Category Archives: Sony Ericsson

Sony Hopes Release of PlayStation Suite SDK Will Bolster Games Catalog

Posted by on September 15, 2011 No comments

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Sony has announced today that it will begin offering a PlayStation Suite SDK to Android content developers in an effort to grow the platform as it become available on more devices. Currently the PlayStation-certified Xperia Play is the only device to offer PS Suite compatibility, but that will change with the release of Sony’s Tablet S and Tablet P. The PS Suite SDK, which becomes available in November, will provide developers with the tools necessary to create new games and experiences on these devices as well as the the Sony portable PlayStation Vita. Sony hopes to expand the lineup of PlayStation-certified devices further over the coming months.

SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT TO OFFER SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT KIT FOR PLAYSTATION®SUITE STARTING THIS NOVEMBER
SCE to Provide Strong Support to Content Developers for PlayStation®Suite With the Distribution of the Newly Developed Content Starting Next Spring

Tokyo, September 15, 2011 - Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today announced that it will offer software development kits (SDK) for PlayStation®Suite (PS Suite), called "PlayStation®Suite SDK," * for content developers starting this November. PS Suite is an initiative solution to deliver the world of PlayStation® to Android™ based portable devices.

Through PS Suite SDK, content developers can create content for PlayStation™Certified (PS Certified) devices, hardware certified through the PS Suite license program, as well as for PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita).

Supporting C# as the programming language, PS Suite SDK can run programs developed in C# on virtual machine equipped on both PS Certified devices and PS Vita. By supporting development for multiple devices and by adopting libraries to create a variety of content not only limited to games, PS Suite SDK will not only help developers save their cost in creating new content but also allow them to efficiently create their content on one SDK and without having to create on several different SDKs.

Through PS Suite SDK, SCE will provide to game developers and publishers the potential to further expand their business opportunities to Android based portable devices. In addition, SCE can approach to a wider range of content developers, non-gaming developers and individual programmers. The detailed information of PS Suite SDK, including how to download, will be announced via a dedicated PS Suite section on SCE’s official website.

As of September 15th, 2011, PS Certified device line-up includes Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB’s Xperia PLAY, Sony Corporation’s “Sony Tablet” S, “Sony Tablet” P, and SCE will continue to further accelerate the expansion of PS Certified devices in addition to the current hardware line-up.

Furthermore, SCE will provide a variety of content towards these PS Certified devices from end October through PlayStation®Store*2 on PlaySation®Network, starting with original PlayStation games (PS one® classics). The service will start in nine countries including Japan, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Australia and with more countries to follow. In next spring, SCE will enhance the PS Store for PS Certified devices and provide content created by PS Suite SDK, further prevailing the world of PS Suite.

Through PS Suite, SCE will deploy various measures to support content developers in their business for rapidly prevailing Android based portable devices and will expand the PlayStation entertainment experience on an open operating system.

*1 Software Development Kit is a set of development tools and software libraries. Developers are able to obtain this SDK by signing a license agreement with SCE and by purchasing tool products.
*2 Users can download vast digital content including games through PS Store for PS Network for PS3, PSP, PS Vita and PS Certified devices.
*3 Number of content differ by regions.

Vodafone UK Now Offering Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray Starting at 20.50 Quid Per Month

Posted by on September 13, 2011 No comments

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The Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray’s mid-range aspirations shine through with Vodafone UK’s official pricing following immediate availability. You can now purchase the Xperia Ray for 99 quid on a 20.50 quid two-year contract, or free on a 26 quid per month two-year contract.

As with most Sony Ericsson phones, you’re getting a great phone for the price. Inside is a 1GHz processor, an 8.1MP camera with Exmor technology, a 3.3 inch 854×480 display with Bravia Engine technology in more. This one’s more about style + substance for Sony Ericsson so it’s quite thin, sleek, good-looking and will slide in and out of your pocket with comforting ease. Have a look at Vodaphone UK. [via EuroDroid]

Sony Ericsson Live Walkman Gets Torn Down In FCC Filing

Posted by on September 10, 2011 No comments

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Sony Ericsson’s Live Walkman was torn apart down at the FCC today. The musically geared Android device will be released in select markets and hopes to revive Sony’s aging Walkman brand. Not much too many surprises here — just a stripped down, bare naked phone for you to drool over (if you’re into that sorta thing). Hey, I wont judge.

The Live Walkman will feature Sony’s Qriocity music service and is mroe geared towards music aficionados. The SELW will also come with a 3.2 inch HVGA display, a 1GHz processor, a 5 megapixel camera with flash and HD video recording, a front-facing camera and more.

