SonyEricsson Blog

Sony Ericsson to Open New Store and New FUN Series.

2008-05-09T03:56:00.000-07:00

If you live in Taiwan, you should know that, Sony Ericsson is opening a new flagship store in Taiwan (Grand opening will be tomorrow, on the 10th of May).

Besides of this beautiful store, the interesting thing is the board with a list of the Sony Ericsson device prefix explanation.

From this listing we can learn the meaning of the several prefixes. It looks like that a prefix "G" (If you remember, it's a recently announced line-up of the Sony Ericsson's new devices. The G series were opened with couple of UIQ smartphones: Sony Ericsson G700 and Sony Ericsson G900) means "Generation Web" and as you already know, it contains not only smartphones, but usual phones with enhanced capabilities for Internet usage (Like, recently announced Sony Ericsson G502). The explanation of the "P" is "Pro" (Frankly, I always thought that the meaning of the "P" was PDA :D looks like it's a new meaning) and good news is that there gonna be new devices from P series and it will not be replaced with X series.

What means prefix "X", I guess everybody already knows, it's a high-end "XPERIA" branded line-up with most awaited, Windows Mobile based - Sony Ericsson X1. Prefix "R" means Radio line-up with enhanced Radio capabilities, "W" means old and kind "Walkman" branded line-up and "C" is a new line-up of the famous "Cyber-Shot", C series were opened with couple of new handsets - Sony Ericsson C702 and C905. Prefix "S" has a new meaning "Snapshot" (Old was "Slider"). "T" is a "Style" line, and at last the new prefix "F".

Depending on this list, unannounced prefix "F" means "FUN" and looks like its opening expected in June on the Singapore event, but what exactly means FUN for Sony Ericsson I don't know. Maybe it's a combination of the music, photo shooting/video recording and web browsing, or maybe it's even gaming? Maybe it's an upcoming gaming platform like Nokia's "N-gage" or even long awaited PSP Phone (Or PSPhone)... Hmmm, I don't know :) I guess we need to wait and see...

Anyway, for me, new brand names and new series are only welcome (especially from Sony Ericsson), because it brings some novelties and the novelties is what we always need.

Sony Ericsson Store:

[Source]

First Live Pictures Of The Paris (A.K.A Sony Ericsson P5)

2008-05-08T00:16:00.000-07:00

Those pictures, which were posted by mhg2000 over at My-Symbian.com,
are showing the live look of the long awaited Symbian UIQ smartphone from Sony Ericsson codenamed "Paris" (Also known as Sony Ericsson P5).

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New Live Pictures of the "Bei-Bei"

2008-05-07T03:01:00.000-07:00

SEMC Blog has published new live pics of the upcoming smartphone from Sony Ericsson known as "Bei-Bei"...

As you can see, unlike the recently leaked pictures, this prototype has a different color scheme, this time "Bei-Bei" is in White+Red colors...

Video: Sony Ericsson G502 Preview

2008-05-06T03:14:00.000-07:00

Shiny Media video preview of the new Sony Ericsson G502.

[Source]

Java ME and Adobe Flash Lite - Sony Ericsson’s New Project "Capuchin"

2008-05-01T23:45:00.000-07:00

Sony Ericsson Mobile Communication announced plans to release a new technology that, for the first time, bridges the Abobe® Flash Lite™ and Java ME™ development platforms. The new technology and tools, referred to as Project Capuchin, make it possible to combine the richness of Flash Lite and Java ME technologies allowing developers to utilize the best attributes of both software stacks to create content-rich mobile applications. Sony Ericsson has plans to make the technology available during the second half of 2008 and will demonstrate Project Capuchin enabled applications at the JavaOne Developer Event in San Francisco, May 6 – 9, booth 718 in the Pavilion.

"Sony Ericsson is excited to introduce our new bridging technology to the global developer community as it further strengthens our relationship with this community and underscores our ongoing commitment to support an open, healthy and thriving mobile ecosystem,” said Rikko Sakaguchi, SVP and Head of Portfolio and Proposition at Sony Ericsson. “We are dedicated to exploring opportunities that enable us to provide innovative and energized user experiences. To achieve this, we work with world class partners and technologies, on both platform and product development."

