Tech bytes for tea?

Sony has showcased its latest NXT series of Xperia smartphones in Singapore. All are on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) at launch but will be upgraded to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) in the second quarter of 2012.

Update: Price & Availability here.

The Xperia S is already available (S$898 without contract) while the Xperia P, U and sola will be available in Q2 of 2012.

The Xperia S was first unveiled during CES 2012 as the first smartphone in the new Xperia NXT series after Sony bought over Ericsson’s 50% stake in the former Sony-Ericsson joint venture.

The slew of Xperia smartphones will be able to share content with other electronics devices from Sony – such as tablets, notebooks and smart TVs.

Sony is hoping the ability to leverage Sony’s extensive range of IT and lifestyle devices will be a selling point to attract consumers to the Xperia smartphones sold by the wholly owned Sony Mobile Communications (former Sony Ericsson).

Here are the key characteristic of each model:

• Xperia S offers a HD experience boasting a brilliant screen for superior viewing.
• Xperia P delivers outstanding screen brightness using Sony “WhiteMagic” display technology.
• Xperia U packs powerful Sony entertainment in a stylish and compact design.
• Xperia sola allows easy access to apps and quick launch of actions with NFC and Xperia SmartTags.

All the Xperia NXT smartphones are designed with an interesting “transparent element” encircling the base of the phone which illuminates when receiving calls, texts and notifications.

The colour of the element is based on whatever is displayed on the screen so that the entire colour scheme is always in harmony.

Paul Mah, a friend who blogs with CIO.com initially thought the colour was based on the mood of the caller. Now that would be something innovative! Stay away when the phone is glowing red.

A new album, video player and music player will deliver compelling entertainment experiences and the new UI design also allows consumers to access their favourite application direct from the lock-screen.

The Xperia S, Xperia P and the Xperia sola are NFC enabled.

The Xperia S and Xperia P and come with two NFC Xperia SmartTags in the box, while the Xperia sola comes with four.

Simply swipe the phones on a SmartTag and the pre-configured profile will be launched automatically.

These profiles can be easily personalised to reflect any taste, designed to save consumers’ time and make their lives easier.

Below are the key features for each of the models.

Xperia S – HD with brilliant screen
The Xperia S delivers a stunning viewing experience with a razor sharp Sony HD display and a 12MP camera that takes pictures in just 1.5 seconds from standby. 4.3 inch Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine with HD resolution screen (1280 x 720), as well as front (720p) and back (1080p) cameras for HD recording. 1.5GHz dual-core processor for fast browsing and content download, which can be stored on the internal 32GB flash storage. 12MP back camera with Sony Exmor R for mobile along with Fastest Capture to take shots in just 1.5 seconds directly from standby mode. NFC (Near Field Communications) enabled to access growing range of NFC applications and services as well as Xperia SmartTags. With HD sharing through DLNA, HDMI and using BRAVIA Sync for controlling your Xperia S with your TV remote control when connected to the TV, Xperia S delivers a full HD experience on TV, as well as on other DLNA-enabled devices, such as laptops and tablets. Available now in colors Black and White for S$898 (without contract).
Xperia P – Ultra-bright viewing experience
With a full aluminum unibody design, Xperia P debuts WhiteMagic display technology from Sony for the first time on a smartphone.WhiteMagic technology adds white to the as a fourth colour component over and above the traditional RGB to provide a bright and viewable display – even under bright sunlight.The new SmartDock, exclusively for Xperia P, offers simple connectivity to multiple screens, turning the smartphone into an entertainment hub for the living room. 4″ Reality Display with powered by Mobile BRAVIA Engine. WhiteMagic display technology for an ultra-bright and power efficient viewing experience. 1 GHz dual-core processor for super-fast performance with 16GB flash storage. 8MP camera with unique fast capture, HD recording and Sony technology to capture 2D and 3D panoramic images. Easy HDMI and DLNA connectivity to share content on any screen. NFC (Near Field Communications) enabled to access a growing range of NFC applications and services as well as Xperia SmartTags. Available in a choice of silver, black and red, all with an aluminum unibody from Q2 2012
Xperia U – Stylish, compact but powerful entertainment
With xLoud and Sony 3D surround sound audio technology integrated into the music player, Xperia U offers a crisp and loud sound experience as well as the capability to stream music from their Xperia U to wireless speakers with a touch using DLNA.Consumers can also enjoy improved sound quality with the stylish new Smart Headset, which features SmartKey – a dedicated application launch key for favourite apps. 3.5″ Reality Display powered by Mobile BRAVIA Engine. 1 GHz dual-core processor for super-fast performance. 5MP camera with unique fast capture, HD recording and Sony technology to capture 2D and 3D panoramic images. Crisp and loud listening with xLoud and 3D surround sound audio technology. Available in a choice of white or black, with pink and yellow exchangeable caps for the base of the smartphone in the box from Q2 2012.
Xperia sola
The NFC-enabled Xperia sola comes equipped with Xperia SmartTags, allowing consumers to change their smartphone’s settings and applications to fit their lifestyle in an instant. NFC enabled and Xperia SmartTags in the box to enable quick app loading and easy content sharing. Floating touch navigation for an easy web browsing experience. 3.7″ Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine gives razor sharp clarity. Powered by a 1GHz Dual Core Processor for super-fast browsing. xLOUD and 3D surround sound audio technology for crisp and loud listening. Available in a choice of black, white or red from Q2 2012.

Tags: Internet, launch, mobile, Singapore, smartphones, Sony, Xperia

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 20th, 2012 at 2:00 pm and is filed under Android, Events, Gadgets, Internet, Launch, Phones, Prices, Sony, Specifications, Xperia. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.