Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Xperia arc and neo get the Android 4.0 treatment, Sony makes good on its upgrade plans]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/29/xperia-arc-and-neo-get-the-android-4-0-treatment-sony-makes-goo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/29/xperia-arc-and-neo-get-the-android-4-0-treatment-sony-makes-goo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/29/xperia-arc-and-neo-get-the-android-4-0-treatment-sony-makes-goo/#comments Image

Sony's been pretty forthcoming about its Ice Cream Sandwich rollout, informing users of certain instabilities (see: Xperia Play) and mostly abiding by its planned upgrade schedule. In line with its announcement from last week regarding second round refreshes, Xperia arc and neo handsets have now begun to receive that Android 4.0.4 update, no doubt delighting owners and invoking the ire of their Gingerbread-toting friends. It's a rare moment of reversal that should see owners of those two elder devices from a bygone SE-era enjoying a temporary leg up on their faster, better, flashier brethren. Hit up the source below to see if your phone made the cut.

Xperia arc and neo get the Android 4.0 treatment, Sony makes good on its upgrade plans originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Android 4.0Android4.0arcIce Cream SandwichIceCreamSandwichmobilepostminineoSonyupdateXperiaTue, 29 May 2012 13:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Pioneer adds two new Elite receivers to its 2012 lineup]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/03/pioneer-elite-reciever-2012-vsx-42-vsx-60/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/03/pioneer-elite-reciever-2012-vsx-42-vsx-60/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/03/pioneer-elite-reciever-2012-vsx-42-vsx-60/#comments Pioneer adds two new Elite receivers to its 2012 lineupPioneer's 2012 AV receiver lineup is growing by two with the new VSX-42, priced at $450, and the $650 VSX-60. Both feature six HDMI inputs on the back, Ethernet, video scaling, optional Bluetooth ($99) with A2DP, AirPlay, DLNA, Pandora and iOS or Android apps. The VSX-60 sets itself apart with 10 more watts per channel, 7.2 instead of 7.1, optional WiFi and a superior video processor. As if that wasn't enough, the VSX-60 also has an HDMI input up front, is SiriusXM ready and adds a number of video and audio enhancement like Stream Smoother, Advanced Video Adjust and a few others worth reading about in the press release after the jump. With a trend placing the AV receiver at the center of your home theater universe, these Pioneer units have just enough useful features to make us ponder upgrading (still-functional) existing gear.

Continue reading Pioneer adds two new Elite receivers to its 2012 lineup

Pioneer adds two new Elite receivers to its 2012 lineup originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d7.17.2a2dpadvanced video adjustAdvancedVideoAdjustAirPlayanchor bayAnchorBayappsarcbluetoothControlAppDLNAdlna 1.5Dlna1.5Elitehdmi 1.4aHdmi1.4ahdpostcrosshdpostminiicontrolav2012iosmcaccPandoraPioneerqdeoreceiversirius xmSiriusXmstream smootherStreamSmootherVSX-42VSX-60Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson's Nozomi gets handled, something awfully similar gets an official tease]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/06/sony-ericssons-nozomi-gets-handled-something-awfully-similar-g/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/06/sony-ericssons-nozomi-gets-handled-something-awfully-similar-g/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/06/sony-ericssons-nozomi-gets-handled-something-awfully-similar-g/#comments Hello, New York! Oh, and a Sony Ericsson handset, too. SE may be on its way out officially, but there's still a product or two in the pipeline worth pushing out. We've heard whispers of a so-called Arc HD and Nozomi for months on end, and while it's unclear which of the two (if it's either) is shown above, there's no question that this is something that'll see the market. One shot is currently posted over at Sony Ericsson's German Facebook page (shown after the break), where a teaser line promises that "the new Xperia" to be officially unveiled "next week." Next week, as you may have guessed, is CES, and coincidentally, the fine folks over at ITProPortal have wrapped their paws around an SE handset (above) that they're confident is the aforementioned Nozomi. Weirdly, the camera location on the phone they procured is different than the official SE shot above, leaving us to wonder if two new superphones are on tap. Whatever the case, you can bet we'll be bringing the dirt as soon as it's hauled in.

[Thanks, Shubham]

Continue reading Sony Ericsson's Nozomi gets handled, something awfully similar gets an official tease

Sony Ericsson's Nozomi gets handled, something awfully similar gets an official tease originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidarcarc hdArcHdleakleakedmobilepostcrossNozomirumorsesmartphoneSony EricssonSonyEricssonxperiaxperia hdXperiaHdFri, 06 Jan 2012 09:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's latest Xperia update brings WebGL support to 2011 smartphone lineup (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/sonys-latest-xperia-update-brings-webgl-support-to-2011-smartph/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/sonys-latest-xperia-update-brings-webgl-support-to-2011-smartph/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/sonys-latest-xperia-update-brings-webgl-support-to-2011-smartph/#comments Why Sony chose to sit on this one, we have no idea, but the company just revealed that its software update for the 2011 lineup of Xperia phones -- which was released last month -- also adds browser support for WebGL. This means that if you're holding an Xperia Arc, Mini, Neo, Play, Ray... or any other of its most recent handsets, then there's a good chance you're wielding one of the first Android phones to support this modern graphics platform. Designed to bring advanced visuals and gaming to the web, the API holds roots in JavaScript and has been used to develop everything from Angry Birds to far-out music videos. Sony Ericsson first previewed its WebGL efforts back in February, and after all these months, its official arrival is a welcome one, indeed. For a quick demo video, be sure to hop the break.

