Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo preview: First look

Sony Ericsson is keen to start 2011 in style with strong additions to the XPERIA lineup to please every taste. The Arc is the one true flagship, the Pro is the business messenger and the Play is the gaming smartphone. What’s in there for the Neo then?

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo has the appearance of a Vivaz and an Android heart. Is this what the original Vivaz should have been? A conclusion would be premature at this point but consider the advantages. Android instead of the rough-around-the-edges Symbian, bigger and better display, multi-touch support and greater processing power. We guess we shouldn’t be looking at the past though. The XPERIA Neo is stopping in for a quick preview and we want to make the best of the short time we have with it before it’s released.

Sony Ericsson XPERIA Neo

Having met with the Arc already, it feels right to put things into perspective. There are fine differences between the two smartphones and screen size alone won’t be enough to tip the scales. The Neo will have to show some respect but it’s not a simple flagship - patrol boat hierarchy.

The price tags will ultimately make the biggest difference and – the way things look – the Neo will make a lot of sense as the more affordable phone, which offers relevant features like continuous autofocus and video light.

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA Neo will be marketed as a cameraphone. An 8 megapixel camera and HD video capture are a strong mix and we’re more than eager to see them in action.
Sony Ericsson XPERIA Neo at a glance:

* General: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, UMTS 900/2100 MHz, 7.2Mbps HSDPA, 5.76Mbps HSUPA
* Form factor: Touchscreen bar phone
* Dimensions: 116 x 57 x 13 mm, 126 g
* Display: 3.7" 16M-color TFT capacitive touchscreen, 854 x 480 pixels, Sony Mobile Bravia engine, multi-touch input, scratch-resistant surface
* CPU: Qualcomm MSM8255 1 GHz Snapdragon platform
* OS: Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
* Memory: 320MB storage, 380MB RAM, microSD card slot, 8GB card included in the retail box
* Camera: 8 megapixel auto-focus camera with LED flash, face detection and touch focus; 720p video recording at 30fps with continuous autofocus
* Connectivity: Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, standard microUSB port, GPS receiver with A-GPS, 3.5mm audio jack, microHDMI port
* Misc: Sony Ericsson Timescape UI, built-in accelerometer, proximity sensor, digital compass, secondary VGA video-call camera

The XPERIA Neo is an all-round smartphone and a capable cameraphone. If the actual performance lives up to the expectations, Sony Ericsson might just have a another winner on their hands (after the Vivaz).

SONYERICSSON JALOU

The exquisite, facet-cut SONYERICSSON JALOU is no taller than a lipstick - but it does attract the spotlight. It also includes a 3.2-megapixel camera, stereo FM radio, 3G Web connectivity, and all the usuals like Bluetooth 2.0 and messaging capabilities. Just turn on the Jalou mirror and make sure you look your best. And to help you stay in shape, the Jalou has a step counter and a BMI calculator.

Specifications:

Form Factor	Flip
Size	73 x 45 x 18.2 mm
Weight	84 g
Display Size	240 x 320 pixels
Display Colors	TFT, 256K colors
Ring tones	Polyphonic, MP3, AAC ringtones, composer
Media Player	Yes
Games	1 + downloadable
Ports	Yes
Total Memory	100 MB internal memory
Talk Time	Up to 7 h (2G) / Up to 4 h 30 min (3G)
Standby Time	Up to 350 h (2G) / Up to 250 h (3G)
Operating Frequency	GSM 850/900/1800/1900

SONYERICSSON YARI

Sony Ericsson Yari has a 5-megapixel camera.Said camera has a 4x digital zoom and autofocus, as well as geotagging, face and smile detection.Videos can also be recorded by the camera.The 2.4-inch, 240x320 touchscreen will automatically rotate depending on the orientation of the phone. Music during phone calls can be shared at the press of a button and users can send their location by SMS as well. There is A2DP Bluetooth support, along with viewing Java applications on the web and an FM radio with RDS for more entertainment options.

