Sony Ericsson to bring 'lode runner' on Xperia Play

Tokyo: Adding to its portfolio of partnerships for flagship gaming smartphone Xperia PLAY, Sony Ericsson has announced a new relationship with Tozai Games. The partnership will bring the console hit and gaming franchise "Lode Runner" to Android for the first time. From November 2011, the game will be available on Xperia PLAY and other Xperia devices.

Sony Ericsson continues to make Xperia PLAY available to more consumers in more markets around the world. The company announced that Xperia PLAY will be launched in Japan with NTT DOCOMO in Autumn 2011.
The Xperia PLAY is powered by Android 2.3 and is touted to be the world’s first PlayStation certified smartphone.
SOURCE:  http://ibnlive.in.com/news/sony-ericsson-to-bring-lode-runner-on-xperia-play/185299-11.html

Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray Is An iPhone Contender, Vodafone Exclusive

Vodafone will be getting the Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray exclusively by this month’s end, and is a value-for-money alternative against Apple’s iPhone.

The Xperia Ray will be powered by similar hardware to the iPhone 4, running a 1GHz Scorpion processor, 512MB of RAM and an Adreno 205 GPU. For those who aren't fluent in tech, that's some pretty decent hardware, especially if this phone is priced on the low end.

Admittedly the screen isn't as crystal clear as the premium priced iPhone. Stretching 3.3 inches, it uses similar capacitive touch screen technology and showcases 16 million colours. More impressive yet is its Bravia Mobile engine. Essentially the technology is derived from Sony's Bravia TVs and better contrasts vibrant colours with strong blacks for crisp video and picture playback.

Ray will run Android 2.3 Gingerbread, tweaked to accommodate some of Sony Ericsson's social networking and multimedia software. Including Sony's proprietary Timescape applications, Ray will combine all of your interactions, including social networking (Facebook, Twitter, 4square), calls, messages and also emails, into one pleasing graphic interface.

Camera-wise, Ray might even have it over Apple's iPhone. It features an 8MP (3,264 x 2,448) shooter, although with a light (and not a flash). There is a front facing camera too, and it can pull off HD video with 720p recording. Elevating the experience is Sony's Exmor R sensor, which derives from their professional camera line and filters light in dim areas to produce well coloured images.

Source: http://www.channelnews.com.au/Hardware/Mobile_Phones/S6E2T4R8

Sony Ericsson not ruling out an Xperia Play 2 type of device

During our talk with Sony Ericsson on Wednesday during VDCC (Verizon's developer conference) we asked about the word going around that there would not be another iteration of the Xperia Play device. Sony Ericsson did drop a few hints as to what the future holds for the Xperia Play.

It is true that right now the Xperia Play that is currently released is the main focus for a gaming device from Sony Ericsson and that their focus, along with Sony's is that of providing content right now for not only the Xperia Play but the Sony Playstation certified tablets as well. They are completely happy with the device as it is right now but of course, as a gamer, we always want to know when the next best thing is coming out and what that will be so we asked the natural question of will there be another Xperia Play developed.
There was no outright denial but of course with any good manufacturer these days there was no official confirmation either. However we did talk about the natural evolution of things and that it would be natural if there happened to be another iteration of the Xperia Play down the road. Some of the naturally evolving features we talked about that could be found on a new Xperia Play type of device would be an HDMI-out port and beefier internal hardware.
Sony also is planning a strong push content-wise for their Playstation certified devices as we mentioned earlier but Sony has been keeping quite on exactly what that means although with the announcement of the Playstation SDK at the Tokyo Game Show, games look like their are high up on their agenda. We also got the impression that Sony may have another device in the works as well but that is strictly our impression of what Sony and their push into mobile is looking like.
However, for those of you wondering about an Xperia Play 2 coming our way, it won't happen right away considering Sony Ericsson is pleased with the device out now but it does look like Sony Ericsson is listening to us Android gamers and have plans for the future of the Xperia Play. We can also expect, by the sounds of things, a lot more games coming from the Sony camp as well in the very near future.
On a side note: We got to check out the AT&T Stealth Blue Xperia Play while we were there, don't ask. It looks nice and there is a minor change to it versus the Verizon one. Crash Bandicoot will still come pre-loaded on the AT&T Xperia Play but it has been moved from the stock app drawer to inside the Playstation Pocket app instead. Just a friendly PSA.
SOURCE: http://www.droidgamers.com/index.php/game-news/hardware-a-devices/2259-sony-ericsson-not-ruling-out-an-xperia-play-2-type-of-device