Continue reading Sony's latest Xperia update brings WebGL support to 2011 smartphone lineup (video)

Sony's latest Xperia update brings WebGL support to 2011 smartphone lineup (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidarcgooglegraphicsjavascriptminimobilepostminineoplayraysmartphonesmartphonessoftwaresoftware updateSoftwareUpdatesonysony ericssonSonyEricssonupdateupdatesupgradeupgradesvideowebglxperiaxperia arcxperia minixperia neoxperia playxperia rayXperiaArcXperiaMiniXperiaNeoXperiaPlayXperiaRayTue, 29 Nov 2011 20:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Xperia arc S up for order on Sony's site, could ship this week]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/xperia-arc-s-up-for-order-on-sonys-site-could-ship-this-week/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/xperia-arc-s-up-for-order-on-sonys-site-could-ship-this-week/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/xperia-arc-s-up-for-order-on-sonys-site-could-ship-this-week/#comments Our friends across the pond have had a month's head start getting to know Sony Ericsson's Xperia arc S inside and out. Now, it appears that refreshed flagship's gearing up to hit stateside as early as this week in unlocked fashion. Shown as having an estimated November 15th ship date on Sony's site, the 4.2-inch Gingerbread handset brings its Mobile Bravia Engine display, 1.4GHz Qualcomm processor and 8 megapixel shooter to North American mitts for $499 in four distinct shades. If carrier subsidization is your preferred method of purchase, you'll have to hold off for a bit as official US plans have yet to be announced. But why wait? Your early access mobile bragging rights await you at the source.

[Thanks, Michael]

Continue reading Xperia arc S up for order on Sony's site, could ship this week

Xperia arc S up for order on Sony's site, could ship this week originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.4GHz8 megapixel8MegapixelAndroidAndroid 2.3.4Android GingerbreadAndroid2.3.4AndroidGingerbreadArcArc SArcSGingerbreadGooglemobilepostminiSony ericssonsony ericsson xperia arc sSonyEricssonSonyEricssonXperiaArcSXperia arc SXperiaArcSTue, 15 Nov 2011 07:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/06/sony-ericsson-xperia-arc-s-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/06/sony-ericsson-xperia-arc-s-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/06/sony-ericsson-xperia-arc-s-review/#comments It seems like nearly all the phone makers are doing it. Take the latest flagship release, add some welcome (but relatively minor) technical tweaks, slap an extra S on it and release to an adoring public not much more than six months after the original hit stores. Sony Ericsson's Xperia Arc is the latest (but certainly not the last) to undergo said refresh. The new Arc S appears identical on the surface, still carrying the stylish curvature that wooed us the first time round. Internally, most of the parts remain the same as its predecessor, aside from a bump to a new CPU, a 1.4GHz Qualcomm chip. Alongside the minor hardware change, this is the first Xperia handset arriving with Sony's 3D sweep panorama feature, capable of creating 3D stills for consumption on your compatible TV back home. Does the extra 400MHz make enough of a difference? Are sweeping panoramas enough to warrant a phone refresh at a time when dual-core, big-screened Android phones are the high-end standard? Read on to get the full picture.

Gallery: Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S review

Continue reading Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S review

Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S review originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 06 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.4ghz4.2-inchandroidandroid 2.2android 2.3.4Android2.2Android2.3.4arcarc sArcSexmorgingerbreadMobile Bravia engineMobileBraviaEnginemobilepostcrossreviewsony ericssonSony Ericsson Xperiasony ericsson xperia arc ssony+ericsson+xperia+arc+s+reviewSonyEricssonSonyEricssonXperiaSonyEricssonXperiaArcSsonyericssonxperiaarcsreviewvideoxperia arc sxperia+arc+s+reviewXperiaArcSxperiaarcsreviewSun, 06 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S available now on Vodafone UK]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/29/sony-ericsson-xperia-arc-s-available-now-on-vodafone-uk/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/29/sony-ericsson-xperia-arc-s-available-now-on-vodafone-uk/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/29/sony-ericsson-xperia-arc-s-available-now-on-vodafone-uk/#comments Can't wait for your high-speed Xperia Arc upgrade? Well, you'll be glad to hear that Vodafone's Xperia Arc S page has now gone live, and we've confirmed with the UK phone network that the curvy smartphone will also be available in-store from tomorrow. Signing up for a two year plan at £31 per month nets you the gradient blue version for free. Aside from a new super-charged 1.4GHz processor and a "3D sweep panorama" mode, other specs are all-but identical to the original. Certainly not a deal-breaker, with an Exmor-equipped 8.1 megapixel shooter and that 4.2-inch Reality Display both squeezed into its very pocketable profile. So, please form a orderly queue at your nearest Vodafone store if that sounds like your thing -- or you could just click on the link below.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S available now on Vodafone UK originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAndroid 2.3Android GingerbreadAndroid2.3AndroidGingerbreadArcArc SArcSGingerbreadGooglemobilepostminiSony ericssonsony ericsson xperia arcsony ericsson xperia arc sSonyEricssonSonyEricssonXperiaArcSonyEricssonXperiaArcSVodafonevodafone ukVodafoneUkXperiaXperia Arcxperia arc sXperiaArcXperiaArcSThu, 29 Sep 2011 13:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Artists hack Sony Ericsson's Xperia phones to see the unseen universe, use fire as a flash]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/11/artists-hack-sony-ericssons-xperia-phones-to-see-the-unseen-uni/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/11/artists-hack-sony-ericssons-xperia-phones-to-see-the-unseen-uni/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/11/artists-hack-sony-ericssons-xperia-phones-to-see-the-unseen-uni/#comments For most of us, cellphones are for texting, calling and maybe the occasional tweet, but what happens when you hand them over to some of the world's most creative minds? Giving hackers, artists and intellectuals free reign to mess with the various Xperia phones, Sony found out just how capable its handsets really are. Using a few tweaks and hacks, artists were able to create an installation that breathes fire when you snap a photo, a remote-controlled boat with GPS and a bike that uses colored lights to spell out secret words only visible when captured on camera. When Sony asked astrophysicist Joshua Peek to give it a go, he took full sky maps and telescope image data to build an app with an up-close view of electromagnetic patterns in the sky. To round out the project, musician Annabel Lindquist composed a song based on the sounds of Paris she recorded with an Arc. Now, if they could just mod one to avoid dropped calls, we'd be all set. Videos of their ingenuity in action after the break.

