Sony Ericsson Android XPERIA X8 breaks cover

Sony Ericsson gone official with their new XPERIA X8, a diminutive, Android-based smartphone that formerly skulked around under the name of Shakira“.

Running Android 1.6 Donut sweetened with the rather delightful Sony Ericsson UI and the Timescape and Mediascape apps, the XPERIA X8 packs  a 3-inch 320 x 480 pixels HVGA capacitive touchscreen, a 3.2-megapixel camera and microSD card slot.

Networks are covered with UMTS (900/2100 or 800/1900/2100 ) and quadband GSM/EDGE, WiFi and A-GPS, with the whole caboodle being powered by a 600MHz processor.

With all the standard Google Android apps – and thousands available in the Market – the XPERIA X8 looks rather natty to our eyes, and fashionistas may love the combo of colours on offer: White, Dark Blue/ White, Aqua Blue/ White, Pink/ White, or Silver/ White.

The handset should be out in Q3 2010, and priced at €259 ($319).

Press Release:
Sony Ericsson delivers the most entertaining smartphones
· Sony Ericsson brings together the very best of communication and entertainment in its Xperia collection
· The Xperia X10, X10 mini and X10 mini pro will all receive software upgrades from Q3 onwards in selected markets. Additional features to be added to the X10 in Q4.
· The Sony Ericsson Xperia X8 extends the range of the most entertaining smartphones

Singapore – June 16, 2010 – Xperia brings consumers the best communication and entertainment experiences, delivered in a collection of smartphones to give consumers choice in size and style.

The Xperia X10, X10 mini and X10 mini pro smartphones will all receive software upgrades during their lifecycle to improve performance and add new communication and entertainment experiences.

From Q3 2010 onwards, the Xperia X10, X10 mini and X10 mini pro smartphones will be upgraded to run on the Android 2.1 operating system in selected markets. The Xperia X10’s position as the best multimedia Android smartphone will be strengthened through the addition of HD video recording as part of the same Q3 upgrade. A further upgrade to the Xperia X10 in Q4 will make it possible to connect wirelessly to and display content on your television and enhance the Timescape and Mediascape applications.

Xperia smartphones add best-in-class entertainment on top of smartphone fundamentals such as applications (apps), maps, email and fast internet connection to create the most entertaining smartphones. The Xperia X10 is the flagship of the Xperia collection and has an 8.1 megapixel camera and 4-inch screen for best in class multimedia creation and viewing. Signature applications such as Mediascape and Timescape help you to organise content and bring your multimedia and communication alive.

In addition to features and applications, design is essential to the entertainment experience. Sony Ericsson’s human curvature design philosophy is applied across the portfolio to package the technology into products that look and feel great.

Using design innovation, Sony Ericsson makes the Xperia smartphones available with a choice of size and style.

Steve Walker, Head of Product Marketing at Sony Ericsson, commented, “Sony Ericsson’s vision is to be the communication entertainment brand. We are focusing strongly on the smartphone market and specifically on creating the most entertaining smartphones. Sony Ericsson is uniquely positioned to do this thanks to our experience in creating Walkman and Cybershot phones and the strong collaboration with our parent company Sony.”

Today Sony Ericsson announces the Xperia X8, which will build on the success of the X10 and the mini products and extend the most entertaining smartphones collection to an even broader audience.

Introducing the Sony Ericsson Xperia X8
The Sony Ericsson Xperia X8 is a great entertainment smartphone that extends the appeal of the Xperia collection to new market segments. The user interface is similar to that of the Xperia X10 mini, with the four-corners that give easy one hand use and can be customised for one touch access to your favourite applications.

The Xperia X8 also includes Timescape for easy access to all your social networking and the infinite button for one click access to a world of content. The open Android operating system delivers great smartphone functionality and access to thousands of applications on Android Market. Timo Maassmann, Product Marketing Manager for XperiaTM X8, said, “We are delighted to be able to bring the full experience of our XperiaTM smartphones to new consumers by delivering a fully featured device at a more accessible price point.”

The Sony Ericsson Xperia X8 is perfect for enjoying multimedia entertainment. Whether it’s a game from the Android Market, the latest funny clips on YouTube or browsing the web, the 3-inch screen means you won’t miss a thing. Discover and download songs from PlayNow, then listen to all your music using the 3.5mm headphone jack. If you are feeling more creative, there’s a 3.2 MP camera and video recording functionality.

Sony Ericsson Xperia X8 – Key features
· Four corners for easy one hand use and one touch access to applications
· Customise the four corners with your favourite apps and add widgets to your homescreens
· Enjoy games, video, internet and more on the 3-inch screen
· Timescape shows all your communication in one place for ultimate simplicity
· Android Market – thousands of applications to keep you entertained
· 3.2 MP camera – snap away and upload instantly to Facebook
The XPERIA X8 supports GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900, UMTS HSPA 900/2100 and UMTS HSPA 800/850/1900/2100
The XPERIA X8 will be available in selected markets from Q3 in the colours White, Dark Blue/ White, Aqua Blue/ White, Pink/ White, Silver/ White.
Log on to The Sony Ericsson Product Blog for more information: http://blogs.sonyericsson.com/products

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA X8 at a glance
Camera 3.2 MP camera
Direct picture upload to Facebook
Geo tagging
Sony Ericsson Album application
Video recording
Music Bluetooth stereo (A2DP)
PlayNow
Sony Ericsson Music Player
TrackID
Web
Bookmarks
Pan and zoom
WebKit web browser
Communication
Facebook application
Sony Ericsson Timescape
Messaging
Push email
Instant messaging
Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync support with Dataviz RoadSync
Picture messaging (MMS)
Predictive text input
Text messaging (SMS)
Design
Auto rotate
Picture wallpaper
Capacitive touchscreen
Entertainment
Infinite button
Sony Ericsson FM radio
Video streaming
Video viewing
Organiser
Calendar
Flight mode
Phone book with dialer
Sony Ericsson Home with Widget
Notes
Location-based services
A-GPS
Google Maps
Wisepilot turn-by-turn navigation* (free trial version)
*The service may not be available in every market. For more information, go to www.sonyericsson.wisepilot.com

Connectivity
3.5 mm audio jack
Bluetooth technology
Micro USB connector
NeoReader barcode scanning app
Sony Ericsson Sync
USB mass storage
USB support
Wi-Fi

Google services
Android Market Client
Gmail
Google Calendar
Google LatitudeTM
Google Maps with Street View
Google search widget
Google Talk
YouTube

Screen
16,777,216 colour TFT touchscreen
Capacitive touchscreen
3- inches
320 x 480 pixels (HVGA)
Scratch-resistant (min. pencil hardness 6H)

Accessories In-Box:
· XPERIA X8
· Battery 1200mAh
· Stereo portable handsfree
· 2 GB microSD card
· Micro USB cable for charging, synchronisation and file transfer
· User documentation

Optional:
· Hi-Fi Wireless Headset with FM Radio MW600
· Portable Stereo Speakers MS450
· Hi-Fi Headset with Remote MH810
Size: 99 x 54 x 15 mm
Weight: 104g
Phone memory: Up to 128 MB
Memory card support: microSD up to 16GB
Memory card included: 2 GB

Operating system: Google Android Donut, version 1.6
Processor: 600MHz
Availability and versions Networks
UMTS HSPA 900/2100
GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
UMTS HSPA 800/1900/2100
GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
Available in selected markets from Q3 2010

Colour
White
Dark Blue/White
Aqua Blue/White
Pink/White
Silver/White