This isn’t the first time I’m writing in praise of Sony’s small and stylish Vaio P notebook/netbook. And I’m not doing so only to get the attention of Sony’s PR folks who by now should send me a single unit free of charge for all the publicity they got at IntoMobile.
I really, really like its form factor. The Vaio P is a super small laptop, yet it’s perfectly sized. The problem is in the software – Vista runs slowly on it and I also want the instant-on option on such a small computer. On that note, I’m hoping that Sony Ericsson (NYSE: SNE) could launch a similar product which would have pretty much everything the original Vaio P has, plus it would be capable for instant-on. In that sense, instead of using the Intel Atom CPU, that kind of a device should rely on some ARM-based processor like Qualcomm (NSDQ: QCOM)’s Snapdragon. Just imagine – you press a button and you can instantly start writing, browsing the web, playing music, video and so on. Instead of the Sony logo, the new device would wear Sony Ericsson’s colors, and that’s about it. Nothing too complicated – just use the winning form factor and if possible, make the device more affordable!
To be fair, there is some kind of instant-on function on the Sony Vaio P, but you can run only the limited number of applications. What I want to use the device is for writing and I can’t do that.
We’ve seen that Wistron’s smartbook prototype which is powered by Snapdragon and I like it. The problem, however, is that it’s not as portable as Sony Vaio P, and I’m not sure it has the so-much-needed (and so much repeated in the text above) instant-on capability.
I don’t care about the operating system. It could be Windows Mobile or something Linux-based (Android, Moblin, etc), whatever. I do care about the screen size – it should be able to display at least 1024 pixels in width (current Vaio P goes even further), and it should allow for WiFi connectivity. 3G is a plus, but not a must…
Am I asking for too much? It should be my portable writing device, which could also be used for Skype calls, web browsing, email, etc. Any thoughts?
Zeemote, the folks behind the mobile gaming controller, announced a new version (actually that’s a variation) of its product. It’s marked as Zeemote V3 and it’s especially optimized to work with Sony Ericsson (NYSE: SNE) handsets — including the upcoming Yari, Aino and Satio, as well as the eco-friendly Naite.
In addition to providing easier gameplay, the Zeemote V3 can also be used for navigating phone menus, interacting with apps, controlling camera, web surfing, music and video playback, and more. Plus, with the Aino you can use the Zeemote to control some functions of the PS3…
You can get more information about Zeemote and their products from their website.
Sony Ericsson (NYSE: SNE)’s Pureness makes it clear that a pretty face can sometimes make up for a lack of substance. The Pureness recently made waves with its transparent display and minimalist styling. And, now that the FCC has given it their blessing, folks with a penchant for high-fashion and little need for any real technology may soon be able to pick up a Sony Ericsson Pureness at Sony Style stores in the US.
As EngadgetMobile points out, the Pureness doesn’t sport any US 3G support, so you’ll be limited to surfing the web at EDGE-only data speeds. Hey, at least you’ll be stylin’!
There’s nothing better than a blurry shot of an unreleased handset. Unless it’s a blurry picture of an inventory screen listing an unreleased handset’s launch date – now that’s the stuff. WMExperts has gotten a hold of a decidedly fuzzy image of an inventory list that shows the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 (Vulcan) coming to Vodafone (NYSE: VOD) on November 6th, a date that falls in line with previous expectations.
There’s not much more to go on here, so we’re going to tentatively mark down the first week of November as a possible launch window for the all-new XPERIA flagship.
The other day I got a chance to play with an upcoming Sony Ericsson (NYSE: SNE) accessory currently called the MH-100, which promises to turn any set of standard headphones into Stereo Bluetooth-capable ones. The MH-100 is a simple clip-on dongle with a touch sensitive volume bar on one side, music controls on the other, call button on the front, and multicoloured LEDs beneath the front face to indicate volume levels. You can see it briefly in action in some videos; one from way back in May, and another from a little more recently, or my crummy Palm (NSDQ: PALM) Pre pictures below. The only comparable accessory that comes to mind is Jabra BT3030, but I’d much rather go with this clip design than dogtags, mostly since it’s one less string to get tangled. According the filings that recently went through the FCC, the MH-100 will be shipping with the Aino, but if you want to pick this one up separately, I was told it will be available for $100-120.