Continue reading Artists hack Sony Ericsson's Xperia phones to see the unseen universe, use fire as a flash

Artists hack Sony Ericsson's Xperia phones to see the unseen universe, use fire as a flash originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Sep 2011 04:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Annabel LindquistAnnabelLindquistappappsarcartartistartistsastrophysicistelectromagneticGPShackhackathonhackershackinginstallationJoshua PeekJoshuaPeekmodmodsmusicmusicianplayrcremote controlremote controlledRemoteControlRemoteControlledsmartphonesmartphonesSonysony ericssonSonyEricssonsoundXperiaxperia arcxperia playxperia studioXperiaArcXperiaPlayXperiaStudioSun, 11 Sep 2011 04:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Refresh Roundup: week of August 1, 2011]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/07/refresh-roundup-week-of-august-1-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/07/refresh-roundup-week-of-august-1-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/07/refresh-roundup-week-of-august-1-2011/#comments Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging to get updated. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery from the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!

Official Android updates
  • Verizon and Motorola have finally begun rolling out the Gingerbread update for the Motorola Droid X2. [via PCMag]
  • Sticking with Verizon, the LG Revolution is in the process of receiving maintenance update VS910ZV6, which consists of a few new features and bug fixes. This is not a major refresh. [via AndroidCentral]
  • The HTC Desire Z has been updated to Gingerbread in the UK. As of now, only those devices without carrier branding are seeing the OTA show up. [via PocketNow]
Unofficial Android updates / custom ROMs / misc hackery
  • Sony Ericsson's Xperia Play, Neo, and Arc should soon be added to the CyanogenMod repository. Once approved, we'll likely see nightlies appear in the near future. [via PocketNow]
  • Did somebody say Xperia Play? Yes, we did. It looks like the phone's finally been rooted, and the bootloader's been cracked. [via Droid-Life]
  • The Motorola Photon 4G came out last Sunday, but XDA was able to root it within a couple days. [via SprintFeed]
  • XDA's also the provider of a Froyo update to the Samsung Continuum. [via XDA]
  • Along with an official update for the Droid X2, an SBF is now available for download. [via Droid-Life]
Other platforms
  • The Dark Forces Team has released tools to enable custom ROMs to be used on your first-gen Windows Phone device. Currently, the supported phones are: the HTC Mozart, HTC Surround, HTC Trophy (excluding Verizon's version), and the HTC 7 Pro (excluding the HTC Arrive). [via Windows Phone Hacker]
  • Shortly after this, the HTC HD7 also got its first custom ROM courtesy of XDA. The downloadable package consists of a ChevronWP7 unlock, a Mango Beta 2 update, and the ROM. Head over to XDA to grab it. [via Windows Phone Daily]

Refresh Roundup: week of August 1, 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 07 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4g7 pro7Proandroid 2.3android updateandroid updatesAndroid2.3AndroidUpdateAndroidUpdatesarcchevron wp7ChevronWp7custom romCustomRomdark forcesdark forces teamDarkForcesDarkForcesTeamdftdroid x2DroidX2firmwarefirmware updateFirmwareUpdategingerbreadhd7htchtc 7 prohtc desirehtc desire zhtc hd7htc mozarthtc surroundhtc trophyHtc7ProHtcDesireHtcDesireZHtcHd7HtcMozartHtcSurroundHtcTrophylglg revolutionLgRevolutionmango beta 2MangoBeta2mobilemotomotorolamotorola droidmotorola droid x2motorola photon 4gMotorolaDroidMotorolaDroidX2MotorolaPhoton4gmozartneophotonphoton 4gPhoton4grefreshrefresh roundupRefreshRoundupromrounduprrsamsungsamsung continuumSamsungContinuumsbfsoftwaresoftware updatesSoftwareUpdatessony ericssonSonyEricssonsurroundtrophyukunlockunlockingupdatesverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvs910zv6vzwx2xperiaxperia arcxperia neoxperia playXperiaArcXperiaNeoXperiaPlaySun, 07 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Visualized: the coolest desktop chassis at Computex, literally]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/visualized-the-coolest-desktop-chassis-at-computex-literally/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/visualized-the-coolest-desktop-chassis-at-computex-literally/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/visualized-the-coolest-desktop-chassis-at-computex-literally/#comments Having a gadget encased in ice is always a cool stunt (pun intended), but Fractal took one step further by using blocks of ice cut out of a Swedish river, and then have them shipped all the way to Computex in Taiwan. Apparently that's how Scandinavians roll. As for the actual products, frequent desktop builders may have already heard of Fractal for its silent, minimalistic chassis, which recently made their way to the US market. While we didn't get a chance to check out how quiet the live machines were, the cases' build quality was surprisingly solid for their prices, and we were also impressed by the attention to detail on damping noise wherever possible. Hit the source link below to check out Fractal's Define, Arc, and Core series cases.

