[General Topics] TheShowStopper:
HOLY COW... Check this out folks. It looks AWESOME

http://www.sonyericsson.com/x1/

I have just come accross this via a random e-mail and I have to say, from what I can see and from the full spec I've read... well, my Kaiser is not gonna be in this users pocket when Sony Ericsson... yes THOSE lot (lol) release this baby (2nd half of the year, 2008).

More info below.

Sony Ericsson go Windows Mobile

Sony Ericsson has just held a press event detailing the majority of their new lineup at GSMA 2008.... One of the schockers is an awesome looking Windows Mobile machine. Specifications include for the forthcoming Xperia X1 are:

HSDPA, 3-inch touchscreen (800 x480) with 65K colors, 3.2MP camera with AF, A2DP supported Bluetooth, assisted GPS, internal 400MB memory, microSD support, FM radio, WMP, IE Mobile, WiFi connectivity, Windows Mobile OS and available in either black or silver.

The press release reads:

"Sony Ericsson marks the launch of its new brand XPERIA™ with the unveiling of the XPERIA™ X1 10 February 2008

The world of our consumers and customers is changing. To meet the growing need for mobile Web communication and multimedia entertainment, Sony Ericsson introduces XPERIA™. With this new brand Sony Ericsson will position itself at the forefront of mobile convergence.

Barcelona, Spain - 10th February 2008 -Today marked the launch of XPERIATM and a new era in mobile communications with the announcement of the XPERIA™ X1, a stand-out, arc slider phone from Sony Ericsson designed to address the growing need for a premium, converged mobile experience.

The XPERIATM X1 combines a 3-inch clear wide VGA display and a full QWERTY keyboard within a quality metal-finish body. With Windows Mobile® inside, the XPERIA™ X1 lets you choose from a dynamic range of activities at anytime and anywhere; from enjoying your favourite entertainment content to working efficiently on-the-move. Access a world of experiences simply by touching the XPERIA™ panel on the screen.

"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."

Sony Ericsson XPERIATM X1 - energised communication, the premium experience.

* Convergence of multimedia entertainment and mobile Web communication

* Unique arc slider with wide pitch easy-to-use QWERTY keyboard

* XPERIA™ panels - arrange as you want for easy access

* Enjoy multimedia entertainment on bright wide VGA display

* Windows Mobile® capabilities

XPERIA™ panel interface - experiences just the way you want them

Enjoy access to different experiences - Web, multimedia, applications - from your desktop. Navigate with the tip of your finger. Configure and have your XPERIA™ panels just the way you want them.

Multiple navigation - the choice is yours

XPERIA™ X1 lets you interact with your phone in different ways. Touch, full QWERTY keyboard, 4-way key and optical joystick navigation. Switch seamlessly between operation modes.

Arc slider design - makes it stand out

The arc design gives a distinct and unique feel. Slide the screen upwards to reveal the wide pitch QWERTY keyboard. Ample distance between keys makes writing fast and easy.

Ultimate mobile experience - performance on the move

With Windows Mobile®, the highest data transfer rate (HSDPA/HSUPA) and WiFi™ support, you can enjoy your favourite entertainment and work efficiently on the move. Mobile access to everything that is important to you. aGPS gives you the freedom to explore the world. XPERIA™ X1 is a premium mobile experience.

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

Sony Ericsson XPERIATM X1 - At a Glance:

Camera

* Auto focus

* 3.2 megapixel camera

* Photo light

* Video recording

Music

* Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)

* Media player

* Music tones

* PlayNow™

* Windows Media Player Mobile

* 3D games

* FM radio

* Java

* Video streaming

* Video viewing

Internet

* Internet Explorer® Mobile

* RSS feeds

Communication and Messaging

* Polyphonic ringtones

* Speakerphone

* Vibrating alert

* Video calling

* Email

* Picture messaging (MMS)

* Predictive text input

* Text messaging (SMS)

Design

* XPERIA™ panels

* Optical joystick navigation

* Navigation key

* Picture wallpaper

* Touch navigation

Organiser

* Alarm clock

* Calculator

* Calendar

* Document editors

* Document readers

* Flight mode

* Handwriting recognition

* Notes

* Phone book

* Tasks

* Touchscreen

Connectivity

* aGPS

* Bluetooth™ technology

* Modem

* Synchronization

* USB support

* WLAN

Windows® Mobile® Operating System

* Microsoft® Outlook Mobile: email, contacts, calendar, tasks

* Microsoft® Office Mobile: Word, Excel, PowerPoint

* Internet Explorer® Mobile

* Windows Media™ Player Mobile

* Windows Live™

* Exchange ActiveSync®

* Voice control

* Utility Applications: file explorer, calculator, pictures & video, notes

Facts and Figures

* Size: 110 x 53 x 16.7 mm

* Weight: 145 grams

Available colours

* Black

* Silver

* Main screen: 65,536 color TFT

* Resolution: 800 X 480 pixels

* Size: 3 inches

Memory

* Phone memory: up to 400 MB

* microSD™ memory card support

Availability and versions

Networks

* GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900

* UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA 900/1700/1900/2100 MHz

* UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA 850/1700/1900/2100 MHz

"

Be completely gobsmacked in watching the demo video here. One in the eye for the slow HTC video issues!

P.S. Apologies if i posted this in the wrong section but it didn't seem to fit in any of the others from what I read!!! :o