Specifications:

Form Factor	Slide
Size	100 x 48 x 15.7 mm
Weight	115 g
Display Size	240 x 320 pixels
Display Colors	TFT, 256K colors
Ring tones	Polyphonic, MP3, AAC ringtones
Media Player	Yes
Games	Yes, gesture and motion gaming + downloadable
Ports	Yes, Up to 16GB, 1GB included
Total Memory	60 MB internal memory
Talk Time	Up to 10 h (2G) / Up to 4 h 30 min (3G)
Standby Time	Up to 450 h (2G) / Up to 450 h (3G)
Operating Frequency	GSM 850/900/1800/1900

SONYERICSSON AINO

Sony Ericsson Aino - the first touchscreen slider from Sony Ericsson that stores a number pad and navigation keys right under its 3" display. In addition, it is also the first (and surely not the last) handset from Sony Ericsson that boasts tight integration with the PlayStation 3, allowing one to use the Remote Play feature in order to groove to music or watch shows from the console despite being far away from home. Other features include an 8.1-megapixel camera with flash and image stabilization, 3G connectivity and assisted GPS to help you get around.

Specifications:

Form Factor	Slide
Size	104 x 50 x 15.5 mm
Weight	134 g
Display Size	240 x 432 pixels
Display Colors	TFT capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
Ring tones	Polyphonic, MP3, AAC ringtones
Media Player	Yes
Games	Yes, incl. motion-based + downloadable
Ports	Yes, Up to 16GB, 8GB included
Total Memory	55 MB internal memory
Talk Time	Up to 13 h (2G) / Up to 4 h 30 min (3G)
Standby Time	Up to 380 h (2G) / Up to 367 h (3G)
Operating Frequency	GSM 850/900/1800/1900

SONYERICSSON W395

The W395 is a new Walkman slider with built-in stereo speakers meant for the "youth" market, a market that seemingly hates 3G or storage since the quad-band GSM/EDGE device ships with a measly 1GB memory card.The W395 is a music-centric phone, with dedicated keys and loud stereo speakers. Other features include 2MP Camera, stereo Bluetooth, Memory slot, Accelerometer, FM radio and Organizer.

Specifications:

Form Factor	Slide
Size	96 x 47 x 14.9 mm
Weight	96 g
Display Size	176 x 220 pixels
Display Colors	TFT, 256K colors
Ring tones	Polyphonic, MP3, AAC ringtones
Media Player	Yes
Games	Yes, incl. motion-based + downloadable
Ports	Yes, Up to 4GB, 1GB card included
Total Memory	10 MB internal memory
Talk Time	Up to 8 h
Standby Time	Up to 480 h
Operating Frequency	GSM 850/900/1800/1900

Sony's MDR-NC300D noise-canceling canal earbuds

We know you haven't slept in the week since we first got wind of Sony's MDR-NC300D heaphones and while, sadly, there is (as of yet) still no domestic street date, we do have some more details and a fun little video to tide you over. Billed as the "world's first" digital noise canceling canal earphones (and we're inclined to agree) these guys boast 98.4% noise reduction, an integrated S-Master amplifier, 16mm diameter drivers for each bud, and three separate noise canceling modes. For those of you with a more technical bent, you'll be pleased to know that the 'phones sport a playback frequency of 6Hz ~ 24kHz, a sensitivity of 103dB/mW, and a 16Ω impedence. And it runs on AAA batteries -- meaning these aren't the iPod killers that we've seen in similar devices. This bad boy will hit the streets and shelves of Japan on June 21st for ¥30,975 (around $315)

Sony Ericsson ditching Memory Stick Micro cards in favor of MicroSD

Sony Ericsson already tipped its hand by including nothing but plain old microSD in its recently announced Satio, Yari and Aino phones (not to mention the K850 even further back), but it looks like TrustedReviews has now gotten the official word straight from the source: SE is dropping Sony's own Memory Stick Micro format (or M2) in favor of the decidedly more standard microSD. While it's not clear if that'll be a clean break from here on out or not, Sony Ericsson Global Marketing Director Fortuné Alexander did say that the company is "moving in that direction," and at least a few more still unannounced handsets have apparently already made the switch. Next thing you know Sony will be dumping UMD.

Sony Ericsson's facial recognition patent plays the perfect song to complement your mood

We don't expect this to be indicative of any near-term projects for the now financially hindered phone maker, but one of Sony Ericsson's recently unearthed patents paves the way for some interesting uses. From what we gather, while listening to music on your device, a picture of your face would be taken. That image would then be run through software that interprets your mood, and an appropriate next song based on those emotions would be picked -- so much for the art of mixtapes. Presumably, it'd also require a phone or device with a camera mounted on the same side as the screen, so unless mobile video conferencing takes off in a huge way, we can't see people paying extra for a phone or device with this configuration. And if you just got dumped over SMS, we hope it doesn't intepret those tears as a good time to play that Damien Rice song you two fell in love with. Hit up the read link for the full patent details.

