring your media with you. This unique Sony application makes its worldwide debut on the the W995 Walkman and lets you effortlessly and automatically transfer any audio, photos and videos between your phone and computer. You can even find podcasts with exciting content easily from the directory – just two clicks and you’re away, and watch the action in all its glory on the bright clear 2.6” screen.

“With Media Go there’s no need to worry about format, resolution and ‘frame per second’ anymore.” said Alexandre Cardon, Global Marketing Business Manager at Sony Ericsson. “No longer will the video you transferred from your PC to your phone play in low resolution or bad quality. With Media Go and the W995 the experience is as good on your phone as it was on your PC.”

“The W995 Walkman phone brings together the very best music experiences of any phone, augments this with best in class video and sharing capabilities to offer the most complete communication entertainment package to date.” said Alexandre Cardon. “This powerful mobile phone delivers the best possible video resolution that can fit in your pocket and with enough battery stamina to watch two full length feature films. The W995 also comes complete with the award winning clear audio experience and an 8.1 megapixel camera for the highest quality picture and sound available in a mobile phone.”

Set the phone on its built-in stand and watch videos with your friends while you pump up the volume on the powerful built-in stereo speakers. The W995 comes complete with excellent sound for both movies and your favourite tracks. Clear Stereo, Clear Bass and the included HPM-77 premium headphones make music on the move feel like you’re sitting in a recording studio listening to your favourite band live! For the next level of clear audio experience, in selected markets the HPM-88 noise cancelling headset will replace the HPM-77.

To complete the entertainment experience get picture perfect all the time with auto focus, photo flash and face detection. Capture images in their true colours with the 8.1 megapixel camera and you can print pictures up to a full A3 size without having to compromise on quality.

The W995 Walkman
Anytime is showtime

Optimised video playback with style and performance – get the best possible video resolution in your pocket
Videos straight to your phone - Wi-Fi and Turbo 3G – easy video access to YouTube and other entertainment sites
Clear 2.6” display - with desk stand, powerful speakers or 3.5mm audio jack
8.1 megapixel camera – take picture perfect images with Photo Flash and face recognition
Clear audio experience – enjoy the best sound possible, the way it was meant to be heard
8GB Memory Stick Micro – save an inexhaustible amount of photos, video clips and sounds
Tag a place-name to your memories or stay on track with aGPS and Google Maps

Media Go

Makes it easy to bring your media with you

Transfer, play and organise – with Media Go you can easily transfer music, videos, photos and podcasts between your mobile phone and computer
Automatic sync – sync your music playlists automatically to keep the phone updated with your new music
Auto convert – Media Go gives you the best quality playback of multi-media content on a mobile phone. There’s no need to use extra applications to be able to bring your media with you.
SensMe - create a playlist of songs in your library, you can also sort your music by mood or tempo
Podcasts – it has never been easier to subscribe and download podcasts. Apart from adding your own favourites, the directory is there to help you to find the new and exciting content.
Audio CD ripping – Use Media Go to burn your CDs and bring your music and audio books with you

The W995 Walkman supports GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 and UTMS/HSPA 900/2100. W995 will be available in selected markets from Q2 in the colours Progressive Black, Cosmic Silver and Energetic Red.

Media Go will be available for all markets from the W995 launch in 15 different languages.

Sony Ericsson C903 Cyber-shot

2009-03-11T01:52:00.000-07:00

The C903 Cyber-shot is made for taking memorable pictures – just slide down the protective lens cover and shoot! The slim slider has dedicated camera keys and an impressive five megapixel camera to create big pictures with rich details and true colours.

Packed full of features the C903 Cyber-shot will give you the best picture possible with Face Detection, finding up to three people in the frame at a time and Smile Shutter which automatically picks out beaming smiles. Snap up to nine images in quick succession using BestPic, pick your best and delete the rest.

“The C903 Cyber-shot adds a creative and stylish mobile phone to our mid-range segment.” said Daniel Sandblom Global Business Marketing Manager at Sony Ericsson. “The C903 Cyber-shot furthers Sony Ericsson’s digital camera heritage and makes capturing special images even more memorable.”

Show off your images with the crystal clear, auto rotating 2.4” display, send them to your blog or connect to your TV screen using the TV-out function and get up close and personal.

The C903 Cyber-shot also comes complete with aGPS – never lose track of where you took an image or where you are – simply tag your photos to a location or use the feature to find your way home or to the pub.

