Sony Ericsson Archive

Sony Ericsson Is Officially Dead – Long Live Sony Mobile Communications

– February 16, 2012Posted in: Industry News, NewsFeed, Sony Ericsson

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It’s official, folks. Following the news of a successful Google/Motorola merger is the announcement that Sony and Sony Ericsson have been joined in holy matrimony with Sony paying a $1.37 billion dowry for full stake in SE. Sony Ericsson will officially be taking on Sony’s name — with the new title of Sony Mobile Communications. All of Sony’s upcoming devices unveiled at CES will appropriately reflect the standalone “Sony” name by the time they’re launched. Let’s hope Sony will go all-out in their new mobile venture, bringing powerful, sleek and sexy new Android devices in 2012.

Sony Completes Full Acquisition of Sony Ericsson

Sony to Rename the Company Sony Mobile Communications and Accelerate Business Integration
February 16, 2012, Tokyo, Japan – Sony Corporation (“Sony”) today announced that the transaction to acquire Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson’s (“Ericsson”) 50% stake in Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB (“Sony Ericsson”) has been completed as of February 15, 2012 (Central European time). This marks the completion of the transaction jointly announced by Sony and Ericsson on October 27, 2011, and makes Sony Ericsson a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony.

Sony will rename Sony Ericsson “Sony Mobile Communications”, and further integrate the mobile phone business as a vital element of its electronics business, with the aim of accelerating convergence between Sony’s lineup of network enabled consumer electronics products, including smart phones, tablets, TVs and PCs.

Android Porn: The biggest pervs have the biggest phones [NSFW]

Kevin Krause

– February 14, 2012Posted in: Applications, Handsets, HTC, Industry News, NewsFeed, Samsung, Samsung Galaxy S II, Sony Ericsson

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Bigger is always better when it comes to porn, or at least that’s what the results of MiKandi’s 2011 year-end review are suggesting. Android’s biggest third-party market for adults-only apps broke down the most popular phones for using porn apps and the results all trend towards device’s with larger display sizes. So who are the biggest pervs out there? Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc, HTC EVO 4G, Motorola Droid X, and Samsung Galaxy S II users, that’s who. Shame on you!

MiKandi also reveals that their app market has grown to over 1.5 million users with 2,500 users joining daily to access a catalog of close to 4,000 porn apps from about 3,500 developers. It all amounts to more than 1 million monthly downloads, the majority of which originate in the Unites States with South Korea, the UK, and China following behind. MiKandi has done it all while spending no money on marketing, a fact that the mainstream Android world would rather sweep under the rug. The third-party market proves that porn on Android is a lucrative business, even if the Amazon Appstore and Android Market shun such X-rated materials.

Will 2012 be another huge year of growth for MiKandi? Undoubtedly, but don’t expect to see their apps ranked up there with the wholesome offerings of other Android marketplaces any time soon. You can see more statistics over at the MiKandi blog, but we are warning you now that the content is far from safe for work or anyone underage.

[via MiKandi]

Sony Ericsson Xperia NX up for pre-order Feb. 10 in Japan, launches Feb. 24

Kevin Krause

– February 3, 2012Posted in: Handsets, NewsFeed, Sony Ericsson

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Sony unveiled the first members of their 2012 handset lineup back at CES, emphasizing the Xperia Ion for AT&T and its international brother the Xperia S. In The phone will be released with a set of features catering to the needs of Japanese mobile users as the Xperia NX, which has been announced for a February 24th launch on NTT DoCoMo. It should be among the first of Sony’s latest to reach consumers — the Xperia S launches a few weeks later — yet it looks to maintain Sony Ericsson branding. Sony is currently in the process of acquiring Ericsson and assuming complete control of mobile operations and has been showcasing their new line with Sony logos only (pending regulatory approval). The Xperia NX will go on pre-order February 10th.

[via AndroidCentral]

Apple Users In Uproar Over Foxconn Labor Conditions – Why Are Android Users Silent?

