Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Sony Ericsson will support JavaFX™ Mobile
On February 12, 2009 Sun Microsystems announced the availability of their JavaFX™ Mobile Platform with backing from Sony Ericsson and other partners. JavaFX Mobile delivers rich content and services for mobile phones and we have stated our support for JavaFX Mobile.
| Rikko Sakaguchi, Corporate Vice President and Head of Creation and Development at Sony Ericsson. |
What is JavaFX Mobile?
On mobile phones, JavaFX runs directly on Java™ ME. According Sun Microsystems' press release, the Java platform is available on more than 2.6 billion mobile phones and is supported by 6.5 million software developers, making it one of the strongest mobile platforms in the industry.
Built on top of a consistent Java ME platform implementation, JavaFX Mobile allows you to create immersive mobile content, while leveraging existing investment in the Java platform. Developers can use JavaFX Mobile to easily extend current Java ME mobile applications, games and solutions. |
In addition, developers using JavaFX technology have access to Java ME's mature and highly proven security model and phone specific capabilities, such as address book, Bluetooth, camera, location services, etc.
With JavaFX Mobile, developers and designers benefit from using the same JavaFX tools, such as the JavaFX SDK and the JavaFX Production Suite, that they have been using to create content for the desktop and browser. This makes it much easier to start creating mobile content and opens up the mobile device to a much wider pool of developers and designers.
More information:
- Read Sun Microsystems' official press release announcing support for JavaFX Mobile>>
- Sun Microsystems' JavaFX web section>>
- Sun Microsystems' JavaFX partner web page>>
- Sun Microsystems' JavaFX FAQ web page>>
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Sony Ericsson launches Nancy Ajram Pink W595 Special Edition
Nancy Ajram is a big Lebanese Pop star in the Middle East. Sony Ericsson has decided to use her celebrity power in the Middle East to propel lagging sales and has come up with a special edition pink W595i with her signature on the back. It will come in a limited edition box with her latest album and biography. Check out the video and see the launch of the phone.
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Link 2
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Sony Ericsson Idou 12.1 MP Cameraphone - Hands-On @ MWC 2009
PhoneDog has a video from MWC of the Idou. According to the SE rep he spoke to, we will see more Entertainment Unlimited products like the Idou this year with another announcement in the spring. The Idou has a Fastport connecter like other SE phones, but has a MicroSD card slot instead of M2. Also it might come with 8 or 16GB internal storage, but it might be bumped up to 32GB. Also it comes with a resistive touch screen.
What I like about the spring announcement is that the SE rep mentioned two new devices. One focusing on gaming and the other on messaging.
Monday, February 16, 2009
New CNN, Skype, Mytopia and ‘On the Road’ panels introduced for the Xperia™ X1
16 February 2009
Sony Ericsson unveils latest panels for Xperia™ X1 offering further opportunities for consumers to personalise the device with the content they want most. The new panels add to those announced last week as part of the Sony Ericsson Content Awards, further enhancing the unique user experience of the Xperia™ X1 and offering yet more ways to customise their device.
Mobile World Congress, February 16, 2009 – Sony Ericsson today unveils four new panels for its Xperia™ X1 mobile phone. Available to download from mid-march March 2009, the latest panels enhance the unique user interface of the X1 that enables users to customise the handset, bringing the content and applications they want onto their active desktop.
- A new CNN panel keeps you constantly updated with the latest news, sport, or weather and a host of CNN content including access to CNN’s popular citizen journalism tool, ‘i-Report’. Browse information by category, personalise your experience or plug in your location and get instant updates for wherever you are in the world.
- A unique Skype panel brings quick access to Skype on the X1, telling you at a glance which of your friends are online. Browse easily through your contacts and call or instant message them in just a couple of clicks, or customise your handset using the evening, daylight or event based effects.
- For those who just want to have fun, a new Mytopia panel lets you play bingo and poker games with people around the world. With millions of users there is always someone online to play against or you can play by yourself. You can even collect virtual coins and improve your rank by winning live matches.
- For those always on the move, the specially developed ‘On the Road’ panel includes large touch icons and a simple layout. Offering direct access to your music playlists and tracks, navigation tools and easy to use call-handling, this panel will makes your driving convenient and entertaining wherever the road takes you.
Since its launch in Q4 2008, close to 420,000 panels have been downloaded onto X1 devices around the world with half a million unique hits for X1 panels on the Sony Ericsson Fun & Downloads service.