Gallery: Visualized: the coolest desktop chassis at Computex, literally

Visualized: the coolest desktop chassis at Computex, literally originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Arccasechassiscomputexcomputex 2011Computex2011coolCoreDefinedesktopdesktop casedesktop chassisDesktopCaseDesktopChassisfeaturedfeaturesFractalfractal designFractalDesignhands-onicepcpc casepc chassispc towerPcCasePcChassisPcTowerquietsilenttowerThu, 02 Jun 2011 13:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Dropbox joins arms with Sony Ericsson and Softbank, looks to expand elsewhere]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/dropbox-joins-arms-with-sony-ericsson-and-softbank-looks-to-exp/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/dropbox-joins-arms-with-sony-ericsson-and-softbank-looks-to-exp/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/dropbox-joins-arms-with-sony-ericsson-and-softbank-looks-to-exp/#comments By Dropbox's own numbers, its base has grown from five million to 25 million users in the last year, and now claims paying customers in 175 countries. Not content with this explosion, however, the company is establishing partnerships in the mobile arena to kick its growth into hyperdrive. Sony Ericsson is the first willing participant, and several of its phones (including the Arc and Play) will ship preloaded with the software throughout ten European countries. On the mobile carrier side, Tokyo-based Softbank will soon include the blue box on a handful of its Android devices, and Verizon is being courted by Dropbox, too -- nothing definite between these two, however. Good first steps, but if the company really wants to get rolling, it might want to pair up with a phone that has world domination in mind. Just a thought.

Dropbox joins arms with Sony Ericsson and Softbank, looks to expand elsewhere originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidarcbundlebundlesbundlingDropBoxeuropejapanmobileplaypre-loadpre-loadedpre-loadingpreloadpreloadedpreloadingsoftbankSONYSonyEricssontokyoverizonxperiaXperia Arcxperia playXperiaArcXperiaPlayThu, 02 Jun 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson boosts Xperia Arc and Play to 2.3.3, includes Facebook integration]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/27/sony-ericsson-boosts-xperia-arc-and-play-to-2-3-3-includes-face/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/27/sony-ericsson-boosts-xperia-arc-and-play-to-2-3-3-includes-face/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/27/sony-ericsson-boosts-xperia-arc-and-play-to-2-3-3-includes-face/#commentsWell, Sony Ericsson might just deserve a gold star for effort. A week ago we reported that a possible rollout of the long-rumored Facebook integration update would come to select Xperia series phones this week, and we're seeing the process begin today. The recipients of this particular push are the Arc and Play, though it will come to all new Xperia devices down the road. While the download includes Android 2.3.3, the major focus is on "Facebook Inside Xperia," another way for you to sync your social media with other aspects of your phone, such as contacts, calendar, and photo gallery. Other improvements in the package include WiFi stability, improved battery performance, HD video recording performance (Arc only), and bug fixes. Don't stress if your phone hasn't seen the update yet; Sony Ericsson says it's rolling it out gradually due to issues with individual markets and carrier branding. No specific timeframe was given, though the company mentioned that "it can take a while." Should you be one of the lucky recipients to get it today, however, sound off in the comments below.

Continue reading Sony Ericsson boosts Xperia Arc and Play to 2.3.3, includes Facebook integration

Sony Ericsson boosts Xperia Arc and Play to 2.3.3, includes Facebook integration originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 May 2011 00:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.3.3androidandroid 2.3.3Android2.3.3arcericssonfacebookfacebook syncFacebookSyncgingerbreadplaysonysony ericssonSonyEricssonsyncupdatexperiaxperia arcxperia playXperiaArcXperiaPlayFri, 27 May 2011 00:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, Arc getting Android 2.3.3 update next week, Facebook integration in tow]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/sony-ericsson-xperia-play-arc-getting-android-2-3-4-update-next/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/sony-ericsson-xperia-play-arc-getting-android-2-3-4-update-next/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/sony-ericsson-xperia-play-arc-getting-android-2-3-4-update-next/#comments
There's still no confirmation as to when it will be headed to the soon-to-be-released Verizon Xperia Play, but Recombu is reporting that at least some iterations of the phone will be getting upgraded to Android 2.3.3 next week, at which point the Xperia Arc will also get bumped up to the same version. Assuming there's no surprises in the next week, that would seem to make them the first non-Nexus phones to get the update. What's more, in addition to various Android-related updates, both phones will also be getting Sony Ericsson's so-called "Facebook inside Xperia" update, which promises to more deeply integrate your phone (including your calendar, contacts, and even music) with the social network. The company's also confirmed that the Facebook integration will be included on all future Xperia phones, and it will be headed to all Xperia models released so far this year.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, Arc getting Android 2.3.3 update next week, Facebook integration in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 May 2011 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.3.4android updateAndroid2.3.4AndroidUpdatearcfacebookfacebook inside xperiaFacebookInsideXperiagingerbreadplaysoftware updateSoftwareUpdatesony ericssonSonyEricssonupdatexperiaxperia arcxperia playXperiaArcXperiaPlayThu, 19 May 2011 14:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson teaches course on building custom Linux kernels, admission is free]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/sony-ericsson-teaches-course-on-building-custom-linux-kernels-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/sony-ericsson-teaches-course-on-building-custom-linux-kernels-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/sony-ericsson-teaches-course-on-building-custom-linux-kernels-a/#comments When Sony Ericsson stepped out of line and opened its bootloader unlocking service, it provided a tacit acknowledgment that users should have the ability to use and abuse their phones however they see fit -- even if it voids the warranty. Frankly, we applaud SE's move, despite the caveat that supported handsets cannot be SIM-locked to a carrier (or CDMA, for that matter). Now, Sony's embracing its own movement and is teaching a free online class (of sorts) on how to build a Linux kernel and flash it to your phone. Of course, the article requires that you get comfy with the command line, but whether you're an Android developer, a casual enthusiast, or a curious observer, this tutorial is worth reading and learning from. Welcome to Computer Lib for the handset generation -- where you can and must understand smartphones now.

