Archive for: sony ericsson
The chances of seeing a Windows Phone 7-powered Sony Ericsson device anytime soon look rather bleak, this according to a statement by SE’s acting head of global marketing, Steven Walker. Walker admits that SE is sticking with Android for now currently doesn’t have any Windows Phone 7 hardware in the pipeline, though the company as a whole is constantly monitoring WP7′s progress.
If I were SE, I’d be a bit more aggressive with WP7. Yes, they’ve designed some awesome Android hardware such as the Android-powered Xperia series. But none of those phones have exactly “taken off”. Perhaps Windows Phone 7 would fair SE better? Looks like we’ll have to continue waiting…
Sony Xperia devices have been languishing with Android 1.6 since release many months ago. Though it appears Sony will finally make right on their promises of a “late October” release for the Android 2.1 update. Starting October 31st, the first batch of unbranded Xperia devices in Nordic countries (read: non-U.S. customers) will start to see the update pushed out, with the rest of the world joining the party throughout November.
For those who have forgotten, the 2.1 update will bring 720p video recording, continuous auto-focus, and plenty of more minuscule tweaks and bug fixes throughout the system.
Android 2.1 is definitely a welcome upgrade to the current software installed. But with Android 2.2 already outdated and 2.3/3.0 just around the corner, we can’t help but request that Sony try to move things along a little faster…
For the sake of not rehashing on already beaten story topic, we’ll just simply state that no one is cool with Android 1.5/1.6 still being the feature OS on new phones. With that off our chest, we can look past our curtains of hostility and cynicism to a brighter future if one SE spokesperson is correct. In conversation with Cnet ASIA, the SE spokesperson mentioned that the often talked about (though still MIA with no date of US arrival) Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 will in fact get some form of 2.x software. That’s all fine and dandy, but someone needs to tell Sony they actually need to *release* the phone first.
With the blazing speed (/sarcasm) at which the X10 is making it’s way to market, I wouldn’t be surprised if the X10 was blessed with Android 2.0 or 2.1 when everyone is anxiously anticipating Android 2.2. For the sake of geeks and Android lovers everywhere however, the latest and most current OS should be the only option. The real bummer to turn over and over in your head surpasses everything above still — we won’t see any such X10 updates until late this year. So Sony is effectively killing any chance of success this phone will have. Awesome.
Next…
AndroidCentral
- December 21, 2009 3:55 pm
Mergers are one of the capitalist societies greatest assets. Some companies just need help. ‘Nough said. Think of two tech companies that you feel would most benefit from a merger. Don’t think of you’re typical successful giant overtaking a small startup. Instead, focus on mergers that would equally benefit both companies. If you’re thinking like WSJ’s Sanford Bernstein, the two top candidates for a merger if there were to be one would be Motorola and Sony Ericsson.
Just think, both companies are pretty decent in their own respects but lack the overall push or pizazz to truly become market leaders. SE designs some truly striking hardware. Software on the other hand isn’t their strong suite. Motorola similarly designs some rather notable hardware — though there’s is more rugged and utilitarian in approach — but is in stark contrast to SE’s more stylish and eye catching appeal. Still, the two could benefit one another.
Just because it makes sense for Moto and SE to merge doesn’t mean it would be easy. Moto is based in Chicago, SE is lightly peppered around Europe in a couple locations. The two becoming one would ultimately lead to some CEO shake-ups and body shifting to say the least. Would it be worth it?
According to Bernstein, a merger between the two would simultaneously boost market share and decrease operating costs to the tune of 10% (decrease in operating costs). Even with Moto’s recent success with the Droid, if past experiences are anything to go by, a 10% boost in market share in the current mobile playing field is nothing to shake a stick at.
So what do you say? Would a Sony Ericsson/Motorola merger be worth everyone’s while or is it an idea destined to doom from the start?
Moco News
While Sony hasn’t exactly had any whiz dingers in regards to knock-your-socks-off handsets as they fall short in either hardware or software, the leaked image and early specs of their code named device, “Rachel” will surely make any geek drool. The goods include an Android 2.0 release, the much sought after 1GHz Snapdragon processor, 8 megapixel auto-focus camera, “great 3D/graphics capabilities”, and support for 7.2Mbps 3G speeds. These are but a few drops in the bucket compared to the full spec sheet which we’ll have to wait a tad longer for. Until then, the pictures and the few specs just mentioned will have to hold you over. Would a 1GHz packin’ Android running Sony be enough to win you over to their camp?
Source: Electronista, Mobile.nu
Mobile photographers and T-Mobile customers will now have something to let their inner artist shine forth. The Sony Ericsson CS8 has just mades its way through the FCC’s oh so secretive halls bringing to T-Mo some pretty serious digital goods underneath the hood. What kind of goods?
- 8.1 Megapixel
- GPS
- WiFi (No UMA?)???
- Stereo Bluetooth
- FM Radio
- Your typical T-MO USA spectrum coverage plus 1700/2100MHz UMTS/HSDPA
You’ll notice the “No UMA” after WiFi. For whatever reason, UMA is not supported by this model. Why, again, I don’t know. It seems like a pretty solid option and is pretty stupid whatever the reason is to leave out of one of T-Mobile’s higher end cellphones. Oh well, hopefully the rest of the feature set makes up for it. Aside from the list above there isn’t anything too earth shattering do get all drooly over. Disappointed?
Source: Boy Genius
Gaming is one of the only sectors in the market that seems to be weathering the financial storm. After all, a good game can ease your tensions, make you laugh, and overall forget about how much your 401K has shrunk in the past couple months. Apple is now marketing the iPhone and iPod touch as a gaming platform, that isn’t news to anyone. However what is news is Sony not chasing after. Nintendo is a mobile gaming platform that has been dominating with their Nintendo DS. Sony has the PSP. And Apple the iPhone/iPod Touch. For graphics lovers, PSP hands down, more “old school” and “party” games, DS. Overall ease of use and convienence, Apple. Sony and Sony Ericsson have a chance to pull back a share of the market as the PSP is a really great device as well as the Sony Ericsson line of phones. So, wheres the reunion and the “PSP Phone”.
