Sony Ericsson Xperia drops Windows for Android
An Android-based version of Sony Ericsson's first Windows Mobile smartphone, the Xperia, has appeared online, prompting speculation that an official unveiling could be just around the corner.
Sony Ericsson confirmed plans to launch several phones based on Android 2.0 – aka Donut - in May. The firm never said which of its devices would be the first to feature Android, but the new Xperia – now listed by online retailer Expansys – looks set to become one of the first.
Expansys hasn’t said when the new Xperia will ship, but has described the device as having an "eight megapixel camera, hi-resolution touch-sensitive display and innovative 3D panel interface".
The original Xperia X1 – which received mixed reviews – had a solid set of connectivity features, but SE has surpassed itself on the latest Xperia by increasing the phone’s HSDPA speed from 3.6Mb/s to 10Mb/s.
Wi-Fi connectivity and Assisted GPS have also been added to the Xperia. It still features Bluetooth, Expansys said.
The latest model’s 800 x 400 touchscreen display now measures 4in – a 1in increase in size. Unfortunately, the phone’s physical dimensions aren’t mentioned. And neither - crucially - is the price. ®