Chris Chavez

– February 1, 2012Posted in: Acer, Amazon, ASUS, Industry News, Lenovo, NewsFeed, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Toshiba

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Apple has long been the target of criticism over their labor practices, specifically, at overseas factories like Foxconn where harsh working conditions, accidents and suicide rates for Chinese laborers working in these factories have all made headline. Foxconn even had to go as far as installing safety nets along the sides of their buildings to help thwart would-be jumpers. A few months ago, there was also an app “game,” later pulled from the App Store, attempting to shed light on this issue, only to eventually find itself land in the Android Market, where it currently remains.

After news that Apple was sitting on a $97 billion cash pile, twiddling their thumbs, a renewed effort is being led by Apple “fanboys” no less, who have taken to online petitions to raise even more awareness. The hopes are that Apple will use some of this money to force suppliers like Foxconn into improving their working conditions. But as so often is the case, that’s easier said than done.

The thing is, it’s not only Apple who uses Foxconn to make their products. That shiny new Kindle Fire you received for Christmas — guess what? It was built in a Foxconn factory just like the iPad 2. It’s true. Many of your favorite Android OEM’s (and even console manufacturers) are current Foxconn employers. To show you Apple isn’t alone in this, here’s a list of a few of them, 10 of which are US based, and mixed in with other big name manufacturers.

Acer Inc. (Taiwan)
Amazon.com (United States)
Asus (Taiwan)
Barnes & Noble (United States)
Dell (United States)
Hewlett-Packard (United States)
Intel (United States)
IBM (United States)
Lenovo (China)
Logitech (Switzerland)
Microsoft (United States)
MSI (Taiwan)
Motorola (United States)
Netgear (United States)
Nintendo (Japan)
Nokia (Finland)
Panasonic (Japan)
Philips (Netherlands)
Samsung (South Korea)
Sharp (Japan)
Sony Ericsson (Japan/Sweden)
Toshiba (Japan)
Vizio (United States)

And while it can be argued that Apple is a much more grueling task master, I think it’s safe to say the rest of these OEM’s aren’t really helping matters either. Keep in mind I’m not saying we should all run out and grab our picket signs but I just felt it was interesting that people seemingly hold Apple to some sort of “higher standard” than other big name companies like Nintendo or Motorola. Is it fair? Not really. Is there a need for change? 100% yes. Can Apple do it alone? Probably not.

Back in the day, apparel companies like Nike were forced to improve their labor conditions after public outcry and I can only hope these online petitions will catch the attention of Android OEM’s as well. Something needs to be done to improve working conditions for the factory workers at Foxconn and my heart most certainly goes out to them. Since most Android users already boycott Apple products out of devotion to all things Google, you can still further help by signing the online petitions linked below. It’s your duty as a world citizen (yep, I just went there).

Thanks, Noonehereyet!

[Change.Org | SumOfUs.Org]

European Commission approves Sony takeover of Sony Ericsson

Kevin Krause

– January 27, 2012Posted in: Industry News, NewsFeed, Sony Ericsson

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Inching one step closer to completely eradicating the Ericsson name from all future Xperia handsets, the European Commission has approved Sony’s takeover of Sony Ericsson. The deal comes as Sony looks to integrate its line of Android smartphones more deeply into its product lineup, allowing for greater interoperability between Xperia handsets and internet-connected televisions, tablets, and media devices. Complete ownership for Sony comes at a price of €1.05 billion and includes the acquisition of a selection of patents and cross-licensing with other Ericsson intellectual property.

[Reuters via AndroidCentral]

Sony Tablet S, P and Xperia Phones are Being Upgraded to Ice Cream Sandwich in Spring

Quentyn Kennemer

– January 24, 2012Posted in: Handsets, NewsFeed, Sony Ericsson, Sony Tablet S, Tablets

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Sony has mentioned to The Verge that Ice Cream Sandwich is well on its way to their userbase. In Spring, owners of the Tablet P and S can expect the upgrade in tablet form while those on the Xperia side of the pond will also be getting some love. As we get close to that season we hope the window will be narrowed even further, but at least we know you all won’t be waiting long.

