Windows Phone Thoughts: Sony Ericsson Xperia X2 Announced

"The XPERIA X2 also includes the unique SlideView feature, which provides quick access to frequently used phone activities. Providing quick interaction with contacts, messages, media and more, SlideView gives an overview of missed incoming activity, notifying the user of any missed calls, e-mails and text messages so users don't overlook an important contact."

I well remember the horrendous delay that marred the launch of the X1 - looks like SE has learned its lesson and the X2 is projected to go on release in time for the holiday season. The X2 features a refresh of the X1 design with some tastefully updated specs - like an 8MP camera and TV-out. Also under the hood are Windows Mobile 6.5, AGPS, quadband GSM and triband HSPA, 3.2" WVGA screen, and what sounds like an accelerometer. The panel UI design remains (now in 3D), but SE have simultaneously released an SDK to give developers a head start. Read on for the full press release.

Live life without boundaries with the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2

02 September 2009

Live life in the fast lane with the XPERIA X2 from Sony Ericsson. Designed for those who always need to be connected, whether it's for business or personal life, the XPERIA X2 blurs the boundary between work and play.

London, UK - September 2, 2009 - Today Sony Ericsson announces the XPERIA X2 a new Windows® phone that offers a best in class email and multimedia experience. In the modern world where 24/7 communication is key, users can instantly synchronise their mail and calendar and open and edit Microsoft® Office Mobile documents quickly and efficiently to stay connected with colleagues wherever they are.

The XPERIA X2 also includes the unique SlideView feature, which provides quick access to frequently used phone activities. Providing quick interaction with contacts, messages, media and more, SlideView gives an overview of missed incoming activity, notifying the user of any missed calls, e-mails and text messages so users don't overlook an important contact.

With 14 specially designed preloaded XPERIA panels and 16 more to download, users can work with no boundaries with the XPERIA X2. From Skype, Mytopia and Google, to games, CNN and Windows Live, the panels ensure users are up-to-date with what matters most to them. With an improved touch interface and new 3D signature panel users also benefit from flexible desktop panels designed to categorise business, fun and communication features. Just set favourites to appear during certain times of the day and can get the latest news in the morning, YouTube at lunchtime and games for the journey home.

Powered by QWERTY messaging, Windows Mobile® users can even show their presentations on the big screen with the TV out cable - the XPERIA X2 makes a day at the office a walk in the park.

"In the fast moving world we live in, the need to stay connected has never been so important." said Sumit Malhotra, marketing business manager, Sony Ericsson. "We constantly rely on our mobile phones as an extension to the office and the XPERIA X2 debuting with Windows Mobile® 6.5, allows users to work quickly and efficiently while on the move. The XPERIA X2 also features a new range of interactive panels as well as SlideView, which provides quick access to frequently used phone activities - perfect for those who need to see any missed incoming activity at a glance."

Entertainment is not compromised on XPERIA X2. Enjoy amazing multimedia with the 3.2" high resolution touch screen and DVD quality and take advantage of the 8.1 megapixel camera to capture and instantly share experiences with friends and family. Personalise the panels and users can access Facebook to upload their party or holiday images and they can chat with friends across the world via Skype. Whether it is music, photography, email, video or gaming the XPERIA X2 has it all.

"Windows® phones allow people to manage their whole world - from work to home to play - on a single handset," said Stephanie Ferguson, general manager, product management, Microsoft Corp. "The XPERIA X2 taps the powerful messaging and multimedia capabilities in Windows Mobile® so customers can be in touch, productive and entertained wherever they are."

With the need to stay connected 24/7 Sony Ericsson has designed XPERIA Services, a bespoke and unique after sales package designed to help XPERIA X2 users get the most out of their mobile phone. With a specialised technical team standing by to support busy users and talk through the outstanding features the XPERIA X2 has to offer users can get help from troubleshooting to how to access their favourite websites. And if their XPERIA X2 stops working while they are abroad, XPERIA Services can replace the mobile phone via a simple phone call. XPERIA Services really has been devised with the consumer in mind and to help consumers discover more about their XPERIA X2.