Project Capuchin will provide developers with an intuitive tool to create applications with a cleaner user interface (UI) without sacrificing the strong, feature rich and widely deployed Java ME infrastructure, including secure, well-developed content distribution. Project Capuchin’s bridging software will empower two distinct developer communities to leverage their respective expertises to create the next generation of highly engaging and immersive mobile content.

“Adobe is pleased to support Sony Ericsson’s Project Capuchin. Using Adobe Flash technology as one part of this new bridging technology will ensure further innovation for mobile users when Flash developers gain access to the Java applications’ functionality and intelligence allowing them to create applications with the ultimate user experience,” said Gary Kovacs, general manager and vice president for Mobile and Devices at Adobe. “It is encouraging to see Sony Ericsson’s intention in making the technology available to the wider community.”

Project Capuchin will allow pure Flash Lite content to be encapsulated in Java ME applications with the help of Sony Ericsson Developer World tools, making content created by Adobe Flash technology appear as Java ME applications.

More advanced capabilities will allow Flash Lite technology to handle an entire presentation layer and make it possible to create Java ME applications where some or all UI components are defined in Flash.

Official Skype App for Your Sony Ericsson

2008-04-26T03:54:00.000-07:00

At last we got it :)

Skype has unveiled a beta version of the Skype Java application for our mobile phones, which means, from now on we can call our contacts whenever we need to – no computer, WiFi zone, or special phone needed.

The software is free and works on almost 50 handsets. This beta version brings the most commonly used features of Skype, like: chat or a group chat with contacts, call to your contacts and receive calls from them, events...

What about Sony Ericsson, Skype offers its application to download for several Sony Ericsson models: K550, K610, K750i, K790, K800i, K810, W200, W300, W550, W600, W610, W710, W810i, W830i, W850i, W880i, Z550, Z610... And the "Coming Soon" models are: C702, C902, K660, K770, W580, W660i, W760, W910i, W980, Z770..

But I think, this application will be perfectly work on other Java enabled Sony Ericsson models...

As you can see on the pictures, I've tested this application on the Sony Ericsson P1i, which is not in the list and George confirms that he was able to use a Nokia N95 version on his Nokia E90 communicator.

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I've downloaded the version of the W850i... It has installed and launched without any problems, but the problems occurred when Skype asked me to enter my User Name and Password... You see, W850i has a standard keyboard, when P1i has QWERTY, but all you need is to push twice the "ALT" button and you will be able to type your User and Pass as on usual keyboard (Like on the Sony Ericsson W850i :) ). George confirms that this is the case when using the application on Nokia E90 Communicator as well.

When you start chatting, push twice the "ALT" button, type some letter and new window popups, there you will be able to type the text with your QWERTY keyboard :)

You can download the beta version of this brilliant application from here :)

Have a fun...

Live Pictures of The Sony Ericsson G502

2008-04-25T05:15:00.000-07:00

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New Colors for Sony Ericsson K660, Sony Ericsson W580 and Sony Ericsson S500

2008-04-24T04:13:00.000-07:00

Sony Ericsson has expanded the ranges of the color variants for Sony Ericsson K660, Sony Ericsson W580 and Sony Ericsson S500.

The new colors of the Sony Ericsson K660 are "Cyan on Black" and "Silver on Black".
What about Walkman branded Sony Ericsson W580, except of the "Style White", "Boulevard Black", "Urban Grey", "Metro Pink" and "Jungle Green", it will be available in "Velvet Red" color variant and the luxurious Sony Ericsson S500i will now be offered in "Steel Silver"...

Sony Ericsson continues to invest for future growth

2008-04-23T07:37:00.000-07:00

Q1 Highlights:
• Year-on-year volume growth of 2%
• Income before taxes at higher end of forecast
• R&D investment continues to expand portfolio and addressable market
• New sub-brand XPERIA™ added to portfolio

The consolidated financial summary for Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB (Sony Ericsson) for the first quarter ended March 31, 2008 is as follows:

	Q1 2007	Q4 2007	Q1 2008
Number of units shipped (million)	21.8	30.8	22.3
Sales (Euro m.)	2,925	3,771	2,702
Gross Margin %	30.3%	31.8%	29.2%
Operating Income (Euro m.)	346	489	181
Operating Income (%)	11.8%	13.0%	6.7%
Income Before Taxes (Euro m.)	362	501	193
Net income (Euro m.)	254	373	133
Average Sales Price (Euro)	134	123	121