The C903 Cyber-shot
Made for taking memorable pictures

Snap really clear, big pictures with auto focus and the five megapixel camera
Turn your subjects into stars with Smile Shutter and face detection
View images on the big screen using TV-Out cable
Tag a place-name to your memories or stay on track with aGPS

The C903 Cyber-shot supports GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 and UMTS/HSPA 900/2100. C903 Cyber-shot will be available in selected markets from Q2 in the colours Lacquer Black, Techno White and Glamour Red.

Sony Ericsson W395 Walkman

2009-03-11T01:41:00.000-07:00

Sony Ericsson is putting youth at the forefront with the W395. Enjoy a full range of great music through special stereo speakers that boost your sounds or pump up the volume with the HPM-64 stereo headset with stereo widening for a great sound experience.

W395 also comes complete with dedicated control keys for managing your music, a 1GB memory card and an FM radio to keep users up to date with the latest tracks. Sony Ericsson favourite TrackID will help you find that elusive song, even if you’re not sure of the name, while PlayNow provides a full range of mobile entertainment content downloadable from your handset – from unique themes and wallpapers to specially developed ring tones.

“Sony Ericsson takes pride in understanding the youth market, and the W395 is a mobile phone that caters to all their needs with great music quality.” said Alexandre Cardon, Global product marketing manager (music) at Sony Ericsson. “Our most affordable Walkman slider phone to date allows users to share music with friends as well as video clips and photos for the ultimate entertainment experience.”

If music is not enough and photography is more your forte use the 2.0 megapixel camera for snapping shots and share them through your blog or via Bluetooth to friends.

The W395 Walkman
Pump up the volume with the following features:

Powerful built-in stereo speakers with high quality bass
Stereo headset to turn your phone into a dedicated music player – be your own DJ
True music machine with Walkman music player, TrackID and PlayNow
TrackID - find the tracks you love easily
PlayNow - download a full range of mobile entertainment
Crystal clear 2.0” display – view your photos in all their glory
Motion gaming support.

The W395 Walkman supports GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900. W395 Walkman will be available in selected markets from Q1 in the colours Dusky Grey and Blush Titanium.

Congratulations!!! You Have Won...

2009-03-10T05:28:00.000-07:00

Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications reports that a series of unsolicited emails have been sent to members of the general public from an email address that appears to bear the name 'Sony Ericsson' and which tells that the recipient has won a sum of money in a competition and requests that certain personal data be confirmed. These unsolicited communications are not from Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications and are believed to be attempts to obtain personal data for fraudulent purposes. Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications wishes to apologies to members of the general public for any inconvenience or confusion caused by these fraudulent emails. If you receive a similar unsolicited email please do not reply to it, but forward it to: questions.gb[AT]support.sonyericsson.com

OMG!!!

2009-02-15T15:43:00.000-08:00

No Comments! For now :D

Sony Ericsson Premier3 Walkman and Sony Ericsson S001 Cyber-shot

2009-02-09T05:12:00.000-08:00

While we are waiting for the announcements of the phones like Sony Ericsson W395, Sony Ericsson C901 and Sony Ericsson C903, Sony Ericsson announces for Japanese AU by KDDI phones like Sony Ericsson Premier3 Walkman and Sony Ericsson S001 Cyber-shot. Is it not cynicism?

Why? Well because:

Sony Ericsson Premier3 Walkman is representing the best you can wish for Walkman phone: About 3 inch Full WVGA TFT Bravia display (480X854 pixels resolution), beautiful and unique housing design with three different - Music, Keitai and Theater Styles, exclusive Walkman player for Japan with the Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE), which delivers ClearStereo and ClearBass through the headphones and speakers, 3.2 MP CMOS camera with AutoFocus and LED flash and plenty of multimedia features.

The dimensions of the phone is about 50X105X16.3mm and approximately weights 113 grams. The battery is 770mAh lithium-ion battery and the phone is able to work in the standby mode for 220 hours and about 200 minutes in the talk mode...

While Sony Ericsson S001 Cyber-shot features a 8.1 megapixel CMOS camera with PhotoFlash and an Exmor sensor technology similar to that used in Sony’s DSLR cameras α900 & α700 with Smile Shutter, Face Detection, Photo Fix, BestPic and other Cyber-shot stuff, about 3.3 inch Full WVGA Bravia display (480X854 pixels resolution). The form factor of the device is slider and the front side of the phone could be familiar for Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 owners :)

The dimensions of the phone is about 115X51X17.8mm and approximately weights 145 grams. The battery is 870mAh lithium-ion battery and the phone is able to work in the standby mode for 250 hours and about 230 minutes in the talk mode...