[Via Engadget]

[Update: Nevermind] Ice Cream Sandwich Coming to all 2011 Sony Ericsson Handsets

Posted by on September 8, 2011 1 comment

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With Android’s next big update right around the corner, handset manufacturers are already starting to make plans regarding getting the new iteration of Google’s smartphone OS to their current generation of handset. Sony Ericsson has confirmed to SoMobile that their entire lineup of devices released in 2011 will receive an upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich.

Google’s Eric Schmidt has confirmed an October/November launch window for the new Android build, but it is likely current smartphones won’t see an update until some months later. Sony Ericsson, once lambasted for their lack of timely software updates, has improved on the delivery of the latest Android features, but no timeframe was given as to when we might expect Ice Cream Sandwich to begin trickling down to handsets currently running Gingerbread and earlier.

[via SoMobile]

[Update]: Looks like all of that was false. Sony Ericsson has mentioned to SlashGear that no such decision regarding updates has been made. Carry on, folks. [SlashGear]

AT&T’s Sony Ericsson Xperia Play 4G Coming September 18 for $49

Posted by on September 8, 2011 No comments

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AT&T is all set to receive their version of the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, and though they haved added ’4G’ to its name, you’ll get the same Playstation Certified handset already released in other parts of the world (and on Verizon in the States). The 4G here is HSPA+ (not LTE), and the phone ships with a 1GHz CPU with Adreno 205 graphics, a 4-inch display, and comes in an exclusive “stealth blue” color scheme. Accessories available at launch will include a multimedia dock and music cable.

The Xperia Play 4G will ship with seven games pre-installed when it lands at AT&T on September 18th. Realizing the handset is already getting a bit old in the tooth, the whole thing can be yours for a mere $49.99 in conjunction with a new two-year contract.

Sony Ericsson Xperia™ play 4g keeps favorite video games at your fingertips beginning sept. 18

First PlayStation®-certified smartphone from AT&T available for $49.99 in AT&T stores and att.com

DALLAS, Sept. 8, 2011 -

Key Facts

· The Xperia™ PLAY 4G, combining a PlayStation®-certified gaming device with the capabilities and portability of an Android smartphone, arrives in AT&T* stores, and online on September 18 for $49.99 with a two-year agreement.

· The Xperia PLAY 4G has dedicated gaming controls built into the phone through a slide out controller including directional keypad, dual analog touch joystick, two shoulder buttons and the four iconic PlayStation symbol keys: circle, X, square and triangle.

· Running the Android 2.3.3 (Gingerbread) platform, the first PlayStation-certified smartphone in the world features a brilliant 4″ 480 x 854 screen and stereo speakers.

AT&T Exclusives

Only AT&T customers can choose the 4G-capable Xperia PLAY, offered in an exclusive “stealth blue” color. The smartphone package is complete with bonus accessories including the Sony Ericsson Multimedia Dock DK300 and MC100 music cable. In addition to providing a convenient charging station, the DK300 converts the Xperia PLAY’s screen to a large clock display, and the music cable lets you connect to external speakers.** The DK300 and music cable come in the Xperia PLAY box, only from AT&T.

In addition, the device is pre-loaded with seven games, some of which are exclusive, at no additional cost including:

· Dungeon Defenders™ Second Wave by Trendy Entertainment
· Asphalt™ 6 Adrenaline by Gameloft
· Star Battalion by Gameloft
· Madden NFL™ 11 by Electronic Arts
· The Sims™ 3 by Electronic Arts
· Tower Bloxx™: My City by Digital Chocolate
· Crash Bandicoot® by SCEA/Naughty Dog/Universal

AT&T customers will have access to more than 150 Xperia PLAY optimized games including Minecraft™ Pocket Edition, Battlefield: Bad Company™ 2 and Dead Space™ 2 for download and purchase through the “Get Games” recommender screen, easily accessible when you slide open the Xperia PLAY’s game controller.

Handheld Gaming and Smartphones Converge

The Xperia PLAY 4G offers a gamer’s wonderland by providing the on-the-go capabilities of an Android smartphone with the immersive entertainment appeal of a portable gaming device.

* Snapdragon chipset including a 1GHz CPU and Adreno 205 graphics processor (GPU)
* Runs on the Android 2.3.3 (Gingerbread) platform
* Sight and sound: 4″ 480 x 854 screen, up to 60 frames per second graphics, stereo speakers
* Dual camera: 5MP rear and VGA forward-facing, with video recording and chat capabilities over Wi-Fi
* Hundreds of Xperia PLAY optimized games through Android Market or directly from the publishers
* Pre-loaded with seven Xperia PLAY optimized games from publishers such as Gameloft and EA.