Units shipped in the quarter were 22.3 million, a 2% increase compared to the same period last year and in line with our March 19, 2008 interim announcement of 22 million units. Sales for the quarter were Euro 2,702 million, a decrease of 8% on a year ago due to slowing market growth in mid-to-high end phones in markets where Sony Ericsson has a strong presence. Gross margin was one percentage point lower than Q1 2007, reflecting a less favourable product mix. Income before taxes for the quarter was Euro 193 million, which was at the higher end of the range (Euro 150-200 million) we announced on March 19, 2008. This represented a decrease of 47% compared with a year ago, due to higher R&D investments as a percentage of sales, and reflecting that Q1 2007 was a particularly strong first quarter for the company. Net income for the quarter was 48% lower, at Euro 133 million.

“Sony Ericsson continues to invest in expanding its product portfolio to appeal to a wider variety of consumers in both new and existing markets,” said Dick Komiyama, President, Sony Ericsson. “Our product announcements during the first quarter have been well received by the industry, and we expect to see a positive effect from these announcements during the second half of 2008.”

During the quarter, Sony Ericsson added a new sub-brand to its product portfolio with the announcement of the XPERIA™ X1, a high-end multi-media convergence phone based on Windows Mobile®, which will launch in the second half of the year. In addition, the company announced a number of new phones during the quarter to increase the appeal of its brand to a broader audience. These included new high-end Walkman® and HSDPA web phones, such as the W980, W760, Z770 models and also added to its cutting-edge Cyber-shot™ range with models such as the C702 and C902.
Average selling price (ASP) decreased both sequentially and year-on-year due to the impact of softer sales of high-to-mid end models in key markets. Market share for the quarter is estimated to be around 8%, down one percentage point sequentially.
Sony Ericsson made a dividend payment of Euro 470 million during the quarter to the parent companies. A second dividend payment will be made this year.

Sony Ericsson forecasts that the global handset market for 2008 will grow at a rate of around 10% from more than 1.1 billion units in 2007. The majority of this growth is expected to be in emerging markets.

Sony Ericsson Z780 and Sony Ericsson G502 Now is Official

2008-04-23T02:42:00.000-07:00

As we've been expecting, today Sony Ericsson officially introduced two new handsets from G and Z series - Sony Ericsson G502 and Sony Ericsson Z780.

Each phone is clearly designed to take its position among web-enabled phones but in different directions. The Z780 expands the company’s range of devices for markets outside of Europe and the compact G502 brings the power of the web to a mainstream audience.
Successor of the recently announced Sony Ericsson Z770, Clamshell Sony Ericsson Z780 packs tri-band 3G and HSDPA - letting you receive email and browse the web at high speed. Z780 also features built-in aGPS module with pre-installed GoogleMaps, giving users the opportunity to carry their navigation solution with them on their phones. The Z780 is a UMTS/HSDPA 850/1900/2100 and GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 phone that will be available in Grand Onyx and Amethyst Silver in selected markets from Q2 2008.
New member of the recently opened G Series, Sony Ericsson G502, unlike its sisters - Sony Ericsson G700 and Sony Ericsson G900, is yet another non-smartphone, standard mid-end phone.

Upcoming G502 features high-speed HSDPA capability for faster web browsing and downloading... The G502 is a UMTS/HSDPA 2100 and GSM/GPRS/EDGE 900/1800/1900 phone that will be available in Champagne Black and Brilliant Hazel in selected markets from Q2 2008.