And can you imagine that those phones are YET ANOTHER Sony Ericsson phones for Japan? While for us, it could be a couple of the best phones ever made by Sony Ericsson.

I don't understand, why Sony Ericsson does not makes phones like those for global market? Maybe you do? Well, if you do, you are always welcome for the comments :)

Sony Ericsson C510 Live Pics

2009-02-05T17:04:00.000-08:00

Here are some live pictures of the recently announced Sony Ericsson C510 Cyber-shot.

[Source: Khoen at planete-se.net]

Sony Ericsson and IBM Sign a 5-Year Outsourcing Agreement

2009-02-02T23:24:00.000-08:00

IBM announced that the company has signed a five-year outsourcing agreement with Sony Ericsson regarding the management of Application Maintenance and Development of all of Sony Ericsson's SAP applications globally.

IBM will leverage their global leadership in Application Management Services for the delivery of best-in-class solutions to support Sony Ericsson's operations and business improvement initiatives in an efficient and cost effective manner.

Sony Ericsson, a fifty-fifty joint venture of Sony Corporation and Ericsson, was established in October 2001. Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications is a global provider of mobile multimedia devices, including feature-rich phones, accessories and PC cards. The products combine powerful technology with innovative applications for mobile imaging, music, communications and entertainment.

"This relationship with Sony Ericsson is a good example of IBM's commitment to deliver high value services that enable customers to be more efficient and focused on their core business," says John Blackburn, Vice President IBM Global Business Services.

The contract was signed in January 2009.

Sony Ericsson C903 Cyber-shot (Frances)

2009-01-28T05:29:00.000-08:00

Yeap, we have another unannounced phone leake here :) one more member of the Cyber-shot family - Sony Ericsson C903 - recently known as Sony Ericsson Frances.

Well, what we can say about this phone. First of all, at last, after those copy/paste designs C903 will be something different. It will be equipped with 5MP camera with Auto focus and of course all Cyber-shot stuff like: Face detection, Smile Shutter, PhotoFix, aGPS for geotagging and e.t.c., active lens cover, 2.4 inch display with 320×240 pixels and the form-factor of the device will be a slider.

So in a fact, for February we are waiting for announcement of the Sony Ericsson W395, Sony Ericsson C901 and from now on - Sony Ericsson C903...

[Source]

Sony Ericsson C901 Cyber-Shot

2009-01-24T02:31:00.000-08:00

Do you guys remember Sony Ericsson's 5MP Cyber-shot handset with Auto focus, Xenon flash and codename filippa? Well if you are our frequent reader, than I guess you do :D So it turned out that Filippa is Sony Ericsson C901 from Cyber-shot family.

I'm not going to reiterate known technical characteristics in this post, you can read everything about C901 in this old post... I can just add that it will be announced in February and release date will be in April.

Sony Ericsson W395 Walkman

2009-01-24T01:43:00.000-08:00

Yet another Walkman phone has been leaked... According to SEMCBlog, this time it's a Walkman version of the Sony Ericsson F305 - device with codename YAO - Sony Ericsson W395.

Handset supports practically the same features as F305 with addition of the typical stuff of the Walkman phones, like Walkman player, probably expanded internal memory and e.t.c.

I guess it will be announced in February and forecasted release date will be in April 2009.

Vringo Announces Partnership With Sony Ericsson

2009-01-23T02:15:00.000-08:00

Vringo, the next-generation ringtone pioneer, announced that its free video ringtone application is being pre-linked on global shipments of Sony Ericsson’s Walkman phones and promoted via the manufacturer’s Fun & Downloads portal, introducing Vringo to millions of new users. New Sony Ericsson owners join a thriving community of Symbian, Java and Windows Mobile users who are already experiencing Vringo’s high-quality video ringtones and VringForward technology, which lets users send ringtones to friends just by calling.

This partnership with Sony Ericsson, which was established when Vringo took home a prize at last year’s Sony Ericsson Content Awards, is the latest step in Vringo’s continuing push toward global availability and monetization of video ringtones. Recently, Vringo announced partnership deals with mobile carriers in Turkey and France that enable users to download the Vringo application and access content, in some cases on a paid-subscription basis.

