Sony Ericsson X2 event

A few days ago I attended an press evening with the folk at Sony Ericsson where they were showing off the new Xperia X2. I had a chance to play with the X2 which seems like a nice update to the popular X1, the keyboard is much better and the screen has been upgraded to 480 x 800 pixels.

I managed to snap a couple of photos of the handset to share with you.

The new Sony Ericsson Xperia X2 has a similar look to the original X1 but some of the issues that people raised with the X1 have been addressed, the screen is now flush at the front and the optical d-pad is no longer recessed.

The Sony Ericsson Xperia X2

The keyboard is also much improved over the X1’s the keyboard on the X2 is much more practical.

Xperia X2 keyboard

The keyboard still opens in the same arc-slider fashion.

Xperia X2 bottom view

On the top there’s a power button and it’s good to see that SE have kept the 3.5mm headphone socket.

Xperia X2 top view

On the back you’ll find an 8.1 megapixel camera, with LED flash. A massive improvement over the X1’s flashless 3.2mp shooter.

Xperia X2 back view

Like most other manufacturers, Sony Ericsson have started to move towards MicroUSB connectors and that’s exactly what you get with the X2.

Xperia X2 left side view

Turning to the right-hand-side we for the almost obligatory volume rocker and dedicated camera button.

Xperia X2 right side view

We hope to get our hands on the X2 later next week and we’ll have a full review for you as soon as we can. Here’s the X2 press release if you missed it before:

The XPERIA™ X2 also includes the unique SlideView feature, which provides quick access to frequently used phone activities. Providing quick interaction with contacts, messages, media and more, SlideView provides an overview of missed incoming activity, notifying the user of any missed calls, e-mails and text messages so users don’t overlook an important contact.

With 14 specially designed preloaded XPERIA™ panels and 16 more to download, users can work with no boundaries with the XPERIA™ X2. From Skype, Mytopia and Google™, to games, CNN and Windows Live™, the panels ensure users are up-to-date with what matters most to them. With an improved touch interface and new 3D signature panel users also benefit from flexible desktop panels designed to categorise business, fun and communication features. Just set favourites to appear during certain times of the day and you can get the latest news in the morning, YouTube™ at lunchtime and games for the journey home.

Powered by QWERTY messaging, Windows Mobile® users can even show their presentations on the big screen with the TV out cable – the XPERIA™ X2 makes a day at the office a walk in the park.

“In the fast-moving world we live in, the need to stay connected has never been so important.” said Sumit Malhotra, marketing business manager, Sony Ericsson. “We constantly rely on our mobile phones as an extension to the office and the XPERIA™ X2 debuting with Windows Mobile® 6.5, allows users to work quickly and efficiently while on the move. The XPERIA™ X2 also features a new range of interactive panels as well as SlideView, which provides quick access to frequently used phone activities – perfect for those who need to see any missed incoming activity at a glance.”

Entertainment is not compromised on XPERIA™ X2. Enjoy amazing multimedia with the 3.2” high resolution touch screen and DVD quality and take advantage of the 8.1 megapixel camera to capture and instantly share experiences with friends and family. Personalise the panels and users can access Facebook™ to upload their party or holiday images and they can chat with friends across the world via Skype. Whether it is music, photography, email, video or gaming the XPERIA™ X2 has it all.

“Windows® phones allow people to manage their whole world – from work to home to play – on a single handset,” said Stephanie Ferguson, general manager, product management, Microsoft Corp.  “The XPERIA™ X2 taps the powerful messaging and multimedia capabilities in Windows Mobile® so customers can be in touch, productive and entertained wherever they are.”

With the need to stay connected 24/7 Sony Ericsson has designed XPERIA™ Services, a bespoke and unique after sales package designed to help XPERIA™ X2 users get the most out of their mobile phone. With a specialised technical team standing by to support busy users and talk through the outstanding features the XPERIA™ X2 has to offer, users can get help from troubleshooting to how to access their favourite websites. And if their XPERIA™ X2 stops working while they are abroad, XPERIA™ Services can replace the mobile phone via a simple phone call.

XPERIA™ Services really has been devised with the consumer in mind and to help consumers discover more about their XPERIA™ X2.

 

XPERIA™ X2

Live life without boundaries

·         Windows Mobile® 6.5 – work on the move easier

·         Make the most of the day – flexible desktop panels categorised for life: communication and fun, multimedia, business and internet

·         Work without boundaries – instant synchronisation of mail, calendar powered by QWERTY keyboard messaging and Windows Mobile®

·         SlideView – quick access to frequently used phone activities and overview of missed incoming activity

·         Present documents on the big screen – TV out cable

·         Never get stranded – XPERIA™ exclusive travel insurance

·         Enjoy amazing multimedia – 3.2” high resolution touch screen and DVD quality

·         8.1 megapixel camera with Photo light – easily upload images to web albums

·         Real 3D panel – 3D effects and zoom, music playback controls

 

Big business meeting? Arrive charged with the Car Charger AN300 – ultra fast, ultra-safe and ultra-reliable. A perfect accessory for the XPERIA™ X2, it charges 40 per cent faster than most car chargers – just plug into the cigarette lighter and go.

XPERIA™ X2 supports GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 and UMTS/HSPA 850/900/2100.

XPERIA™ X2 will be available exclusively in the UK on Vodafone from early Q4 in the colours Elegant Black and Modern Silver.

Posted by: Matt