Sony Ericsson Z780 (Full Specifications)

Networks: UMTS/HSDPA 850/1900/2100
GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850 /900 /1800 /1900
Size: 92 x 49 x 16 mm
Weight: 100 grams
Colours: Grand Onyx, Amethyst Silver
Main screen: 262,144 colour TFT
Resolution: 320 x 240 pixels
Size: 2.2 inches
External screen: Monochrome
Resolution: 36 x 128 pixels
Phone memory: Up to 35 MB, Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™) support
Talk time GSM: Up to 9.5 hrs
Standby time GSM: Up to 350 hrs
Talk time UMTS: Up to 4.5 hrs
Standby time UMTS: Up to 350 hrs

Core Features: High Speed HSDPA, Built-in aGPS, Google™ Maps for Mobile, RSS Desktop, Automatic email set-up, Picture and video blogging, User Defined Blogging, Web 2.0 Ready, Active Sync email
Music and Entertainment: Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP), Media player, Mega Bass™, Music tones (MP3/AAC), PlayNow™, TrackID™, Polyphonic ringtones, 3D games, FM radio, Java, Video streaming, Video viewing
Camera: 2 megapixel camera, 2.5x digital zoom, Photo fix, Picture and video blogging, Video recording
Internet: Access NetFront™ web browser, Web feeds
Communication and Messaging: Email, Exchange ActiveSync®, Instant messaging, Speakerphone, Vibrating alert, Video calling, Picture messaging (MMS), Predictive text input, Sound recorder, Text messaging (SMS)
Connectivity: aGPS, Bluetooth™ technology, Modem, Synchronisation, USB mass storage, USB support
Organizer: Alarm clock, Calculator, Calendar, Flight mode, Notes, Phone book, Stopwatch, Tasks, Timer
In-Box: Stereo Headset HPM-62, Battery (BST-38), Charger (CST-70), Media Transfer Software, Sony Ericsson PC Suite, User guide, USB Cable (DCU-60)

Sony Ericsson G502 (Full Specifications)

Networks: UMTS/HSDPA 2100
GSM/GPRS/EDGE 900 /1800 /1900
Size: 109 x 46 x 13.5 mm
Weight: 83.5 grams
Colors: Champagne Black, Brilliant Hazel
Main screen: 262,144 colour TFT
Resolution: 240 x 320 pixels
Size: 2 inches
Phone memory: Up to 32 MB, Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™) support
Talk time GSM: Up to 9 hrs
Standby time GSM: Up to 330 hrs
Talk time UMTS: Up to 4.5 hrs
Standby time UMTS: Up to 330 hrs

Core Features: High Speed HSDPA, Google™ Maps for Mobile, RSS Desktop, Automatic email set-up, Picture and video blogging, Web 2.0 Ready, Active Sync email
Music and Entertainment: Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP), Media player, Mega Bass™, Music tones (MP3/AAC), PlayNow™, TrackID™, Polyphonic ringtones, 3D games, FM radio, Java, Video streaming, Video viewing
Camera: 2 megapixel camera, 4x digital zoom, Photo fix, Picture blogging, Video recording
Internet: Access NetFront™ web browser, Web feeds
Communication and Messaging: Email, Exchange ActiveSync®, Instant messaging, Speakerphone, Vibrating alert, Picture messaging (MMS), Predictive text input, Sound recorder, Text messaging (SMS)
Connectivity: Bluetooth™ technology, Modem, Synchronisation, USB mass storage, USB support
Organiser: Alarm clock, Calculator, Calendar, Flight mode, Notes, Phone book, Stopwatch, Tasks, Timer
In-Box: User guide, Battery, Standard charger, Stereo portable handsfree headset

Sony Ericsson is Expanding G Series With a New Sony Ericsson G502

2008-04-22T01:39:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow (On the 23rd of April), Sony Ericsson will be announcing a new handset from G line, early known as "Emelie" - Sony Ericsson G502...

It's strange, but the upcoming G502 is not a smartphone. I thought that the next handset from G series would be featuring some "smart" possibilities, but no! Unfortunately, Sony Ericsson G502 is yet another mid-end mobile phone, working on A2 software platform...

So, it looks like that the upcoming device from G series is made in a "Candybar" form-factor (Housing reminds Sony Ericsson K530i) and will have a standard 262K TFT display with a 240x320 resolution. It will be equipped with a 2MP camera and built-in memory will be up to 32MB and will support Memory Stick Micro (M2) cards. G502 will also support Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR and USB 2.0 for cable connectivity.

With Tri-Band GSM/EDGE connectivity, Sony Ericsson G502 is 3G-enabled and will be provide HSDPA for fast data transfer speeds and will come with pre-installed NetFront web browser and GoogleMaps. The handset will also support emails, RSS feeds and Exchange Activesync.