Catherine Cherry, Global Marketing Business Manager, Sony Ericsson commented, “We are very pleased with the success of the Xperia™ X1 and will continue to evolve the device to meet the consumer demand for a rich, individualised multimedia experience on their phones. By partnering with some of the world’s most popular content providers and applications we are giving consumers the opportunity to customise the device bringing the applications that they use most directly onto the desktop. Users can personalise the device to suite their mood and lifestyle making the mobile experience even more enjoyable and entertaining.”
“We are delighted to partner with Sony Ericsson and develop a panel that provides users with an easy way to access and experience the rich Skype internet communications experience on the XPERIA™ X1,” said Scott Durchslag, Skype’s Chief Operating Officer. “This is a further example of how we are implementing our ‘Skype everywhere’ strategy and enabling mobile phone users to access Skype wherever and whenever they want. As the world’s fastest-growing internet communications company, the valuable strategic partnerships we develop with companies like Sony Ericsson will further fuel our rapid growth and improve our 400 million users’ Skype experience on the go.”
“This type of media rich, hand held experience is where the future lies in news consumption. CNN leads the way in innovative delivery of news and partnering with brands like Sony Ericsson only helps to improve the experience for our audience.” comments Mark Haviland, Marketing Director, CNN International.
Guy Ben-Artzi, CEO, Mytopia added, “The Xperia™ X1 enables us to create connected gaming experiences that aren’t possible to deliver on other phones. The Mytopia panel allows users to play live games against their friends from popular social networks like Facebook and MySpace directly from the device. With its large screen and advanced data capabilities, the X1 is a superior mobile platform for developing games and multimedia applications.”
The Xperia™ X1, announced at Mobile World Congress in 2008, brings a totally new experience to mobile phone users by introducing nine easy-to-use, interactive panels which sit on the touch screen interface of the phone. The unique user interface gives users an “always live” experience, offering the flexibility to tailor the phone’s desktop with information that is relevant to them at any given time.
The X1 comes pre-loaded with a wide range of panels including a Google search panel. Facebook and Windows Live panels are already available on www.sonyericsson.com/fun for download onto the Xperia™ X1.
Link
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Idou videos
Sony Ericsson Idou - hands on
Sony Ericsson Idou
Sony Ericsson Idou live hands-on at MWC09
Sony Ericsson unleashes Idou
Visit http://www.sonyericsson.com/idou/ to see the mini site. Very nice
SE is also launching a new Entertainment Unlimited. This is combining video, pictures, and music, apps, games, in one place. Idou will not be the only phone to use this services.
Sony Ericsson launches Entertainment Unlimited, Reinforcing its Position as the Communication Entertainment Brand
15 February 2009Entertainment Unlimited builds on Sony Ericsson’s leadership in music, imaging, gaming, content services, and applications to deliver unlimited opportunities for consumers to share experiences.
Barcelona, February 15, 2009 – Sony Ericsson today unveiled the next step in its evolution. The Entertainment Unlimited consumer proposition is the pinnacle of what the company has been working towards since the start of the joint venture in 2001 – the true fusion of communication and entertainment.
Bringing together rich content, unique applications and best in class entertainment experiences, the new consumer proposition is based around three key promises:
- Uniting best in class entertainment experiences into one offering such as the Walkman™ music experience, the Cyber-shot imaging experience, Java gaming and messaging integrated with services and applications.
- Broadening entertainment experiences by seamlessly integrating the mobile phone into other devices in the home letting consumers share and enjoy top quality entertainment content through a variety of channels including TV, PC and Hifi systems.
- Fusing communication with entertainment by removing barriers and offering unlimited sharing opportunities, multiplying the value of people’s entertainment experiences through a host of innovative web applications and Sony Ericsson’s unique Play Now offering.
Sony Ericsson is unveiling the W995 Walkman™ phone at Mobile World Congress offering the most complete communication entertainment package to date. The launch of this phone exemplifies the excellence that Sony Ericsson has achieved in both the music and imaging categories and enables the evolution into Entertainment Unlimited. The company is also showing a mobile phone under the concept name Idou* giving a glimpse of one of a number of projects that will be launched this year under the umbrella of Entertainment Unlimited.
“Entertainment Unlimited lets us reinforce our position as THE communication entertainment brand,” said Lennard Hoornik Head of Global Marketing and Vice President at Sony Ericsson. “Everything that we have done to date has brought us to this point - we created the music phone category in 2005 selling over 100 million Walkman™ phones and we are now ready to unveil the next chapter in the evolution of the company - Entertainment Unlimited - giving consumers unlimited opportunities to share their entertainment experiences.”
Idou encapsulates the future of mobile entertainment in the palm of your hand delivering visual communication like never before.