XPERIA X2

Live life without boundaries

* Windows Mobile® 6.5 - work on the move easier

* Make the most of the day - flexible desktop panels categorised for life: communication and fun, multimedia, business and internet

* Work without boundaries - instant synchronisation of mail, calendar powered by QWERTY keyboard messaging and Windows Mobile®

* Slide view - quick access to frequently used phone activities and overview of missed incoming activity

* Present documents on the big screen - TV out cable

* Never get stranded - XPERIA exclusive travel insurance

* Enjoy amazing multimedia - 3.2" high resolution touch screen and DVD quality

* 8.1 mega pixel camera with Photo light - easily upload images to web albums

* Real 3D panel - 3D effects and zoom, music playback controls

Big business meeting? Arrive charged with the Car Charger AN300 - ultra fast, ultra-safe and ultra-reliable. A perfect accessory for the XPERIA X2, it charges 40 per cent faster than most car chargers - just plug into the cigarette lighter and go.

XPERIA X2 supports GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 and UMTS/HSPA 850/900/2100. XPERIA X2 will be available in selected markets from early Q4 in the colours Elegant Black and Modern Silver.

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 at a glance

XPERIA X2

Camera

* 8.1 megapixel camera * Up to 16x digital zoom * Auto focus * Geo tagging * Image stabilizer * Send to web * Touch focus * Video light * Video recording

Music

* Album art * Bluetooth stereo (A2DP) * Equalizer * Sony Ericsson media player * Music tones (MP3/AAC) * Equalizer * Sony Ericsson media player * Music tones (MP3/AAC) * PlayNowTM arena* * Stereo speakers * Windows Media® Player

Web

* Bookmarks * Google search * Internet Explorer® * Pan & Zoom * Web feeds

Communication

* Call list * Conference calls * Polyphonic ringtones * Speakerphone * Vibrating alert

Messaging

* Email * Microsoft® Exchange ActiveSync® * Handwriting recognition * Instant messaging * Picture messaging (MMS) * Predictive text input * Text messaging (SMS)

Design

* Auto rotate * Media * Picture wallpaper * Touchscreen * Wallpaper animation * Windows Mobile® 6.5

Entertainment

* 3D games * Java * Motion gaming * Tracker * Video streaming * Video viewing * YouTube application

Connectivity

* A-GPS

Bluetooth technology

* DNLA Certified * Google Maps * Modem * Synchronisation * TV out * USB mass storage * USB support * Wi-Fi

Organizer

* Adobe® PDF Reader * Alarm clock * Calculator * Calendar * Flight mode * Microsoft® Office Mobile * Notes * Phone book * Stopwatch * Tasks * Timer

Accessories

In-Box:

* XPERIA X2 * Battery * Battery Charger * Stereo Portable Handsfree MH500 * USB cable * TV out cable * 4GB SanDisk microSD memory card * User guide

Optional accessories:

* Bluetooth Headset PV740 * Car charger AN300 * Video Viewing Stand IM920

Facts and Figures 1)2)

* Size: 110 x 54 x 16 mm

* Weight: 115 grams

* Colours: Elegant Black, Modern Silver

* Main screen: 65,536 colour TFT * Resolution: 480 x 800 pixels (WVGA) * Size: 3.2 inches

* Phone memory: Up to110MB * Memory card support: SanDisk microSD and microSDHC, up to 16GB

* Talk time GSM: Up to 10 hrs * Standby time GSM: Up to 500 hrs

* Talk time UMTS: Up to 6hrs * Standby time UMTS: Up to 640hrs

* Music listening time: Up to 20hrs

Availability and versions

Networks:

* XPERIA X2 * GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 * UMTS/HSPA 850/1900/2100

* GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 * UMTS/HSPA 900/1900/2100

Available in selected markets from early Q4 2009.

Legal

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 colour options may differ from market to market. The full range of accessories may not be available in every market.

© Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB, 2009.