Sony Ericsson needs to raise 100 million euros to stay afloat, says CFO

Things haven't looked great for Sony Ericsson -- which reported its sales were down 50% during the first quarter -- for quite a piece of time now. Well, now Sony's CFO has admitted that falling demand combined with a "gap" in its product portfolio has created problems for the company. He also acknowledged that the company needs to raise about 100 million euros by the end of this fiscal year (March of 2010) to keep on trucking. Sony Ericsson is reportedly considering numberless cash-raising options, but no plans are yet set in stone. We wish them luck!

Rumor mill says Sony Ericsson Idou might be coming this October

It's all a tiny bit hazy, but it sounds like a Sony Ericsson PR rep in Germany has confirmed that the 12 megapixel camera-boasting Idou will be hitting the streets in October. Gustaf Brusewitz of Sony Ericsson Sweden didn't have too much to say about that statement, and only repeated what he'd said in the past -- that the Idou will be shipping "sometime in the second half of the year." Come on Gustaf, throw us a hint!

Ericsson reaffirms commitment to Sony Ericsson joint venture

Given the current state of Sony Ericsson, we completely understand the re-heating of rumors regarding a nasty breakup. That said, a new report from Dow Jones confirms that Ericsson (at least) has "has no plans to abandon its joint venture Sony Ericsson," with spokesperson Minako Nakatsuma Olofzon stating that "[Ericsson is] committed to the joint venture; it hasn't changed its view on that." Of course, the report makes no mention of Sony's take on all of this, but at least one half of the equation is still in it for the long haul. Publicly, anyway.

Sony's OLED Walkman shipping on May 10th in UK?

Considering that Amazon UK's first estimated ship date for Sony's OLED Walkman proved incorrect, we're a bit hesitant to believe this one. That said, the e-tailer has seen fit to post up an actual date rather than a vague window of time, so maybe it knows a bit more than Joe Six Pack this go 'round. At any rate, you can now pencil in May 10th over in the UK, with the NWZX1060B (32GB X-Series) priced at £283 ($395). Don't bet the farm on it or anything, but who knows what magic could happen if we all cross our fingers in unison.

SONYERICSSON W302

Sony Ericsson has expanded its best-selling Walkman phone portfolio to include the Sony Ericsson W302 designed to deliver music and much more to the masses. Building on successful and classic Walkman features, Sony Ericsson now introduces a phone that truly delivers beyond expectations. Sony Ericsson new W302 is packed with impressive Walkman features in an affordable no-compromise 10.5mm slim, aluminium front handset. Targeting all audiences, the phone comes complete with an impressive two megapixel camera, FM radio, TrackID and 512MB Memory Stick Micro (M2).

Specifications:

Form Factor	Bar
Size	100 x 46 x 10.5 mm
Weight	78 g
Display Size	176 x 220 pixels
Display Colors	TFT, 256K colors
Ring tones	Polyphonic, MP3, AAC
Media Player	Yes
Games	Yes
Ports	Yes, 512 MB card included
Total Memory	20 MB shared memory
Talk Time	Up to 7 h
Standby Time	Up to 300 h
Operating Frequency	GSM 850/900/1800/1900

SONYERICSSON XPERIA X1

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 comes with four navigation options which include the touch screen controls, a four way control key, optical joystick navigation or the slide out to reveal a wide QWERTY keyboard. The user can slide the QWERTY keyboard out my simply pushing the screen upwards when the Smartphone is its widescreen position. The arced design of the XPERIA X1 makes the screen & QWERTY keyboard a pleasure to use.The user can experience al the fastest & latest technologies including EDGE, HSUPA & WLAN Wi-Fi. The EDGE technology will provide the user with super fast transfer rates which make the XPERIA X1 a pleasure to use when transferring files.

Specifications:

Form Factor	Slide
Size	110 x 53 x 17 mm
Weight	145 g
Display Size	800 x 480 pixels
Display Colors	TFT touchscreen, 65K colors
Ring tones	Polyphonic, MP3
Media Player	Yes
Games	Yes + downloadable
Ports	Yes
Total Memory	400 MB internal memory
Talk Time
Standby Time
Operating Frequency	GSM 850/900/1800/1900

SONYERICSSON F305

The Sony Ericsson F305 sports motion sensor technology to let users control games with the flick of a wrist or the swing of an arm.The phone's got a 2.0-inch screen, O and X gaming buttons, a dedicated PlayStation button (to bring up games), quad-band EDGE, 8 hours of gameplay, an optional Power Pack CPP-100, Bluetooth and a sliding body.

