In a break from its Symbian heritage, Sony Ericsson has announced its first Windows Mobile based smartphone, the XPERIA X1. The smartphone combines a 3-inch clear wide VGA display and a full QWERTY keyboard within a metal-finish body. The phones with a fairly standard set of features, including a 3.2 megapixel camera and aGPS. The connectivity is provided by Wi-Fi and 3G with both HSDPA and HSUPA.

In a move which is bound to draw comparisons with Apple's iPhone, the phone comes with a touchscreen interface - but also adds a QWERTY keyboard and a joystick.

"XPERIA represents the first brand that is truly borne from within Sony Ericsson. It represents our vision for a premium, energised communication experience," said Dee Dutta, Head of Marketing, Sony Ericsson. "This launch, and the announcement of the X1, further strengthens the overall Sony Ericsson brand and places us at the forefront of mobile convergence."

"Our vision for the XPERIA X1 is to deliver a seamless blend of mobile Web communication and multimedia entertainment within a distinctive design," said Rikko Sakaguchi, Head of Portfolio and Propositions, Sony Ericsson. "XPERIA is our promise to think foremost of user experience and to deliver the premium experience - anytime, anywhere, anything, with anyone."

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 will be available in selected markets from the second half of 2008.

Posted to the site on 11th February 2008

Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/29195.php