Sony Ericsson teaches course on building custom Linux kernels, admission is free originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 May 2011 23:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.3Android2.3arcbootloadercellphonediyhackkernelLinuxmobilemobile phoneMobilePhonemodneophoneplayprosesmartphonesony ericssonSonyEricssontutorialunlockunlock bootloaderUnlockBootloaderunlocking bootloaderUnlockingBootloaderxperiaxperia arcxperia neoxperia playxperia proXperiaArcXperiaNeoXperiaPlayXperiaProTue, 10 May 2011 23:24:00 EST<![CDATA[From leak to live: Sony Ericsson officially reveals Xperia Acro for Japan]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/06/from-leak-to-live-sony-ericsson-officially-reveals-xperia-acro/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/06/from-leak-to-live-sony-ericsson-officially-reveals-xperia-acro/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/06/from-leak-to-live-sony-ericsson-officially-reveals-xperia-acro/#comments
The Arc's Japan-bound baby brother hasn't exactly been a well kept secret. After last month's website and image leaks, we've been waiting for Sony Ericsson to make it official. And now they have. The Xperia Acro, flaunting a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, 8.1 megapixel camera, and Adreno 205 GPU is heading to Japan this summer -- making it a possible match for the Azusa, uncovered by NenaMark earlier this week. The new kid in Akihabara was designed specifically for the Japanese market, runs Android 2.3.3 on a 4.2-inch touchscreen, and adds unique features like a mobile wallet and TV functionality. Hit the break for some quick and dirty PR.

Continue reading From leak to live: Sony Ericsson officially reveals Xperia Acro for Japan

From leak to live: Sony Ericsson officially reveals Xperia Acro for Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 May 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acroandroidandroid 2.3android 2.3.3Android2.3Android2.3.3arcDTVGingerbreadGooglemobilemobile tvMobileDtvMobileTvNFCsmartphoneSONYsony ericssonSony Ericsson AcroSonyEricssonSonyEricssonAcroFri, 06 May 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xperia Acro images leaked, Arc's Japan-bound sibling puts on a little weight at the circus]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/14/xperia-acro-images-leaked-arcs-japan-bound-sibling-puts-on-a-l/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/14/xperia-acro-images-leaked-arcs-japan-bound-sibling-puts-on-a-l/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/14/xperia-acro-images-leaked-arcs-japan-bound-sibling-puts-on-a-l/#comments If you'll remember last week's funny when Sony Ericsson accidentally outed the Xperia Acro on their PC Companion software, we were at an utter loss for quality shots of the device... happily, that's now changed. Yes, dear readers, we present you with a multi-angle look at the Acro, and if it appears decidedly similar to the Arc, you're close to understanding Sony's intent. As expected, this Japanese Xperia has bulked up after tossing on NFC, IrDA and DTV features. If this weren't enough, SE's show-off gets another bonus over its svelte sibling and is expected to ship with Android 2.3.3, (you know, for all that NFC-writing you were planning).

Xperia Acro images leaked, Arc's Japan-bound sibling puts on a little weight at the circus originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acroandroidandroid 2.3android 2.3.3Android2.3Android2.3.3arcDTVleakleaked photosLeakedPhotosmobilemobile tvMobileDtvMobileTvNFCsmartphoneSONYsony ericssonSonyEricssonThu, 14 Apr 2011 08:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson's Android bootloader unlocking site goes live, modders rejoice]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/13/sony-ericssons-android-bootloader-unlocking-site-goes-live-mod/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/13/sony-ericssons-android-bootloader-unlocking-site-goes-live-mod/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/13/sony-ericssons-android-bootloader-unlocking-site-goes-live-mod/#comments As promised, Sony Ericsson has just flipped the switch for its Android bootloader unlocking service, meaning those with an unbranded Xperia device from 2011 and onwards -- Play, Arc, Neo, and Pro so far -- will be able to try out custom ROMs and other dirty mods with ease. All that's required here is your phone's IMEI number, which in return gives you the unlocking key to go with the Android SDK's fastboot program -- all will be clear once you've read the instructions at the source link. But remember: SE does warn that this service may void your warranty if all goes pear-shaped, so just be careful, won't ya?