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA Arc S is impressive in every way

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA Arc S is an impressive multifaceted mobile phone which offers fast processing capability by virtue of the 1.4 GHz Scorpion processor that is the mainstay of the unit, which is combined with the android operating system. The handset is a compact unit which measures just 125 mm x 63 mm wide whilst being only 8 mm thick and weighing 117 g in weight.
The units display screen is an impressive 4.2 inches in size and is an LED backlit LCD capacitive display screen which offers outstanding imagery by virtue of the fact that it utilises the Sony mobile Bravia engine whilst within its quoted resolution of 480 x 854 pixels it is able to display up to 16 million colours. In addition the screen is an effective touch screen which comes with a scratch resistant surface and utilises the timescape user interface as its main means of navigation around the various functions and features. The unit also provides accelerometer and proximity sensors as standard.
The handset comes with an 8.0 megapixel camera which operates at 3264 x 2440 pixels and includes an impressive array of photographic aids which include touch focus, auto focus, image stabilisation, face is smile attention as well as a 3-D sweep panorama function. The same camera can also be utilised to record video at 720 pixels and at 30 frames per second, with the benefits of continuous auto focus, video stabiliser functionality as well as a video light. Additional functionality included within the unit includes satellite navigation, a stereo FM radio with RDS, an MP4/MP3 multimedia player, a Neoreader barcode scanner, Facebook and twitter integration as well as Adobe Flash 10.3 support.
The handset offers high-speed Internet access by virtue of its own 3G connection or the alternative of Wi Fi, whilst also providing an integrated Micro SD card slot, micro-USB connectivity as well as Bluetooth, in addition to GPRS and EDGE connectivity.
The Sony Ericsson XPERIA Arc S, like the Sony Ericsson XPERIA Neo is a feature rich handset which provides not only useful and endearing functionality but also has an aesthetic appeal which is unrivalled.
SOURCE: http://www.newsbroadcast.co.uk/29213/the-sony-ericsson-xperia-arc-s-is-impressive-in-every-way

Sony Walkman Z Officially Announced for Japan

Sony wants the Walkman brand to make a comeback and will aim to make that happen with Android at the helm. While this isn’t the first time we’ve seen and heard of the device (Sony Ericsson made quick mention of it at IFA in Berlin earlier this month) it is the first time we’ve gotten concrete details and pricing/availability information.

We’re apparently getting three different configurations with 16GB, 32GB and 64GB for 28,000 yen, 33,000 yen and 43,000 yen, respectively. It’s a 4.3 inch WVGA device with a 1GHz dual-core Tegra 2 processor, Android 2.3, microHDMI, WiFi, Bluetooth, DLNA and an FM Radio alongside Sony Ericsson’s smattering of music apps to make this an ultimate multimedia device.

I must say – I certainly wouldn’t mind carrying one of these around. The nostalgia alone would be enough to justify the cost of admission but a PMP device this powerful is something many of us have been waiting for (only Samsung previously offered a respectable model). Unfortunately there’s no word on when this will make its way to other regions but we’re hoping it’ll be here in time for our friends at the North Pole. [Sony, Press Release (Japanese) via TIMN]
SOURCE: http://phandroid.com/2011/09/13/sony-walkman-z-officially-announced-for-japan/

Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray priced in India at INR 19K

Sony Ericsson might not have declared the pricing details of Xperia Ray in India, but thanks to the online retail store Flipkart, price of the smartphone has been revealed.