Along with the great gaming and Android capabilities, the Xperia PLAY 4G from AT&T includes Facebook Inside Xperia, a suite of Facebook functions integrated into various applications, such as friends’ birthdays in the phonebook, a “like” button in the music player, photo tags in the media gallery, and YouTube video recommendations from friends.

Pricing and Availability

The Xperia PLAY 4G arrives in AT&T stores and online on Sept. 18 and will be available for $49.99 after a two-year contract with minimum data plan.

Quotes

“Gamers and smartphone fans alike will delight in the Xperia PLAY 4G’s instant access to gaming and entertainment,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “We’re excited to offer a device that allows consumers to have fun while still staying on top of everything in their life.”

“Our fans on AT&T have been asking for Xperia PLAY and now we’re giving them everything they need in a smartphone with what they really want - an immersive gaming experience on AT&T’s 4G Network,” said Peter Farmer, Head of Marketing for North America, Sony Ericsson. “In addition to a constantly growing list of games exclusive to and optimized for Xperia PLAY, we know AT&T customers are really going to enjoy the uniquely Sony Ericsson social experience, including Timescape and Facebook Inside.”

Sony Nozomi to Have 1.5GHz Dual-Core Snapdragon?

Posted by on September 2, 2011 No comments

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When initial reports pegged the upcoming Sony Ericsson handset known as Nozomi with a single-core, 1.4GHz processor, we all felt a slight pang of disappointment. Sony has yet released some nice handsets over the past year, but the company has yet to join the ranks of other Android manufacturers by releasing a dual-core flagship superphone. It sounds like initial rumors may have been off, however, as the latest whisperings are suggesting a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon chipset for the Nozomi.

The handset, rumored to be scheduled for March of next year, is once again pegged to launch with a 4.3-inch, 720p display. The dual-core CPU might still feel dated by that point in time, when it is expected many manufacturers will be moving into quad-core territory, but it is said to be helped along by 1GB of RAM. Right now the rumors out of Xperia Blog are just that, but at least the March timing lines up with the release of previous Sony Ericsson flagships. The Xperia X10 and Xperia Arc both launch in March of 2010 and 2011 respectively.

[via XperiaBlog]

Sony Ericsson Announces the Xperia Arc S With “Reality Display”, Coming This October; New Flagship Walkman (PMP), Too

Posted by on August 31, 2011 No comments

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The IFA ball has already begun rolling with Sony taking to the stage two days ahead of the event. Today, they announced that the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S will debut this October. Details are a bit scant at this moment as they chose to focus only on its “Reality Display” and the many entertainment services that will be available for Sony users across platforms, but we’ll be on the lookout for more information coming soon.

We’ve also learned of a new Sony Ericsson Walkman that is running Android. They’re calling it their “flagship” Walkman and judging from the apparent lack of an earpiece this isn’t a phone. All of this is still developing  so stay tuned! [Engadget 1, 2]

[Update]: We’re hearing this one bests the first Arc with a 1.4GHz processor instead of just 1GHz. We’ve also get a press release straight ahead.

Sony Ericsson unveils its fastest entertainment experiences to date with Xperia™ arc S
31 August 2011

Xperia™ arc S has a powerful 1.4 Ghz processor delivering up to 25% faster entertainment compared to Xperia arc ™
Winner of the EISA award "European Camera Phone 2011-2012"*

31st August 2011, Berlin, Germany - Sony Ericsson today unveiled Xperia™ arc S at Sony’s press conference in conjunction with IFA in Berlin. Taking the award-winning sleek design from Xperia arc*,the latest addition to the Xperia™ family has a processor upgraded to 1.4Ghz, Sony 3D sweep panorama technology and access to the Sony Entertainment Network services - "Music Unlimited" and "Video Unlimited"**. Xperia™ arc S features 25% faster camera start up and media conversion , along with 20% faster web page rendering compared to Xperia™ arc***.

Consumers with a 2011 Xperia™ smartphone are now able to enjoy "Music Unlimited" and "Video Unlimited" subject to market availability**:

"Music Unlimited" has a global catalogue of over 10 million unique songs**** with access to your personal music library and ad free radio channels across multiple devices.
"Video Unlimited" (currently exclusive to Sony Ericsson Xperia™) is the ultimate source for the latest Hollywood blockbusters, all-time classics, and TV shows from all major studios.