Sony Ericsson's Android bootloader unlocking site goes live, modders rejoice originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.3Android2.3arcbootloadercellphonehackmobile phoneMobilePhonemodneophoneplayprosesmartphonesony ericssonSonyEricssonunlockunlock bootloaderUnlockBootloaderunlocking bootloaderUnlockingBootloaderxperiaxperia arcxperia neoxperia playxperia proXperiaArcXperiaNeoXperiaPlayXperiaProWed, 13 Apr 2011 14:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson's Acro leaked, shows up its older brother]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/05/sony-ericssons-acro-leaked-shows-up-its-older-brother/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/05/sony-ericssons-acro-leaked-shows-up-its-older-brother/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/05/sony-ericssons-acro-leaked-shows-up-its-older-brother/#comments Whoa there, Mister Clickety-click, contain that check-box excitement just a tick. Thanks to a keen set of eyes (and an overly-eager Sony Ericsson employee), we present SE's latest unreleased Xperia, the Acro -- a refinement to its recent Gingerbread-wielding Arc that you most certainly weren't meant to see. Duplicating the core specs of its sibling, Sony's future stuntman takes it a step further, performing infrared and NFC communication, while also showcasing its DTV reception skills -- you know, so the locals can get their fill of zany game shows on the commute. Like its kin, the Arc features a 1GHz Snapdragon MSM8255, 4.2-inch display and an 8.1 megapixel Exmor R sensor, just like the one you may or may not see in future iPhones. Even though the TV function is decidedly intriguing, we know you're just considering beaming bits of IrDA glory to your graphing calculator. Hey, there's no shame in that.

Update: Based on the model number, we're pretty sure the Acro is destined for KDDI's au brand.

[Thanks, Chris]

Sony Ericsson's Acro leaked, shows up its older brother originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 03:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1ghz4.2-inch720p8 megapixel8Megapixelacroandroidandroid 2.3Android2.3arcdtvexmor rExmorRgingerbreadinfraredirdaleakleaksmobilemobile dtvmobile tvMobileDtvMobileTvmsm8255nfcqualcommsmartphonesnapdragonsonysony ericssonSonyEricSonyEricssonTue, 05 Apr 2011 03:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Rogers puts Sony Ericsson Xperia Play and Arc up for pre-order]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/01/rogers-puts-sony-ericsson-xperia-play-and-arc-up-for-pre-order/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/01/rogers-puts-sony-ericsson-xperia-play-and-arc-up-for-pre-order/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/01/rogers-puts-sony-ericsson-xperia-play-and-arc-up-for-pre-order/#comments Well, it's not yet confirming the "late April" launch date that leaked out yesterday, but Rogers has now just started accepting pre-orders for both the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play and Xperia Arc, each of which will run you $99.99 on a three-year contract (there's no indication of off-contract pricing). It does say, however, that the current "offer" will expire on May 2nd, which could possibly be an indication of an actual release date, or just the beginning of a different offer. What's more, Rogers has also revealed a small surprise of another sort -- it turns out that it will be carrying both the black and white versions of the Xperia Play. Hit up the link below to get your order in if you're interested.

[Thanks, Caleb]

Rogers puts Sony Ericsson Xperia Play and Arc up for pre-order originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcplaystationrogerssony ericssonSonyEricssonxperiaxperia arcxperia playXperiaArcXperiaPlayFri, 01 Apr 2011 14:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Rogers' Xperia Arc and Xperia Play launch details leaked]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/01/rogers-xperia-arc-and-xperia-play-launch-details-leaked/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/01/rogers-xperia-arc-and-xperia-play-launch-details-leaked/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/01/rogers-xperia-arc-and-xperia-play-launch-details-leaked/#comments O Canada, we stand on guard for thee -- in this case "we" being the Xperia Arc imaging flagship and Xperia Play gaming handset. We knew this day was coming, but it now looks like Sony Ericsson's hottest new pair of Android smartphones will be available from Rogers "late April" for $99. Of course, you'll have to commit to one of those insane 3-year contracts with a minimum $45 voice and data plan for the privilege, but the Gingerbread toting Xperia Arc and Xperia Play could be yours as soon as April 19-21, which is when the devices are expected to ship to stores. While there's no indication when pre-orders will be starting, folks who pre-order could win a trip to sunny Florida. Just promise to send us pictures of Shamu taken with your new phone if you win, OK?

Rogers' Xperia Arc and Xperia Play launch details leaked originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAndroid 2.3Android2.3ArcCanadaGingerbreadGooglelaunchlaunch dateLaunchDateleakPlayplaystation phonePlaystationPhonepricingRogersSony EricssonSony Ericsson XperiaSony Ericsson Xperia ArcSony Ericsson Xperia PlaySonyEricssonSonyEricssonXperiaSonyEricssonXperiaArcSonyEricssonXperiaPlayXperiaXperia ArcXperia PlayXperiaArcXperiaPlayFri, 01 Apr 2011 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/sony-ericsson-xperia-arc-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/sony-ericsson-xperia-arc-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/sony-ericsson-xperia-arc-review/#comments Like all good things Sony Ericsson, the Xperia Arc didn't wait for an official announcement to make itself known. First appearing on a set of teasing posters at CES in January, it confounded us with a ridiculously thin (8.7mm / 0.3in) profile and an unorthodox concave rear, whose sighting was followed up with the revelation of a potent mix of internal components as well. The same 1GHz Qualcomm MSM8255 processor and Adreno 205 graphics that you'll find on brandmate Xperia Play are present within the Arc, and are backed by 512MB of RAM (320MB available to apps), 8GB of MicroSD storage, an 8 megapixel Exmor R image sensor, an HDMI output, and a 1500mAh battery. That tightly packed interior is then topped off with a 4.2-inch Reality Display capable of accommodating 854 x 480 pixels. Throw the latest mobile build of Android, Gingerbread, into the mix and you've got yourself a compelling list of reasons for riding aboard this Arc. Nonetheless, spec sheets tell only half the story and we're here for the full disclosure -- what's the Arc like to use on a daily basis, how are its talents harnessed by Sony Ericsson's tweaked UI, and, most importantly, do people think better of us for carrying such a stylish phone? Keep reading to find out.