Sony ST25i Kumquat could launch as the Sony Xperia U

Kevin Krause

– January 23, 2012Posted in: Handsets, NewsFeed, Rumors, Sony Ericsson

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As much as I love the potential for wordplay with the Sony ST25i’s Kumquat codename, it’s probably for the better that the handset won’t launch under that banner. However, a newly leaked listing from Indonesia’s Postel (their government body most closely resembling the FCC) may provide us with the street name of the device we first saw in a leaked image last week. All signs point to the new Android smartphone launching as the Sony Xperia U. The name certainly lines up with the recently announced Xperia S, a handset from which the ST25i takes many of its cues. While Xperia U certainly lacks razzle-dazzle (and sounds more like the name of some marketing campaign focused on college students), it definitely lacks the embarrassment factor of the Kumquat moniker.

“Hey dude, is that the new iPhone?”

“No, bro. This is my Xperia Kumquat.”

Yeah, we are liking Xperia U more and more.

[XperiaBlog via MobileSyrup]

Unlocked Sony Xperia Ion up for pre-order through third-party retailer, priced at $570

Kevin Krause

– January 23, 2012Posted in: AT&T, Handsets, NewsFeed, Sony Ericsson, T-Mobile

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Sony is set to launch their Xperia Ion on AT&T in a few weeks and at least one third-party retailer is already offering the unlocked, SIM-free version of the phone for pre-sale. Listed at price of $569.50 at Negri Electronics, purchasing the handset for a US network other than AT&T won’t be very fruitful — the Ion can technically connect to T-Mobile’s network but is limited to EDGE connectivity. Users in Asia and Europe may have a bit more luck with the handset’s 3G/HSPA support, as the listing details compatibility with the 2100MHz band.

For more info on the Xperia Ion, check out our hands-on from CES. We compare it side-by-side with its Xperia S counterpart. We also compared the Ion’s quick camera functionalities to those of the Galaxy Nexus. The results may surprise you.

[via Android Central]

Sony Ericsson ST25i (Kumquat) spotted in the wild

Kevin Krause

– January 20, 2012Posted in: Handsets, NewsFeed, Rumors, Sony Ericsson

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Sony [Ericsson] looks to be sticking to the design trends set with the Xperia S for the rest of their 2012 lineup, as evidenced in this leaked image of the handset currently codenamed Kumquat. The Sony Ericsson ST25i may have a goofy placeholder name, but it carries the sleek styling that had us praising Sony’s newly unveiled handsets at CES. Also present is the clear bar housing the antenna of the device. Specs include a 3.5-inch display at 480×854, a 1GHz dual-core CPU, and a 5MP camera with 720p video recording. There is no info on when we might see the device launch, but we suspect Sony will have some things to show off at Mobile World Congress in February.

[XperiaBlog via DroidDog]

Sony Ericsson reports $317 million in losses for Q4 2011

Kevin Krause

– January 19, 2012Posted in: Industry News, NewsFeed, Sony Ericsson

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Sony Ericsson has reported their earnings for Q4 2011, and anything but earnings they are. The company responsible for the Xperia line of Android phones took a loss of €247 million (~$317 million) for that period. The joint venture between Sony and Ericsson had its reasons for the poor showing, including everything from stiff competition to floods in Thailand. Ericsson, at least, has the solace of knowing Sony will soon put the company out of its misery when it takes complete control of the brand in February. The artist formerly known as Ericsson will walk with a €1.05 billion payout.

Loss in Sony Ericsson impacts Ericsson’s fourth quarter results

Thu Jan 19, 2012 2:31am EST

Sony Ericsson reports Q4 loss of EUR 247 million before taxes, reflecting intense competition, price erosion and restructuring charges
Results impacted by unfavorable macro economic conditions and effects from the flooding in Thailand
Ericsson’s share in Sony Ericsson’s income before taxes amounts to SEK -1.1 b. in the quarter

Sony Ericsson, the joint venture in which Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) has 50% of the shares and is accounted for according to the equity method, today reports its Q4 and full year 2011 results. Sony Ericsson’s loss in the fourth quarter 2011 will impact Ericsson’s operating income with SEK -1.1 b. in the quarter.

On October 27, 2011, it was announced that Sony will acquire Ericsson’s 50% share of Sony Ericsson. The transaction is expected to take place late January to February 2012. As part of the transaction, Ericsson will receive a cash consideration of EUR 1.05 b.

Ericsson will present its fourth quarter and full year 2011 report on January 25, 2011, at 07.30am CET.

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