Thursday, April 30, 2009

W518a coming to AT&T






The SE W518a was just approved by the FCC. The markings on the phone and manual indicate it is coming to AT&T. It will probably be coming out in the late summer time/early fall. Specs of the mid ranger include:

  • Quad band GSM and dual band HSDPA 850 and 1900
  • 2.2-inch 240×320 pixel TFT internal display
  • 1.1-inch 128×36 pixels external OLED display
  • Stereo Bluetooth
  • Walkman Player 3.0
  • SenseMe, TrackID, Shake control and Gesture control
  • 3.2 megapixel camera
  • 100MB internal memory
  • Memory Stick M2 support
  • Changeable covers
  • 93.5 x 50 x 14 mm, 98 grams
Link

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

CS8 for T-Mobile approved at FCC

The Sony Ericsson C905 is seeing the light of day on T-Mobile USA as the CS8. It was just approved at the FCC and the link to it is below. You can see more pics and the user manual which shows the T-Zones and My Faces Icon. It will have the AWS 3G band like the TM506 along with GPS, WiFi, and the powerful 8MP autofocus camera with xenon flash and LED video light. It is rumored to be released June 24 as seen here.





Link

Friday, April 17, 2009

Q1 2009 Results, next announcement May 28

SE has released dismal Q1 results. As the economy is bad and not much in terms of innovation, SE lost 358 € million. One good news is we are going to see more of SE's premium line, Entertainment Unlimited, on May 28. My guess is the official unveiling of Idou along with some other mid to high end handsets.








Sony Ericsson reports first quarter results

17 April 2009

Q1 highlights:

  • Income before taxes was a loss of Euro 358 million (excl. restructuring charges)
  • Cost saving program progressing as planned and additional savings of Euro 400 million announced
  • Launch of ‘Entertainment Unlimited’ consumer proposition and new generation of products well received by operator partners

The consolidated financial summary for Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB (Sony Ericsson) for the first quarter ended March 31, 2009 is as follows:


Q1 2008

Q4 2008

Q1 2009

Number of units shipped (million)

22.3

24.2

14.5

Sales (Euro m.)

2,702

2,914

1,736

Gross margin (%)

29%

15%

8%

Operating income (Euro m.)

184

-262

-369

Operating margin (%)

7%

-9%

-21%

Restructuring charges (Euro m.)

-

129

12

Operating income excl. restructuring
charges (Euro m.)

-

-133

-357

Operating margin excl. restructuring charges (%)

-

-5%

-21%

Income before taxes (IBT) (Euro m.)

193

-261

-370

IBT excl. restructuring charges (Euro m.)

-

-133

-358

Net income (Euro m.)

133

-187

-293





Average selling price (Euro)

121

121

120

Units shipped in the quarter were 14.5 million, a decrease of 35% compared to the same period of last year and in line with our March 20, 2009 interim announcement of approximately 14 million units. Sales for the quarter were Euro 1,736 million, a decrease of 36% from a year ago. Sales decreased primarily as a result of continued weak consumer confidence and de-stocking in the retail and distribution channels.

Gross margin declined both year-on-year and sequentially, reflecting a change in the product mix, material write-offs, and exchange rate volatility.

Income before taxes for the quarter excluding restructuring charges was a loss of Euro 358 million, within the range announced on March 20, 2009 (loss of Euro 340 - 390 million).

“As expected, the first quarter of this year has been extremely challenging for Sony Ericsson due to continued weak global demand. We are aligning our business to the new market reality with the aim of bringing the company back to profitability as quickly as possible,” said Dick Komiyama, President, Sony Ericsson. “The management intends to pursue an additional cost saving program targeting a further annual operating expense reduction of Euro 400 million, to be completed by mid-2010.”

The company’s initial cost saving program targeting annual operating expense reductions of Euro 300 million by the end of the first half of 2009, including a workforce reduction of 2,000 headcount, has now been completed. A total of Euro 187 million restructuring charges have been recorded compared to the initial estimated costs of Euro 300 million.

In January 2009 an additional cost saving program was initiated to target annual operating expense reductions of Euro 180 million by the end of 2009. The cost of this program will be covered by the initial Euro 300 million restructuring costs announced in July 2008.

The additional cost saving program announced today will include a further reduction in the global workforce of approximately 2,000 people. It is estimated that new restructuring charges of Euro 200 million will be needed to complete this program.

As of March 31, 2009, Sony Ericsson retained a strong net cash position of Euro 1.1 billion.

Market share in the first quarter decreased and is now estimated to be around 6%, down two percentage points sequentially.