With dimensions of the 109x46x13.5 mm the phone will weigh at 83.5 grams and according to the USEB, it will be available in two color trimmings: Brilliant Hazel & Champagne Black and will hit selected markets in Q2 this year...

There are also some rumors that, besides of the Sony Ericsson G502, tomorrow Sony Ericsson will announce a couple of other phones too, like, Sony Ericsson Z780, Sony Ericsson P5 (a.k.a Sony Ericsson Paris) or Sony Ericsson Bei-Bei, so we only have to wait and see what is going to happen.

Live Pictures of the Sony Ericsson "Bei-Bei" Prototype

2008-04-19T04:21:00.000-07:00

Chinese mobile web site Yesky.com has published more live pictures of the long awaited upcoming UIQ 3.3 smartphone from the Sony Ericsson known as "Bei-Bei"...

Those picture is showing a device which is still in a testing phase and the model name is not determined yet...

Video: Sony Ericsson C702 And C902 Preview

2008-04-19T04:13:00.000-07:00

Sony Ericsson C702

Sony Ericsson C902

[Source]

Teenagers Prefer Sony Ericsson to NOKIA

2008-04-18T05:57:00.000-07:00

A survey, which was conducted by social networking website Habbo across 31 countries, revealed that Nokia's dominance at the top of the global chart has been weakened.

Despite the 58,480 teens which took part in the survey say that Nokia is the number one mobile brand globally, Nokia has lost some favour with teens to Sony Ericsson and Samsung since 2006, when the previous Global Habbo Youth Survey was conducted.

Despite still being the favoured handset in 15 of the 31 countries polled, Nokia loses out to Sony Ericsson in markets such as the UK, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, in markets, where Nokia ranked first in 2006, which suggests that brand loyalty to Nokia, amongst teens globally, hasn’t increased alongside Nokia’s market share, which reached 40% in the fourth quarter of 2007.

The results of the survey show that except of the calling and text messaging, teens are now regularly using their mobile handsets as entertainment devices. If in the 2006 only 38% of teenagers were using their handsets to listen music, for now it's grown up to 71%.

70% of teenagers are now using their mobile to take photos and videos. 64% now play games on their mobile compared to 51% in 2006. Over a quarter of teens also use their mobile to surf the net, email and send instant messages...

[Source]

Sony Ericsson Z780 - New Clam Shell From Sony Ericsson

2008-04-15T02:01:00.000-07:00

Semcblog has discovered some pictures of the new "Clam Shell" from Sony Ericsson - Sony Ericsson Z780...
It looks like that this phone is a successor of the recently unveiled Sony Ericsson Z770 and to be honest, I can't see much difference between those phones :) Anyway it's too early to talk about difference between those phones, while there are not many details about the Z780...

We also got WAP Profiles of the Z780 at Sony Ericsson Wap site, which discovers some details of the technical characteristics.

Sony Ericsson Z780i WAP Profile
Sony Ericsson Z780a WAP Profile

[Source]

Pictures of the "Bei-Bei"

2008-04-15T01:15:00.000-07:00

Do you remember the rumors about one more upcoming smartphone from Sony Ericsson with a codename "Bei-Bei"? Of course you do... :) So the pictures of the prototype of the Bei-Bei have been leaked in the internet...

Those pictures are showing some part of the User Interface of the upcoming Symbian UIQ, which should be pre-installed on the Bei-Bei...

[Source]

Wireless Industry Leaders commit to framework for LTE technology IPR licensing

2008-04-15T00:44:00.000-07:00

Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, NEC, NextWave Wireless, Nokia, Nokia Siemens Networks and Sony Ericsson have announced a mutual commitment to a framework for establishing predictable and more transparent maximum aggregate costs for licensing intellectual property rights (IPR) that relate to 3GPP Long Term Evolution and Service Architecture Evolution standards (LTE/SAE). The companies invite all interested parties to join this initiative which is intended to stimulate early adoption of mobile broadband technology across the communications and consumer electronic industries.

The framework is based on the prevalent industry principle of fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) licensing terms for essential patents. This means that the companies agree, subject to reciprocity, to reasonable, maximum aggregate royalty rates based on the value added by the technology in the end product and to flexible licensing arrangements according to the licensors’ proportional share of all standard essential IPR for the relevant product category.