Specifications:

Form Factor	Slider
Size	96 x 47 x 14.6 mm
Weight	97.5 g
Display Size	176 x 220 pixels, 2.0 inches
Display Colors	TFT, 256K colors
Ring tones	Polyphonic, MP3
Media Player	Yes
Games	Yes
Ports	Memory Stick Micro (M2)
Total Memory	10 MB internal memory
Talk Time	Up to 8 h
Standby Time	Up to 400 h
Operating Frequency	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900

SONYERICSSON W760i

The Sony Ericsson W760i is the first truly global Walkman phone with tri-band HSDPA, enabling broadband speed downloads of the latest music anywhere in the world. Offering integrated GPS with Wayfinder Navigator, users can find over 20 million points of interest around the globe.W760i's large 2.2-inch screen is ideal for gameplay and Motion Sensor Gaming allows users to play games in 3D quality, using the motion of the phone to control the game.

Specifications:

Form Factor	Slide
Size	103 x 48 x 15 mm
Weight	103 g
Display Size	240 x 320 pixels
Display Colors	TFT, 256K colors
Ring tones	Polyphonic, MP3, AAC
Media Player	Yes
Games	Yes
Ports	Yes
Total Memory	40 MB shared memory
Talk Time	Up to 9 h
Standby Time	Up to 400 h
Operating Frequency	GSM 850/900/1800/1900

SONYERICSSON R306

Sony Ericsson R306 is a 100% radio dedicated phone. Even though it is a clamshell phone, “it looks and it sounds like a radio”. On the front panel of the device, when closed, you can see the two stereo speakers, the radio control buttons, and an OLED display.

Specifications:

Form Factor	Flip Up
Size	90 x 47.9 x 15.8 mm
Weight	93 g
Display Size	128 x 160 pixels
Display Colors	TFT, 65K colors
Ring tones	Polyphonic, MP3, AAC
Media Player	Yes
Games	Yes
Ports	No
Total Memory	5 MB shared memory
Talk Time	Up to 9 h
Standby Time	Up to 410 h
Operating Frequency	GSM 900/1800/1900

SONYERICSSON W980i

Sony Ericsson W980i phone is the newest member in the Walkman series family. It comes with a 2.2 inches large TFT screen and a 3.2 mega pixel camera. The music quality of this handset makes it so special. It has been developed with the music enthusiasts in mind. The FM radio receiver enables users to tune into the handset from their car stereo. This phone can store up to 8000 songs since it provides 8 GB memory space.

Specifications:

Form Factor	flip
Size	92 x 46 x 16.9 mm
Weight	100 g
Display Size	240 x 320 pixels
Display Colors	TFT, 256K colors
Ring tones	Polyphonic, MP3, AAC
Media Player	Yes
Games	Yes + downloadable
Ports	No
Total Memory	8 GB shared memory
Talk Time	Up to 9 h
Standby Time	Up to 300 h
Operating Frequency	GSM 850/900/1800/1900

SONYERICSSON T303

Sony Ericsson has unveiled its new T303 handset. The compact (83 x 47 x 14.7 mm) slider phone design features a chrome finished metal housing and 1.8 inch mirrored screen as well as covering the stock-standard functionality bases with Bluetooth bluetooth ™, FM radio and media player Internet and built-in camera

Specifications:

Form Factor	Slide
Size	83 x 47 x 14.7 mm
Weight	93 g
Display Size	128 x 160 pixels
Display Colors	TFT, 65K colors
Ring tones	Polyphonic (32 channels), MP3
Media Player	Yes
Games	Yes
Ports	No
Total Memory	8 MB shared memory
Talk Time	Up to 9 h
Standby Time	Up to 400 h
Operating Frequency	GSM 900/1800/1900

SONYERICSSON G502

The G502 gives you email and Web access on the move. High-speed 3G or HSDPA provides the connectivity power you need.Get the latest news from your favourite Web sites sent to your phone. The RSS desktop widgets bring the updates straight to your phone screen.


specifications:

Form Factor	Bar
Size	109 x 46 x 13.5 mm
Weight	83.5 g
Display Size	240 x 320 pixels
Display Colors	TFT, 256K colors
Ring tones	Polyphonic, MP3
Media Player	Yes
Games	3D games + downloadable
Ports	Yes
Total Memory	32 MB internal memory
Talk Time	Up to 10 h
Standby Time	Up to 340 h
Operating Frequency	GSM 900/1800/1900