Capture moments, talk through pictures and share all your experiences like never before with the 12.1 megapixel camera, intuitive touch features and Xenon flash. Tap directly into your favourite videos and tracks with the full-touch media menu and feast your eyes on movies, TV-series and video clips in true 16:9 widescreen format. Based on what will become the Symbian Foundation operating system, thousands of applications are available online letting you install new applications and download exciting content from PlayNow™ to make the Idou truly yours.
Dick Komiyama, President, Sony Ericsson said, "Entertainment Unlimited is at the core of Sony Ericsson's philosophy, building on the strength of our great entertainment assets such as Walkman and Cyber-shot phones and our unique service and applications integration. Many of the strategic initiatives we've announced in the past year have laid the internal framework to launch this new consumer proposition to the market and Sony Ericsson is now ready to drive the next wave of market development with Entertainment Unlimited."
Idou will be available 2nd Half of 2009.
Link
W995 Hikaru announced
W995 has three different colours: Progressive Black (black phone with blue includings), Cosmic Silver (silver phone with orange includings) and Energetic Red (red phone with blue includings).
It is a very nice phone and should be available in Q2.
Video on the go - relieve boredom forever with the Sony Ericsson W995 Walkman™
15 February 2009Get a complete on-the-move entertainment experience with the W995 Walkman™ and its optimised video playback style and performance. Debuting on the W995 Walkman™ is Media Go™ which transfers, plays and organises your entertainment, in most file formats, to your mobile phone simply and effortlessly.
Barcelona – February 15, 2009 –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.
The Sony Ericsson W995 Walkman™ at a glance
Camera | 8.1 megapixel camera |
Music
| Walkman™ player |
Web | Access NetFront™ Web browser |
Communication | Speakerphone |
Messaging | Email |
Design | Picture wallpaper |
Entertainment | 3D games |
Connectivity | Bluetooth™ technology |
Organizer | Alarm clock |
Location-based services | Geo tagging of photos |
Accessories | In-Box:
|
Facts and Figures 1)2) | Size: 97 x 49 x 15 mm Colours: Main screen: 262,144 colour TFT, scratch-resistant Phone memory: Up to 118MB Talk time GSM/GPRS: Up to 9 hrs Talk time UMTS: Up to 4 hours Video talk time: Up to 3.5 hours |
Availability and versions | Networks W995a: Available in selected markets from Q2 2009. |
Link
Saturday, February 14, 2009
QWERTY messaging phone leaked
PeterKay from Esato has posted a SE advertisement for a unknown QWERTY messaging phone named Reese. It reminds me of a Sidekick but it has a screen that slides out to view in a portrait mode which is an awkward positioning but it looks like it might work. It is marketed toward tweens and teens since it is featuring a lot of social networking apps. Here is what the bottom of the ad says.
“The new Reese from Sony Ericsson. A unique swivel design reveals a QWERTY keypad below the large portrait screen which allows you to view several messages of any one kind in high definition. It also comes with one-click access to your favourite networking sites. So now it’s never been easier to keep up with your mates.”
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Ericsson Boosts HSPA to 42Mbps
Who needs 4G? Ericsson is busy upgrading the current HSPA 3.5G to 42Mbps downlink. Some of this speed can be had by simply upgrading the software at the Ericsson base station. Carriers like Telstra in Australia will have an easy time upgrading to this new speed limit. Now we need some devices to be introduced soon so we can take advantage of this new speed limit of wireless goodness.
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Tuesday, February 10, 2009
AB900 car speakerphone announced
Rock your car with the new wireless car speakerphone from Sony Ericsson
10 February 2009Transform your car into your very own wireless jukebox with the AB900. The Bluetooth™ Car Speakerphone allows you to play your favourite tracks loud and proud while you safely make and receive calls.
February 10, 2009 – Bored and stuck in traffic? Not anymore thanks to the AB900! Stream your favourite songs from your mobile phone to the AB900 and it will broadcast them loud and clear over your car audio system. Thanks to the RDS feature you’ll never have to search for the right frequency in order to stream your favourite tunes through your car speakers.
The AB-900 offers a complete car experience to keep you safe and focussed when you’re on the road with a convenient call-handling display, easy access to your five favourite numbers and voicemail at just the touch of a button. Hands-free calling has never been easier or safer thanks to the AB900. Your music will simply pause when you take an incoming call and resume when your call ends. And with 26 hours of talk time and an amazing 40 days of standby time, you won’t find yourself continually hunting for the charger to be connected.
The AB900 will help you stay connected wherever you are - no installation required! And it can easily be switched between vehicles – just strap this ultra-portable car speakerphone onto your sun visor. It can even be used in the office for conference calls or at home for hands-free chatting.