Specifically, the companies support that a reasonable maximum aggregate royalty level for LTE essential IPR in handsets is a single-digit percentage of the sales price. For notebooks, with embedded LTE capabilities, the companies support a single-digit dollar amount as the maximum aggregate royalty level. The parties believe the market will drive the LTE licensing regime to be in accordance with these principles and aggregate royalty levels.

This framework balances the prevailing business conditions relevant for the successful widespread adoption of the LTE standard, which continues its progress toward definitive adoption by the industry in the applicable standards forums and organizations.

Company Quotes

"As our respective companies have now launched R&D efforts and trials for LTE technology, we hope that this initiative will help for a wide adoption of this technology across devices and applications, enabling a wireless lifestyle for consumers and enterprises and creating value for technology providers," said Olivier Baujard, Chief Technology Officer, Alcatel-Lucent.
“The adoption of this initiative will reassure operators of the early widespread adoption of LTE technology throughout the consumer electronics industry,” Ericsson’s Senior Vice President, General Manager and Chief Technology Officer Håkan Eriksson said. “It also confirms Ericsson’s longstanding commitment to the FRAND principles as fundamental to the industry.”
“NEC is excited about this initiative. LTE is a key technology in the transformation of voice-oriented telecom services into data-oriented communication services. In partnership with other LTE technology leaders and vendors, NEC, as both an infrastructure and handset provider, must play a crucial role in establishing a better environment in which to explore the LTE market, and we believe this initiative is an important first step. “ said Dr. Katsumi Emura, Executive General Manager, Intellectual Asset Management Unit, NEC Corporation.
“Today’s devices contain a multitude of different technologies. To ensure all patent holders are treated fairly without stifling the market, it would be preferable for patent holders to offer reasonable terms.” said Ken Stanwood, Executive Vice President Technology and Standards, NextWave Wireless “We are enthusiastic about this effort and hope the concepts will spread to other technologies.”
“The patent licensing market requires basic rules in order to properly develop and function“, said Ilkka Rahnasto, Vice President, Intellectual Property Rights, Nokia. “Today's announcement is a step towards establishing more predictable and transparent licensing costs in a manner that enables faster adoption of new technologies.”
“In order to connect 5 billion people and deal with 100-fold traffic at lowest cost of ownership we need to create economies of scale, “ said Stephan Scholz, CTO of Nokia Siemens Networks, “Mobile broadband implementation using technologies with a predictable, transparent maximum aggregate costs for licensing intellectual property rights will drive global adoption and foster social and economical growth.

Sony Ericsson G700 For USA

2008-04-14T04:25:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Symbian UIQ smartphone from Sony Ericsson's new G Series - Sony Ericsson G700, has been approved by the FCC.

As you know, G700 features a 3.2 MP camera on the back and front camera for video calls. It's equipped with a 2.4" 262,144 color TFT touchscreen at a 240 x 320 pixel resolution, with unique single touch control menu. Built-in memory is up to 160MB and supports Memory Stick Micro (M2) for additional memory card.

The size of the housing is 106 x 49 x 13mm and weights 99 grams. G700 is intended to work in UMTS 2100 - GSM/GPRS 900/1800/1900 networks.

So now this amazing device will be available for Americans too :) USA, get ready to meet the Sony Ericsson G700.

For more info about this handset, please click here...

Sony Ericsson P5 (PARIS) - Real One? I Hope :)

2008-04-08T07:18:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago, USEB has resurrected rumors about much awaited and buried in oblivion - Sony Ericsson P5 (Paris) with new leaked pictures and some specs.

To be honest, in the beginning I had some doubts about its reality. I thought that it was yet another fake (There were too many P5 fakes :) ) But more and more pictures of "Paris" are coming from various sources, so I guess I was wrong :)

Based on those sources and the USEB, which has unveiled the first picture of the Sony Ericsson P5 - it has become known that, the long awaited smartphone from Sony Ericsson - Sony Ericsson P5 runs recently announced Symbian UIQ 3.3...