Nikolaus Scheurer, Head of Product Marketing at Sony Ericsson said: "Xperia™ arc S is the fastest and most entertaining Xperia™ to date and it clearly demonstrates how the Xperia™ family are the best smartphones to experience great entertainment services such as Music Unlimited and Video Unlimited."

In addition to these services, Xperia™ arc S includes best-in-class Sony technology such as 3D sweep panorama. 3D sweep panorama images can be captured and then viewed by connecting the phone to a 3D TV using the HDMI output.

Xperia™ arc S also has a visually brilliant 4.2" Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine, an 8.1mp camera with HD video capability and Sony’s award winning Exmor R™ for mobile image sensor that enhances still images and videos even in low light conditions.

Consumers also have access to a uniquely social entertainment experience of sharing and discovery with Facebook inside Xperia™, plus the extensive world of Android with over 250,000 applications.

Xperia™ arc S at a glance:

Super fast 1.4 GHz processor
3D and 2D sweep panorama photography
8.1 MP camera with Exmor R™ for mobile image sensor
4.2" Reality display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine
Latest Android™ platform Gingerbread 2.3

Sony Ericsson Xperia™ arc S will be available globally in selected markets from Q4 2011.
For full details all products news, please visit the press room and the product blog:

http://www.sonyericsson.com/cws/corporate/press/pressreleases/latestnews

http://blogs.sonyericsson.com/products/

* Xperia™arc S and Xperia™ arc are winners of the EISA (European Imaging and Sound Association) award for European Camera Phone 2011-2012. Xperia™ arc is also the winner of the prestigious red dot Product Design Award 2011

** Availability of Sony Entertainment Network services:

"Music Unlimited" and "Video Unlimited" are expected to become available on Xperia™ arc S and launch timing will vary by region. Customers will be notified when services are available.
Markets for Video Unlimited: USA, Italy, Spain, Germany, UK, France, Australia, Canada and Japan
Markets for Music Unlimited: USA, Italy, Spain, Germany, UK, France, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand

*** Based on internal tests.
**** The number of songs available from this catalogue varies by region

Sony Ericsson Prepping For Global Release of New Flagship 720p Nozomi Handset [Rumor]

Posted by on August 26, 2011 No comments

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Sony Ericsson may still have a few surprises up their sleeves with the upcoming release of a new flagship phone code named “Nozomi.” being rumored to launch in Japan later this year. According to a tipster over at XperiaBlog, the device is rumored to launch by years end in Japan under the model number SO-02D on Docomo’s network. In the latest rumor, the phone will also be released globally with the model numbers LT26i/LT26a.

The phone’s rumored specs include a 4.3-inch 1280×720 HD display (the new standard in rumored devices), 1.4GHz Snapdragon single-core processor, 1GB of RAM and support for a Micro SIM card. I’ve always been a big fan of Sony Ericsson and their devices and if they can bump that single-core processor up a few more cores, I think I would be sold. What do you guys think?

[Via UnwiredView]

Video Preview of the Sony Ericisson Xperia Android 2.3.4 Update

Posted by on August 25, 2011 No comments

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Shortly after announcing that the entire 2011 lineup of Sony Ericsson Xperia device will receive an update to Android 2.3.4 sometime in October, the Sony Ericsson Product Blog has released a video preview of some of the new features we can expect. The 3D sweep panorama feature looks pretty intriguing and the update will introduce native screen captures. Check out the video for a better look.

[via SE]

Sony Ericsson Announce Xperia Neo V, Android 2.3.4 for 2011 Lineup

Posted by on August 25, 2011 No comments

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Today, Sony Ericsson has announced yet another entry into their Xperia family of phones. The Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo V and update to the Xperia Neo released earlier this year, will feature a 3.7-inch display, a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, and Android 2.3.4. It will be among the first Xperia devices to ship with that version of Android, but SE also announced that the Gingerbread update, which includes support for Gtalk video chat, will make make its way to the manufacturer’s entire 2011 lineup of phones.

Software enhancements that the Android 2.3.4 Neo V will benefit from initially include improvements Facebook Inside Xperia and a new camera function that uses “3D sweep panorama” technology to capture 3D images, which can be viewed a 3D television set. The Xperio Neo V will be a squarely mid-range device by the time it launches in October, and if Google has their way Android Gingerbread could be a thing of the past. The planned update to the next version of Android, Ice Cream Sandwich, is rumored to have been fast-tracked for an October release.

[via Sony Ericsson]