According to a “coming soon” listing on the site, Xperia Ray will sell for INR 18,995, which seems to be a decent pricing for a smartphone, which comes with 1GHz processor, 8.1MP camera, VGA secondary cam and 3.3 display with Mobile Bravia Engine.
Sony Ericsson India has earlier announced Xperia Ray along with Xperia Active at the recently help Qualcomm India On but did not declare the prices of either of the smartphones. The exact availability date is still to be disclosed.

SOURCE: http://androidos.in/2011/09/sony-ericsson-xperia-ray-priced-in-india-at-inr-19k/

Sony Ericsson: Dual Core Doesn't Mean Faster

A dual-core SoC embedded in a smartphone doesn't necessarily mean the device will be faster than a single-core phone, claims Sony Ericsson.

On September 18, Sony Ericsson will launch the PlayStation-certified Xperia PLAY smartphone on AT&T, a slightly modified version sporting 4G support, a cool accessory kit, a fresh new coat of paint and an incredibly low price-point of $49.99 USD with a two-year contract. The game phone originally made its exclusive North American debut on Verizon Wireless back in May, with an international release just before that.
But within the last few months, Verizon has knocked the subsidized price of the phone down to just $99.99 USD (after a $50 rebate), and as previously mentioned, AT&T plans to offer the phone for half that price. Given that the Xperia PLAY launched with seemingly outdated hardware to begin with, it's easy to assume that the PlayStation-certified phone – complete with a PSPGo-like slide-out gamepad and a PSOne emulator – isn't doing so well in a market saturated with dual-core Android phones.
Yet according to Dominic Neil-Dwyer, head of market development at Sony Ericsson, the device is actually "meeting expectations," and the company doesn't see any need to pump out a sequel to match the hardware packed within contenders like the DROID X2 or the just released DROID BIONIC, both of which sport dual-core processors and HDMI-out connectivity.
"It's devices for what devices do," he told Eurogamer. "This device, with the GPU integration, has been optimized for gameplay. Bearing in mind when we talk to the high-end publishers, they're very precious about the devices their games are going to be displayed upon, particularly those that are coming in from outside of mobile. They're very much impressed. In terms of what it can do within gaming, it's proven every time. And these are deep, technical people. They're all very impressed by the power of the device."
Still, when you compare a 1 GHz dual-core Tegra 2 SoC to a 1 GHz single-core Snapdragon II SoC, consumers will likely think that phones outfitted with the Nvidia chip will undoubtedly outperform the latter. But that's not necessarily the case.
"When you go into things like dual core versus single core, what a lot of people don't understand or appreciate is the actual benchmarking and the ability of a device to do what they do, dual core doesn't mean it's faster," he said. "This is PlayStation Certified, and it's been proven by all of the discussions of a very technical nature we're having with publishers. It's not going to be outperformed that quickly."
Despite the Xperia PLAY meeting expectations on the market, Sony Ericsson believes the best revenue is yet to come in Q4 2011 as subscribers gear up to renew their two-year contacts or purchase new phones as Christmas gifts. That said, there are no plans on the table for an Xperia PLAY sequel. In fact, the company's big focus is on "improving the experience of Xperia PLAY, bringing face chat, video calling with Skype, and movies and more software updates, because we can, and bringing better games."
"We're trying to create a new market," he said. "That's our thrust right now, to build a great device. It will keep improving. We'll keep upgrading the experience, the software and the games you get with it."

SOURCE: http://www.tomsguide.com/us/dual-core-single-core-Xperia-Play-PlayStation-Snapdragon,news-12474.html

Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is coming to all ’11 Xperia phones

Sony Ericsson is really doing well this year. All their latest Xperia – arcNeo, PLAY, mini and mini for turned out to be really great device, with up too early – ray, and active arc S.