“Our partnership with Sony Ericsson is unprecedented,” said Vringo CEO Jon Medved. “In addition to being the first social video ringtone application to be downloadable directly from Sony Ericsson phones, we’re reaching millions of Walkman users—one of the most innovative, media-hungry audiences in the world.”

Vringo’s application, which is also available for a wide variety of Symbian, Java and Windows Mobile devices via www.vringo.com, lets users create or take video, images and slideshows from virtually anywhere, including Vringo’s 4,000-clips-and-counting video ringtone library or the Web, and make them into their personal call signatures.

To access Vringo, Walkman users can find the link prominently displayed in their phone’s Web browser. By clicking the link, users will download the Vringo application to their phones and can immediately begin sharing video ringtones with their phone contacts.

Sony Ericsson reports results for fourth quarter and full year 2008

2009-01-16T04:51:00.000-08:00

The consolidated financial summary for Sony Ericsson for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2008 is as follows:

Units shipped in the quarter were 24.2 million, a sequential decrease of 6% and a year-on-year decrease of 21%. Sales for the quarter were Euro 2,914 million, an increase of 4% sequentially due to a positive impact of currency fluctuations, and a decrease of 23% compared to Q4 2007. The decline in sales year-on-year was driven by lower volumes, due to the global economic slowdown that resulted in contracting consumer demand and decreased availability of credit.

Gross margin became 15% due to negative impact from exchange rate fluctuations, restructuring charges and material write-offs.

Foreign exchange fluctuations had a positive impact on sales in total, but a large negative impact on costs of goods sold (ie. costs increased) sequentially, as well as year-on-year.

Income before taxes for the quarter was Euro -133 million, excluding restructuring charges of Euro 129 million, compared to the profit of Euro 501 million in Q4 2007. Despite a negative result in the quarter, Sony Ericsson maintained a healthy balance sheet with a strong, net cash position of Euro 1,072 million.

The average selling price (ASP) for Sony Ericsson in Q4 2008 was Euro 121, an increase sequentially but a decrease year-on-year. The sequential increase of ASP was due to a positive impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations and to the sale of a higher proportion of high-end models. Estimated market share for Q4 2008 is maintained at around 8%.

“In economic terms, 2008 has been a tumultuous year with world markets experiencing a serious downturn. The mobile phone market has been greatly affected by this and as expected, the fourth quarter continued to be very challenging for Sony Ericsson. Our business alignment is progressing as planned, with the full effect of annual savings of around Euro 300 million expected by the second half of 2009. We foresee a continued deterioration in the market place in 2009, particularly in the first half,” said Dick Komiyama, President, Sony Ericsson.

The additional cost saving measures initiated by Sony Ericsson are aimed at reducing operating expenses by a further Euro 180 million annually, with the full effect expected at the end of 2009. Sony Ericsson currently estimates that the cost for the additional restructuring activities will be covered by the previously announced Euro 300 million restructuring charges.

In Q4 2008, the successful roll out of the Xperia X1 and Cyber-shot C 905; Sony Ericsson’s first eight mega pixel phone as well as the PlayNow plus music service positively impacted the business. In the same quarter, Sony Ericsson announced that it joined the Open Handset Alliance and is currently developing a new phone that uses the Android Open Source software.

Earlier in 2008, Sony Ericsson announced that it became a founding member of the Symbian Foundation; an initiative will create an open mobile software platform based on Symbian OS.

Sony Ericsson estimates the 2008 global handset market as being around 1,190 million units or around 6% growth from 2007, compared to the company’s previous forecast of around 10%. Sony Ericsson forecasts that the global handset market will contract in 2009 and that the industry ASP will continue to decline.

Al Jazeera News Straight to Your Mobile Phone

2009-01-13T02:04:00.000-08:00

The Al Jazeera Network and Sony Ericsson have announced a new partnership that will bring the world’s top stories straight to mobile phones.

Several Sony Ericsson handheld devices on the market today in the MENA region will have an Al Jazeera RSS feed already installed. Owners of the devices have the option of receiving daily international news updates straight from the Al Jazeera Network, through the RSS feed in both Arabic and English.

Al Jazeera RSS feed links are now built in the software of the following Sony Ericsson models:

Video: Sony Ericsson C510 and W508 Demo Video

2009-01-11T05:43:00.000-08:00

Sony Ericsson W508

Sony Ericsson C510