Stuff magazine have been lucky enough to spend a little time with Sony Ericsson’s newest upcoming Xperia handset and the review is largely positive for the Android handset however, the reviewer believes that a software update will be needed to get the best out of the handset – the X10 will be released running the older 1.6 (Donut) version of the android software.
One of the most applauded features is the ‘infinity button’ which allows users of the phone to use Mediascape, for easy access to music and media stored online and Timescape on the handset which basically allows the user to perform tasks on social networks and includes an animated 3D tile feature for notifications.
The X10’s 4 inch screen gets a positive mark too, along with it’s potentially fast 1Ghz Snapdragon processor, although again, because of the limitations of the Android 1.6 software, the processor apparently doesn’t perform as well as it could. However, the 8mp camera on the X10 scores highly in the review with the reviewer claiming that the X10 camera is the “Best Android camphone” – even with the lack of Xenon flash on this model.
Score wise the Xperia X10 recieved 4 out of 5 stars in the review, almost perfect and with a few tweaks to the software along the road by Sony Ericsson, the perfect Android handset could be within their grasp it seems.
For those who can’t wait any longer to run Android on an Xperia handset, fear not, a coder over at XDA Developers has ported Android 2.0.1 over to the X1. Like the Ubuntu port, it is limited but, fun to have a go at. Currently the camera, GPS and bluetooth don’t work. GSM and WiFi however do work, along with the screen still responding to touch. Other features apart from those mentioned should also function. You can view how you can port Android to your X1 here, or view the video of Android on the X1 in action below.
When the Xperia X10 launches, it will come loaded with Android 1.6 but, with 2.1 in the works many prospective buyers are worried that the X10 will be stuck at 1.6. Fortunately, Sony Ericsson have confirmed this won’t be the case. At some point after it’s launch, the update will be available, allowing users to upgrade giving users the “complete Sony Ericsson User Experience Platform based on newer version of the Android OS.” Unfortunately, there’s no time line as for when the update will roll out.
More pictures of the “Xperia X10 mini” have surfaced, thanks to PointGphone. They’ve taken snaps of the handset next to an Apple iPhone, giving you an even better picture of the size of Robyn. Further specs are still unknown at this time. There’s also been no announcement from Sony Ericsson but, hopefully we’ll get more leaked photos and specs on the handset soon.
It’s already been rumored that the upcoming Android powered Xperia handset from Sony Ericsson will feature Qualcomm Snapdragon technology. The handset has been captured running what does appear to be Snapdragon. The Acer Liquid also uses this technology, tying both handsets as the fastest Android phones. The model on display is running Android 1.6 but, when the Xperia X3 is released it’s expected to ship with Android 2.0. The handset is also likely to include an improved display over the X1 with a sharper 4 inch touch screen display with a resolution of 852×480.
After the first pictures we saw of the Android powered Xperia handset from Sony Ericsson, it was only a matter of time until more photos were leaked. Like the Xperia X2, the second lot of leaked photos show the Xperia X3/Rachael in a different color and angles.
The handset hasn’t been officially announced by Sony Ericsson yet, so correct specs are still currently unclear but rumor is that the screen is indeed bigger than that of the X1 and the X2 at 4 inches.
Remember the Sony Ericsson Rachael, aka Xperia X3? Well it’s the first Android powered handset from the company and while not confirmed by Sony Ericsson, we do have a video of the Android interface on the Rachael handset. The actual handset isn’t visible in the video unfortunately so take it with a grain of salt, but it does appear to be the actual Xperia Android interface.
Over on Mobil.nu some interesting pictures have been posted of the supposed Android powered Xperia handset. The handset currently codenamed “Rachael” carries the Xperia name on the handset along with an 8 megapixel camera. Also found on “Rachael” is a 3.5mm headphone jack and a mini USB connector. The phone will run Android and is expected to be announced later this year. The screen looks quite big, possibly bigger than the screen of the upcoming X2 but, no specifications have been published on what the screen size will actually be.
Peter Ang, Sony Ericsson’s vice president of marketing has confirmed to eprice that the company is working on an Android powered smartphone. Again, it’s cautioned that the Android based handset might not be seen too soon, but definitely in the near future. Ang has stated that the phone will come with Sony Ericsson’s “unique style” and will run Android’s newer OS, 2.0. Ang has also confirmed that the company will continue to work on Symbian and Windows Mobile smartphones while putting more resources into the Android smartphone.
Chief executive for Sony Ericsson, Hideki Komiyama has revealed that they are to produce a handset which uses the Android operating system by Google. Unfortunately there’s no time line on when an Android based phone would become available from the Company.
Komiyama explained that it requires a lots of testing and evaluating. It also needs consumer acceptance and even then, there would still be some time to go. He further went on to say that they see Android as an important operating system and one to get on board with using. The company are to focus on how their Android handset will be set apart from other phones on the same OS.
This will damper hopes of the Xperia X2 running Android, but still not impossible.
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