Jacob Sten, Head of the accessories division at Sony Ericsson, said: “In line with increasing legislation around the world preventing the use of phones in the car environment, Sony Ericsson offers a range of easy-to-install car speaker phones that facilitate a complete in-car experience when driving and talking. The AB-900 is perfect for consumers who are on the road often and want to optimise their time in the car, staying safe as they stay in touch or enjoying their music whenever and wherever the road takes them.”
Sony Ericsson continues to leverage the company’s Bluetooth™ expertise to ensure the full compatibility of a large selection of phones and applications. The extensive portfolio of in-car accessories includes hands-free devices that allow users to communicate conveniently and safely when driving.
At a glance
Colour | 1 kit with two panels; Black and silvers mesh |
Attachment | Visor strap |
Materials | Coloured plastic |
Batteries | BST-38 |
Standby/talktime | Up to 1000 h / 26 h (Streaming music: Up to 18 h) |
Size | 120x69x16mm |
Weight | 117g |
Bluetooth™ version/profile | A2DP/2.0+EDR |
Bluetooth™ range | 10m |
No. of keys | 6 |
Noise reduction | Yes |
Echo cancellation | Yes |
Compatibility | Most Bluetooth™ phones from SEMC & other brands. Please visit www.sonyericsson.com for further information. |
Link
Live photos of W395 and C903
C901 Filippa announced
Today, SE also announced the C901. It is basically a K850i update for select markets. Main differences are just updated software and HSPA 900/2100 in addition to the QuadBand GSM/EDGE. This is just a small release for SE as it is not a global release. Too Bad no aGPS or North American version.
Link
C903 Frances announced
The midtier C903 has been announced as well. This is a solid mid range phone with 5MP Autofocus camera, Photoflash LED, aGPS, QuadBand GSM/EDGE, two flavors of HSPA (900/2100 in C903, 850/1900/2100 in C903a), 2.4" QVGA screen, TV-out, and an emanual on the phone. It is availble in Lacquer Black, Techno White and Glamour Red. Look for it in the spring with a decent price tag.
Take special pictures in style with the Sony Ericsson C903 Cyber-shot™
10 February 2009Seeing is believing with the C903 Cyber-shot™. The slick and stylish mobile phone has a unique sliding lens cover to make great photography as easy as one, two, three.
London – February 10, 2009 – 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.
The Sony Ericsson C903 Cyber-shot™ at a glance
Camera | 5.0 megapixel camera |
Music
| Media player |
Web | Access NetFront™ Web browser |
Communication | Speakerphone |
Messaging | Email |
Design | Picture wallpaper |
Entertainment | 3D games |
Connectivity | Bluetooth™ technology |
Organizer | Alarm clock |
Location-based services | Geo tagging of photos |
Accessories | In-Box:
|
Facts and Figures 1)2) | Size: 97 x 49 x 16 mm Colours: Main screen: 262,144 colour TFT, scratch-resistant Phone memory: Up to 105MB Talk time GSM/GPRS: Up to 10 hrs |
Availability and versions | Networks C903a: Available in selected markets from Q2 2009. |
Link
W395 Yao announced
Today, SE as announced the W395. It is similar to the F305 and shares many of the same traits, 2.0MP fixed focus camera, 2" 176x220 screen, QuadBand GSM/EDGE, and small slider form factor. What it was as upgrades include stereo speakers, better stereo headphones, and Walkman software. There will be just one version and will be available within a few weeks.
Boost your sounds with the Sony Ericsson W395 Walkman™ phone
10 February 2009Sony Ericsson is bringing great music to the masses with the slick slider W395 Walkman™ phone, complete with large powerful built-in stereo speakers. Experience high sound quality and thumping bass that lets you share the concert experience with friends.
London – February 10, 2009 – Today’s announcement sees Sony Ericsson 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.
The affordable 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.
The Sony Ericsson W395 Walkman™ at a glance
Camera | 2.0 megapixel camera |
Music
| Walkman™ player |
Web | Openwave™ Web browser |
Communication | Speakerphone |
Messaging | Email |
Design | Picture wallpaper |
Entertainment | 3D games |
Connectivity | Bluetooth™ technology |
Organizer | Alarm clock |
Accessories | In-Box:
|
Facts and Figures 1)2) | Size: 96 x 47 x 14.9 mm Colours: Main screen: 262,144 colour TFT, scratch-resistant Phone memory: Up to 10MB Talk time GSM/GPRS: Up to 8 hrs Music listening time: Up to 12 hrs 30 min |
Availability and versions | Networks Available in selected markets from Q1 2009. |
Link