Sony Ericsson forecasts that the global handset market for 2009 will contract at least 10% from around 1,190 million units in 2008.

At Mobile World Congress in February 2009, Sony Ericsson announced a new consumer proposition, called ‘Entertainment Unlimited’ (EU), to build on Sony Ericsson’s leadership in music, imaging, gaming, content services, and applications to deliver unlimited opportunities for consumers. The company also announced the first Entertainment Unlimited phone with the concept name ‘Idou’ to be launched in the second half of 2009. The next EU announcement will take place on 28 May.

Link

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Happy Birthday to my Blog



Yesterday, April 10 was the one year anniversary of my blog. I have had a fun time writing on here. Keeping up with all of Sony Ericsson's news for the past year was a great experience and I will keep this blog running for all my readers. I still feel SE makes the best phones and hope that all their future phones will be great as well. Well stayed tuned to my blog for many years to come as we get to know Sony Ericsson a little better each day...

Russian preview of SE Idou

Mobile.mail.ru has posted a preview of Idou. Lot of pics. Use a Russian translator if you want to read it. There is also a video preview in the link.








Link

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

S312 and VH300 announced

SE has announced the S312 candybar snapshot phone today. This is EuroAsia only as it is dualband 900/1800 GSM/GPRS/EDGE. It has a 176x220 screen, 2MP fixed focus camera, Photofix, and Illuminated imaging shortcuts. It will be available shortly in Q2. The VH300 is a snap-on Bluetooth with corded earpiece. It is low end. Should be out in Q3.





Capture daily moments the easy way with the Sony Ericsson S312

07 April 2009

Be one click away from recording life’s special moments – all it takes is a sharp eye and a click on the dedicated video camera key.

London – April 7, 2009 – Record videos in an instant on the Sony Ericsson S312. From spotting a celebrity on the street, to your friend’s dancing in a club, the S312 allows you to capture these moments in two quick and easy steps.

Want to highlight the moment with a picture instead? The two megapixel camera can be used horizontally and with the help of the illuminated imaging shortcuts on the keypad you can change the settings and get the shot you want quicker. Not quite what you were after? Use the integrated Photo fix function to get the best picture quality in one step – picture taking has never been this easy!

“Capture life’s spontaneous moments the easy way with the S312 and its instant video recording.” said Quentin Cordier, Marketing business manager at Sony Ericsson. “The S312 also allows you to get organised and keep track of your hectic lifestyle by ensuring that you never miss another birthday or appointment again – store all you important dates, add reminders – then sit back and relax.”

Sharing your pictures with friends is easier than ever before. Showcase them on the S312’s two inch screen or forward to another mobile phone via Bluetooth™. Share your pictures on the web with just a few clicks using picture blogging. Whatever the occasion post photos straight from the phone with just a few clicks – and don’t forget to send the web address to others to check out your photography skills.

Take the hassle out of capturing daily moments:

  • Dedicated video camera key – just one click away from recording your best moments
  • Two megapixel camera – can be used horizontally to take picture perfect stills
  • Illuminated imaging shortcuts – take great shots with ease
  • Photo fix – enhance the picture quality and share with family and friends
  • Picture blogging – upload your images to the web with just a few clicks
  • Get organised – calendar, alarm and 1000 contact phone book

Want the perfect accessory to match the S312? Try the new Sony Ericsson Clip-on Bluetooth™ Handsfree VH300 – an easy to use headset with rich sound. The stylish handsfree features one-touch call handling, handy volume control and an ultra discreet reversible clip-on which will match any outfit. Just clip it onto your clothing and wear its wired ear piece around your neck – and off you go. You’ll never notice this innovative Bluetooth™ handsfree – until you take or make a call.

Clip-on Bluetooth™ Handsfree VH300

  • One touch call handling
  • Ultra discreet reversible clip-on
  • Handy volume control
  • Smart wearing solution – perfect if you wear glasses
  • Talk and stand-by time 10h/250h

The S312 supports GSM/GPRS/EDGE/900/1800 and will be available in selected markets from Q2 in the colours Dawn Blue and Honey Silver. The Clip-on Bluetooth™ Handsfree VH300 will be available on selected markets from Q3 2009.