This morning I wanted to check out something at Sony Ericsson’s website and what do you know – it has been revamped. The re-designed website looks much cleaner and easier to get around. The top navigation holds only few items – “Phones & Accessories,” “PlayNow,” “Support,” “Community,” along with a search form. The rest of the page is where all the content is. I like it, what do you think?
To date, we’ve only seen renderings of Sony Ericsson (NYSE: SNE)’s upcoming Android handset, the XPERIA X3 (code-named Rachael), but today we’re seeing some of the first hands-on pictures, blurry as they may be. The gallery shows the phone app, on-screen keyboard, locked, and home screen, so there’s not much to write home about, but it’s reassuring to see a concrete device. If you’re looking for more eye candy, pictures of a white version have also surfaced, accompanied by renders created using screenshots from the supposed user interface video. One of our commenters suggested that UI is actually a separate app which can be turned off if you prefer the vanilla Android interface, which would explain why we’re seeing the basic home screen here. Combined with the fact that the default background on the proper device shots corroborate with the video, this Timescape UI may very well become a reality. Can’t wait to pick up this bad boy? The latest rumours are pointing to a January launch.
That whole “Put Your Ears in Control” thing we told you about last week was for the Sony Ericsson (NYSE: SNE) MH907 Motion Activated Headphones. They’re a bit special. Say you’re listening to music and a call comes in, simply remove one of the ear buds and boom, you’ve answered the call. Want to hang up? Just plug the other earbud back in. I’ll never use these things since 1: I don’t have a Sony Ericsson phone and 2: I hate headphones that you stick in your ears. I can imagine how the meeting took place to develop these things.
Japanese Guy: We need to be innovative and show the market how smart we are!
Swedish Guy: I feel like going to IKEA.
Japanese Guy: No seriously, we can invent something cool, like headphones that make using a mobile phone easier!
Swedish Guy: What are you saying? Sorry, I was listening to ABBA on my iPhone.
Japanese Guy: You took the earbud out to listen to me, I think you’re on to something!
Swedish Guy: Can we go to IKEA already? They have a sale on this couch I’ve always wanted.
Japanese Guy: Can we do karakoe afterwards with your hot Swedish lady friends?
Swedish Guy: No.
Japanese Guy:
The press release has no useful information such as the frequency response, price or release date. Maybe that’s because they know no one is going to buy these things?
Update: A review of the headphones on has been posted on Mobile Review, and yes, it is in English. Conclusion: “Wrapping it all up, I must say that I’m anxious to buy it already, and it’s been a while since the last time I said something along these lines about a Sony Ericsson branded product. However, I strongly recommend trying it out before purchase to see if these headphones will fit into your ears. Other than that, it’s an interesting, novel and likable headset.”
We’ve barely gotten used to the possibility that Sony Ericsson (NYSE: SNE)’s upcoming XPERIA X2 will command a whopping $850+ dollars at retail, and now we’re hearing that the X2’s sequential successor, the XPERIA X3, will be going live in January of 2010. Mobile Crunch is reporting on an as-yet unconfirmed rumor that Sony Ericsson’s XPERIA X3 will make its debut as the company’s first Android smartphone in time to usher in the new year.
The XPERIA X3 packs a 4-inch 800 x 400 touchscreen, 8.0-megapixel camera, 3G data, WiFi, GPS and a whole bunch of Androidy-goodness. If previous leaks pan out, the XPERIA X3 Rachel will also sport a slick, custom Android UI (custom user interfaces are coming left and right these days).
There’s talk that Sony Ericsson is thinking of ditching Windows Mobile altogether, which just might have something to do with SE’s expedited X3 launch window. But, keep in mind, this is all speculation. We’ll know more about the X3 in due time. In the meantime, drool over this X3 Rachel UI video:
Sony Ericsson (NYSE: SNE) has something big coming to market on September 21st. Just yesterday, Stefan mentioned that Sony Ericsson was preparing to “change the way you listen to music forever.” He speculated that the announcement would involve a new phone and an innovative new headset. Turns out, at least according to whispers and rumors, he may have been fairly accurate. Word has Sony Ericsson preparing a new headset that automatically starts playing music when you put them on.
Right, so we’re not sure if an auto-playing headset is anything that will change the way we do anything, but there’s something to be said for keeping a positive outlook.
We’ll see what the Japanese-Swedish phone maker has in store for us next week!
The other day I got a chance to play with an upcoming Sony Ericsson (
We’ve barely gotten used to the possibility that Sony Ericsson (