Gallery: Xperia Arc review

Continue reading Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc review

Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc review originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1ghz4.2-inch720p8 megapixel8Megapixeladrenoadreno 205Adreno205androidandroid 2.3Android2.3arcbraviabravia engineBraviaEngineexmor rExmorRgingerbreadlt15imsm8255qualcommreality displayRealityDisplayreviewscorpionsmartphonesnapdragonsonysony ericssonSonyEricssonvideoxperiaxperia arcXperiaArcWed, 30 Mar 2011 11:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Xperia Play goes back to the FCC, this time with GSM (update)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/01/xperia-play-goes-back-to-the-fcc-this-time-with-gsm/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/01/xperia-play-goes-back-to-the-fcc-this-time-with-gsm/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/01/xperia-play-goes-back-to-the-fcc-this-time-with-gsm/#comments
We're all familiar with this handset by now, but what we weren't suspecting (although we have yet to finish our first cup of coffee) to see a GSM version of the Xperia Play come through the FCC this sunny Tuesday morning. While we know that Verizon won't be the sole carrier of the phone in the states (we heard that from Sony Ericsson CTO Jan Uddenfeldt himself), there is yet to be another carrier confirmed. So maybe this is an indication of another possible future? Or, most likely, this is just one of those "north of the border" jobs -- as you know, the FCC gets its look at all Canada-bound phones, and this particular phone is exclusive to Rogers. Get a closer look after the break.

Update: Further examination of the docs reveal that this bad boy has global GSM bands and 900 / 2100MHz 3G, which is primarily used in Europe and Asia.

Continue reading Xperia Play goes back to the FCC, this time with GSM (update)

Xperia Play goes back to the FCC, this time with GSM (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.3Android2.3arccanadafccgamesgaminggingerbreadGSMplayplaystation phonePlaystationPhonerogersrogers communicationsRogers WirelessRogersCommunicationsRogersWirelesssonysony ericssonSonyEricssonxperiaxperia arcxperia playXperiaArcXperiaPlayTue, 01 Mar 2011 10:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson Xperia family portrait at MWC 2011]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/17/sony-ericsson-xperia-family-portrait-at-mwc-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/17/sony-ericsson-xperia-family-portrait-at-mwc-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/17/sony-ericsson-xperia-family-portrait-at-mwc-2011/#comments Sony Ericsson shook up MWC before it had even begun this year by introducing the Xperia Play -- the world's first PlayStation Certified phone -- alongside a pair of new members of its Xperia line of smartphones, the midrange Neo and QWERTY-sliding Pro. Taken together with the Xperia Arc that debuted at CES in January, this little bunch of Android Gingerbread runners will form SE's principal attack on the ever-fickle smartphone consumer's wallet this year. We can't yet tell you which of them might be the one for you, but we can certainly provide a gallery stuffed full of side-by-side pictures to help you visualize the differences, both big and small, between the four new Xperias. Enjoy!

Gallery: Sony Ericsson Xperia family portrait at MWC 2011

Sony Ericsson Xperia family portrait at MWC 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 08:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidarcfamilyfamily portraitFamilyPortraitgingerbreadgrouphands-onmwcmwc 2011Mwc2011neoplayprosmartphonessony ericssonSonyEricssoSonyEricssonxperiaxperia arcxperia neoxperia playxperia proXperiaArcXperiaNeoXperiaPlayXperiaProThu, 17 Feb 2011 08:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Xperia Play and Xperia Arc confirmed for Rogers in Canada (update)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/15/xperia-play-and-xperia-arc-confirmed-for-rogers-in-canada/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/15/xperia-play-and-xperia-arc-confirmed-for-rogers-in-canada/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/15/xperia-play-and-xperia-arc-confirmed-for-rogers-in-canada/#comments
In case you missed the announcement, a recent press release has confirmed what we already knew: Xperia Play is coming to Canada, exclusively to Rogers. Set to hit shelves sometime this spring in late March alongside the Xperia Arc, both of these bad boys will run on Android 2.3 Gingerbread, with prices to be disclosed at launch. Remember when we used to call Xperia Play the "PlayStation Phone?" That was fun. PR after the break.

Continue reading Xperia Play and Xperia Arc confirmed for Rogers in Canada (update)

Xperia Play and Xperia Arc confirmed for Rogers in Canada (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.3Android2.3arccanadagamesgaminggingerbreadplayplaystation phonePlaystationPhonerogersrogers communicationsRogers WirelessRogersCommunicationsRogersWirelesssonysony ericssonSonyEricssonxperiaxperia arcxperia playXperiaArcXperiaPlayTue, 15 Feb 2011 13:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc preview (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/13/sony-ericsson-xperia-arc-video-preview-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/13/sony-ericsson-xperia-arc-video-preview-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/13/sony-ericsson-xperia-arc-video-preview-video/#comments Sony Ericsson's MWC presser today may have been all about its new Play, Pro and Neo members of the Xperia family, but the CES debutant we know and love as the Arc was out in force as well. So, we thought, why not throw together our thoughts on this phone and splice them with a gallery of delicious new images plus some video action to boot? The first thing to note is that the Xperia Arc will be shipping globally in March and Sony Ericsson is aiming for the broadest possible operator coverage. Focusing on the handset itself, we've been wildly impressed by its design since first laying eyes on it, there's something fundamentally attractive about the Arc's look, something less tangible than its ridiculously slim profile. Sony Ericsson has used a similar plasticky material on the back as it does in the Neo, which doesn't overwhelm us with any sensations of reassurance or quality, but seems to do the job. Guess some corners had to inevitably be cut along with the fat on this phone's body.