The Sony Ericsson S312 at a glance

Camera

  • 2.0 megapixel camera
  • Up to 2.5x digital zoom
  • Dedicated video camera key
  • Illuminated camera shortcuts
  • Photo fix
  • Picture blogging
  • Video recording
  • Photo light
  • Video light
  • PictBridge printing

Music

  • Media player
  • Equaliser
  • Stereo widening
  • PlayNow™
  • TrackID™
  • Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)
  • Music tones (MP3/AAC)

Web

  • Openwave™

Communication

  • Speakerphone
  • Polyphonic ringtones
  • Vibrating alert

Messaging

  • Email
  • Picture messaging (MMS)
  • Predictive text input
  • Sound recorder
  • Text messaging (SMS)

Design

  • Picture wallpaper
  • Wallpaper animation

Entertainment

  • 3D Games
  • Java
  • FM radio with RDS
  • Video viewing

Organizer

  • Alarm clock
  • Calculator
  • Calendar
  • Phone book
  • Stopwatch
  • Tasks
  • Timer

Connectivity

  • Bluetooth™ technology
  • Modem
  • USB mass storage
  • USB support

Accessories

In-Box:

  • S312
  • Battery
  • Battery Charger
  • User book

Facts and Figures

  • Size: 100 x 46 x 12.5 mm
  • Weight: 80 grams
  • Colours:
  • Dawn Blue
  • Honey Silver
  • Main screen: 262,144 colour TFT, scratch-resistant
  • Resolution: 176 x 220 pixels
  • Size: 2.0 inches
  • Phone memory: Up to 15MB
  • Memory card support: Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™)
  • Talk time GSM/GPRS/EDGE: Up to 8 hrs
  • Standby time GSM/GPRS/EDGE: Up to 400 hrs

Availability and versions
Networks
S312:

  • GSM/GPRS/EDGE/900/1800
  • Available in selected markets from Q2 2009.

The Sony Ericsson Clip-on Bluetooth™ Handsfree VH300 at a glance

Design

Colours:

  • Stellar Silver
  • Argentum Black
  • Materials: Plastic
  • Size: 48.5x18.0x18.5mm
  • Weight: 20g

Technology

  • Talk/Standby time: 10/250h
  • Bluetooth™ version: 2.0+EDR
  • Bluetooth™ range: 10m
  • Bluetooth™ simple pairing: yes

Compatibility

  • Most Bluetooth™ phones from SEMC and other brands

Availability

  • Available in selected markets from Q3 2009
Link

W205 and MS410 announced

SE has announced the W205 and MS410 snap on speaker stand. The W205 is a low end Walkman phone with a low 128x160 screen, Track ID, 1.3MP camera. It will come in two dual band version: W205 = 900/1800 GSM/GPRS and W205a 850/1900 GSM/GPRS. It will come out in Q3. The MS410 is speaker that snaps on to most Walkman phones. It will be available soon in Q2.






More music and more fun with your first Walkman™ phone

07 April 2009

Bring your beat to the street with the new Sony Ericsson W205 Walkman™. The W205 makes the Walkman™ phone experience more accessible to consumers and is perfect for those who want all the classic Sony Ericsson mobile phone features while enjoying music on the go!

London – April 7, 2009 – Get the most out of your best music and favourite radio channels with Walkman™ player, FM radio and TrackID™ music recognition. The slider mobile phone comes with a complete package of entertainment features and the power to set up playlists to ensure you have the right music no matter the occasion. Share your tunes with friends via the speaker phone function – if you love your music they will too.

Need a change? Tune into the FM radio to listen to the latest news, music, sport commentary and talk shows. Heard something you like? Use TrackID™ to name that tune and artist, and you can even record a sample of a song from the radio to use as your new ringtone.

“The W205 is perfect for those who love portable music but have never had the Walkman™ phone experience.” said Timo Maassmann, Marketing business manager at Sony Ericsson. “The W205 is a stylish slider phone allowing you to enjoy your music wherever you are – whether it’s on the bus, at college or chilling in the park. You can also share more than music with the 1.3 megapixel camera. Capture the action in stills or video and send them to friends via MMS or via Bluetooth™. The multiple phonebook function is an added bonus - share your phone with your family but keep your contacts separate from theirs.”

The W205 Walkman™
Fill it with pop and make it rock with the following features:

  • Enjoy your music with the Walkman™ experience
  • FM radio – catch up with the latest news and views
  • TrackID™ - name that tune at a press of a button
  • 1.3 megapixel camera – capture your favourite moments on film
  • Bluetooth™ - share your favourite songs, pictures and video clips, or connect to a wireless headset
  • Multiple phone books – keep your contacts in order if someone needs to borrow your phone

If you want to hear your music even louder then the Sony Ericsson MS410 Snap-on Speaker Stand is the accessory for you. Don’t let its size fool you – the speaker features amazing stereo sound, and is the perfect little companion for the W205. Attending a party? Become the centre of attention with the MS410 when showing your favourite music videos in surprisingly good sound.