All the latest Xperia based on Android 2.3 gingerbread and as we found to be quite good performance. Recently, Sony Ericsson announced that it will update all of them running Android 2.3.4, which brings many new features – USB On-the-go, Sony’s 3D Sweep Panorama for the camera, even better integration of Facebook, Swype type text (T9 trace), an integrated screen capture, video chat in Google Talk and more.
And today the company confirmed that all these phones will be updated Xperia Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, when it becomes available. Android-best of both worlds-edition should come out this year in October or November, so early next year is when the Xperia update realistically expect.
Honeycomb ice cream sandwich is a version for smart phones and will include a 3.0 main features and lots of new – NFC various options, Xbox Kinect-like feature called Virtual cinematographer, USB hub support, etc.
Sony Ericsson is not exactly known for its timely updates, but the company is likely to change their behavior and to repair its reputation in the process.
SOURCE: http://www.247mobilenews.com/android-4-0-ice-cream-sandwich-is-coming-to-all-11-xperia-phones.html

Sony Ericsson says there's no need for another Xperia Play

Sony Ericsson has said that there's no need to make a sequel to its gaming phone, the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, stating that the Play's hardware is more than capable of wrassling with powerful new mobiles like the Samsung Galaxy S2.

In an interview with Eurogamer, a Sony Ericsson exec said, "This device, with the GPU integration, has been optimised for gameplay."
"It's not going to be outperformed that quickly."
We agree with Sony Ericsson when it says that it doesn't need to make a new version of the Play, and not just because having suffered through the first version, the thought of being subjected to a second Play makes our kidneys shrivel up in fear...
  
Software woes
The problem with the Xperia Play isn't the hardware. In fact, apart from a slightly dim screen, we were impressed with the comfortable physical controls and overall smoothness of the interface. The problem was the software, which felt rushed and inconsistent, with nary a decent downloadable game in sight. We heard that not one of the Play's launch titles had managed to hit 1,000 downloads.
Recently the Xperia Play nabbed Minecraft Pocket Edition, with the block-busting indie game optimised for the phone's gaming controls. Minecraft will be coming out on other Android phones soon enough, but a period of exclusivity could make the Play slightly more tempting.
With the iPhone 5 looming large, we suspect the temptation exists for mobile manufacturers to rush out rival phones with slightly meatier specs. But increasingly the worth of a gadget isn't determined by its processor or port selection, but by the amount of compelling apps and software you can download for it.
Fingers crossed Sony Ericsson stays true to the plan and sticks some decent games on the Play, rather than just building another phone.
SOURCE: http://crave.cnet.co.uk/mobiles/sony-ericsson-says-theres-no-need-for-another-xperia-play-50005053/

Sony Ericsson Nozomi Dual Core Flagship Phone in 2012

Sony Ericsson looks set to launch a new flagship handset and finally join the dual-core club with its new Nozomi phone, reported to be set for launch in March 2012. 

Althoug Sony has been slow to launch a really top-spec handset, the Nozomilooks like it will be their contender to other leading handsets such as Samsung's lovely Galaxy S II and of course the iPhone 4. Many are saying that by the time it is released, the Sony may look less impressive next to newer models due from Apple and others, but if the reportedly "credible" rumours from the Xperia Blog are true then the Nozomi will pack a fair punch.

The phone is supposed to feature a huge 4.3 inch screen boasting higher pixel density than Apple's amazing Retina Display on the iPhone 4, and a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor. The phone is expected to be shipped with 32GB of internal storage, 1GB RAM and no options for memory card expansions, and like the iPhone, the Nozomi is expected to come with a micro-SIM. Thankfully, considering the serious performance and huge screen in the Nozomi, a 1750mAh battery is also said to be planned for the phone.

The launch date of March 2012 makes sense given Sony Ericsson's history of launching its 'hero' phones at that time of year. The Xperia arc/PLAY was released in March 2011 and the Xperia X10 was launched in March the previous year.

In other news, Sony Ericsson has announced that its imminent new flagship phone, the Xperia Arc S, will be released in October with the ability to take 3D photos with its 2D camera. The images will then be viewable on any 3D-enabled TV. The Arc S will feature a 4.2 inch screen and a 1.4 GHz processor.

SOURCE: http://epicmobiles.com/Sony_Ericsson_Nozomi_Dual_Core_Flagship_Phone_in_2012_396162144789.html