The form-factor of this device is "Slider" and it's made from metal and mirror-like front panel. Handset is equipped with a full QWERTY keyboard (As on Sony Ericsson P1i or Sony Ericsson M600) and features W-LAN 802.11b/g, built-in GPS (With preinstalled Google Maps) and 5MP digital camera with auto focus... Phone also supports 3G networks, Bluetooth and USB 2.0 cable connectivity...
What about the screen? It is obviously a touchscreen, but there is no specific information about the resolution or colors, but as for me, to be honest, I expected something bigger than that on the pictures :)

So folks, that's all for now. The specifications that we get here are quite impressive, but for now - there are too many questions without answers. Hopefully, that it is not yet another fake. I look forward for getting further details, so stay tuned and let's see what's going to happen...

"Golden Olive Awards" Open for Nominations

2008-04-05T06:03:00.000-07:00

The 3rd China Mobile Application Golden Olive Awards showcase China's mobile content industry and recognize the technical innovations of Chinese mobile developers and content creators. The Golden Olive Awards run from April 1 to June 26, 2008 and nominations can now be submitted on the competition's official website http://www.goldenoliveaward.cn/

Sony Ericsson Developer World is sponsoring 16 of the award categories, in what translates from Chinese as the "Sony Ericsson Cup", including mobile music, imaging, games, themes, flash and mobile Internet.

By sponsoring these awards, we place great emphasis on China's wireless content
and application development, and show our respect for China's content
developers. At the same time, we hope that, through the award nominations, we
will see more new, innovative and interesting content and applications become
available for Sony Ericsson's mobile phones in China," said James Liu, Manager
of Sony Ericsson Developer World China.

Judges and public voting
In addition to being where applications and content can be submitted for the awards, the website also displays the nominations and the public can vote for their favorites. The judging committee consists of 100 industry professionals from Sony Ericsson, operators, industry analysts, investment institutions, entertainment companies, publishers and media organizations. They will comprehensively evaluate the nominations from the utility, entertainment and innovation perspectives and consider the results of the public vote when selecting the winners.

Sony Ericsson prizes
The competition will run for two months and the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on June 26, 2008 in Beijing, China. The Sony Ericsson Cup winners will have the opportunity to have their content pre-loaded on selected Sony Ericsson mobile phone models and made available for download through Sony Ericsson's online content channels PlayNow, Fun & Downloads and the Application Shop. The developers of the winning content will also be invited to become Premier members of Sony Ericsson Developer World.

The Web Everywhere - Opera Mini 4.1 Beta

2008-04-03T06:50:00.000-07:00

Recently the new, 4.1 Beta version of one of the most well-known mobile Internet Browsers - Opera Mini has been released...

The new release is fantastic. Those features which were presented in the new version, take Opera Mini to the new level despite being a Beta version at the moment :)

As I've already noted, the new release of the Opera Mini includes quite many new features, which make web surfing much easier and comfortable, like automatic completion of Web addresses, attaching files to Web-based email, uploading photos to your blog or other sites, downloading attachments from email for storage on your phone, saving and viewing pages offline, etc.

One of the my favorite features in the new Opera Mini is that, from now on, we don't need to open editor mode for entering web address. The new Opera Mini has new address bar as on desktop browsers. We just need to click on the address bar and locally enter new web address. It also supports automatic completion of web addresses, which makes surfing very comfortable... Except of the dashboard, new address bar is also available in the surfing mode. When you are surfing, just open "Menu", choose "Enter Address" and the new address bar appears on the top of the screen :)

Next novelty is availability of the downloading and uploading files. On phones with JSR-75, we can now upload and download files without being re-routed to the phone’s native browser. We are now able to update blogs while on the go. Upload photos to web sites or social networks and one of the most important features in my opinion, from now on we are able to add attachments to Web-based email and download other non media-rich content to the phone using new Opera Mini.

The next great feature I think is the availability of the saving web pages for viewing it in offline mode. It's very comfortable when we cannot get network reception. (Depending on your phone, you may need to choose a destination folder for storing pages for offline viewing.)

New Opera Mini also lets us search for text within a Web page so we can get to the information we need even quicker than before.

So I guess with this new version, we've got absolutely new and much more powerful browser, which is not only for smartphones :)

As usual Opera Mini is free and if you want to try the new version, you need to go here to download it (Please note that it's only Beta version!!!)