MS410 Snap-on Speaker Stand

  • Offers compact convenience
  • Integrated FM radio antenna
  • Features a video and music stand
  • Unique sliding mechanism to fit all Walkman™ phones

The W205 Walkman™ supports GSM/GPRS/900/1800 and W205a supports GSM/GPRS 850/1900. W205 Walkman will be available in selected markets from Q3 in the colour Ambient Black. The MS410 Snap-on Speaker Stand will be available in selected markets from Q2 2009.

The Sony Ericsson W205 Walkman™ at a glance

Camera

  • 1.3 megapixel camera
  • Up to 2.2x digital zoom
  • Video recording

Music

  • Walkman™ player
  • Album art
  • Playlists
  • Shuffle mode
  • Loop mode
  • TrackID™
  • Music tones (MP3/AAC)

Web

  • Opera Mini Web browser
  • WAP 2.0XHTML

Communication

  • Speakerphone
  • Polyphonic ringtones
  • Vibrating alert

Messaging

  • Picture messaging (MMS)
  • Predictive text input
  • Sound recorder
  • Text messaging (SMS)

Design

  • Picture wallpaper
  • Wallpaper animation
  • Torch functionality

Entertainment

  • Games
  • Java
  • FM radio with RDS
  • Radio recording
  • Video viewing

Organizer

  • Alarm clock
  • Calculator
  • Calendar
  • Notes
  • Multiple phone books
  • Stopwatch
  • Tasks
  • Timer

Connectivity

  • Bluetooth™ technology
  • USB mass storage

Accessories

In-Box:

  • W205
  • Battery
  • Battery Charger
  • Stereo portable handsfree
  • User book

Facts and Figures

  • Size: 92 x 47 x 16.4 mm
  • Weight: 96 grams
  • Colours:
  • Ambient Black
  • Main screen: 65,536 colour TFT,
  • Resolution: 128 x 160 pixels
  • Size: 1.8 inches
  • Phone memory: Up to 5MB
  • Memory card support: Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™) up to 2GB
  • Talk time GSM/GPRS: Up to 9 hrs
  • Standby time GSM/GPRS: Up to 425 hrs
  • Music listening time: Up to 13hrs 30 min

Availability and versions

Networks
W205:

  • GSM/GPRS/900/1800

W205a:

  • GSM/GPRS/850/1900
  • Available in selected markets from Q3 2009.

The Sony Ericsson Snap-on Speaker Stand MS410 at a glance

Design

  • Colours: Black
  • Materials: Coloured plastic
  • Size: 110x26x40mm
  • Weight: 55.9g

Availability

  • Available in selected markets from Q2 2009
Link

Sunday, April 5, 2009

XPERIA X1 in ICE-45


My "old" XPERIA X1 in the ICE-45

Sony Ericsson CS5 and CS8?

Is Sony Ericsson launching two new Cybershot phones soon? Apparently the CS5 and CS8 are scheduled for announcement soon. The CS8 might be powered by Android. Here are two sample shots from Blitzman's photos on Flickr.




And here are there WAP sites

http://wap.sonyericsson.com/UAprof/CS5R101.xml
http://wap.sonyericsson.com/UAprof/CS8R101.xml

The CS8 might be coming to T-Mobile according to Tmonews.com.

  • “Blade” (Sidekick 2009) - May 13
  • HTC “Maple”/”Snap” - July 1st (contrary to earlier speculation, this seems to confirm a T-Mobile variant)
  • HTC “Rhodium”/Wing II - July 22nd (also known as the Touch Pro 2)
  • HTC “Sapphire”/”Magic” - TBD. Sorry folks.. we’ll keep you posted (a.k.a. G2)
  • Sony Ericsson “CS8″ - June 24th (8mp camera? Is this the Android device they’ve been talking about?)
  • Nokia 1661 (prepaid) - April 29th (We know, a week later than previously mentioned. But you know the wait will be SO worth it. No… really… it will be… )
  • Samsung T349 (prepaid) - May 6th
  • Samsung T239 (prepaid) - May 13th
  • Samsung T559 - July 15th
  • Samsung T469 - July 15th (just a simple two-tone gray, apparently)
  • Samsung T749 - July 22nd (2 colors for this one: red/orange and two-tone gray)
  • Samsung T659 - August 19th


Link

Friday, April 3, 2009

My Nokia Lumia 920 Blog