The 4.2-inch screen is bright and lucid, though we'd warn against expecting too much from the Bravia Reality Display marketing. As we've mentioned before, the display enhancements only kick in when you're consuming multimedia. Still, general performance looks more than satisfactory. Hard buttons around the body are well arranged and designed, a contrast from the fiddly keys we found on the Xperia Pro. What was consistent with the rest of Sony Ericsson's Xperia crew, however, was the Arc's inability to execute its pinch-to-zoom widget summary screen. It's an ambitious function -- gathering all your widgets from each screen into one cohesive overview -- but, basically, it's laggy as hell. Aside from that, general UI responsiveness could also stand some improvement, but we like where Sony Ericsson is going with the whole thing. If it keeps up its promise to repent from last year's sins with relation to Android updates, the company has a very good chance of striking it rich with the Xperia Arc. It's a phone that can truly get by on its looks alone. Video after the break!

Gallery: Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc MWC hands-on

Continue reading Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc preview (video)

Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc preview (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.3Android2.3arcgingerbreadhands-onimpressionsmwcmwc 2011Mwc2011previewslimsony ericssonSonyEricssonthinvideoxperiaxperia arcXperiaArcSun, 13 Feb 2011 17:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc vs. LG Optimus 2X... fight!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/04/sony-ericsson-xperia-arc-vs-lg-optimus-2x-fight/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/04/sony-ericsson-xperia-arc-vs-lg-optimus-2x-fight/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/04/sony-ericsson-xperia-arc-vs-lg-optimus-2x-fight/#comments Android is our future, the stat mavens all agree, but for all its rapid growth, Google's OS still suffers from a shortage of top tier differentiation. This has in part been down to LG and Sony -- two of the world's biggest phone makers -- spending the majority of 2010 watching the battle for Android supremacy from the sidelines (the X10 disqualified itself when it announced it neither knew nor cared what Froyo was). 2011 might just be the year of redemption for both, however, as LG will soon assault the European market with a pair of truly desirable and powerful Android smartphones in the Optimus 2X and Black, while Sony Ericsson's well leaked portfolio of new Xperias includes the Arc, Neo and Play, each one of them coming with Gingerbread preloaded. We've wrapped our mitts around a pair of these high-hope devices, one from each manufacturer, and photographed the living daylights out of them sat side by side.

Gallery: Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc vs. LG Optimus 2X... fight!


We humbly submit that the Xperia Arc looks and feels far more refined than LG's admittedly well designed Optimus 2X. The Arc's curvature seriously makes it feel like the thinnest phone we've ever handled and its weight is also dramatically, unreasonably minimal. Another note of import is that the 2X comes with a 4-inch screen whereas the Arc offers a more generous 4.2-inch display, yet their overall dimensions are nearly identical. All in all, we'd hardly object to having either one in our pockets, but the Arc wins it for us in terms of aesthetic appeal. Of course, the Optimus 2X has a dual-core Tegra 2 heart beating within, it's not all about looks, though in the case of this hands-on comparison, it kind of was. We'll have a full review of LG's handset in the coming days, while Sony Ericsson promises the Xperia Arc will land in Europe by the end of March. You can see more of the prototype unit we got to handle in the gallery below and there's a video comparison of the two Android newcomers after the break as well.

Gallery: Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc detailed hands-on

Continue reading Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc vs. LG Optimus 2X... fight!

Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc vs. LG Optimus 2X... fight! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2xandroidandroid 2.3Android2.3arccomparisonfightfroyogingerbreadhands-onhead-to-headlgoptimusoptimus 2xOptimus2xsony ericssonSonyEricssonversusvideoxperiaxperia arcXperiaArcFri, 04 Feb 2011 13:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Monome Arc OSC controller is simple, elegant, and expensive]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/24/monome-arc-osc-controller-is-simple-elegant-and-expensive/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/24/monome-arc-osc-controller-is-simple-elegant-and-expensive/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/24/monome-arc-osc-controller-is-simple-elegant-and-expensive/#comments
If you're not familiar with Monome, the company designs and builds unique, minimalist controllers in limited editions for the discriminating music maker with deep pockets. The company's latest, Arc, features two anodized milled aluminum knobs, an enclosure made of black walnut (sustainably harvested in central Pennsylvania, of course), lead free printed circuit boards and circuitry, a felt slip mat made from wool purchased from small farms in the US, and -- well, that's pretty much it. Hand assembled on a farm in upstate New York, this device sends OSC data to a computer via USB. Each knob is circled by a ring of 64 LEDs, and each knob can be configured for whatever your musician's heart desires. On the video (after the break) it is paired with a Series Sixty Four controller to make a sample looper. Looks like fun! Too bad it costs more than our rent for the month. Available on February 18 in two knob ($500) and four knob ($800) configurations.

[Thanks, Zack]

Continue reading Monome Arc OSC controller is simple, elegant, and expensive

Monome Arc OSC controller is simple, elegant, and expensive originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcmonomemusicmusic controllermusic makingMusicControllerMusicMakingoscosc controllerOscControllerUSBusb controllerUsbControllervideoMon, 24 Jan 2011 10:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc subjected to a thorough video preview]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/24/sony-ericsson-xperia-arc-subjected-to-a-thorough-video-preview/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/24/sony-ericsson-xperia-arc-subjected-to-a-thorough-video-preview/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/24/sony-ericsson-xperia-arc-subjected-to-a-thorough-video-preview/#comments This won't be the first (or by any means last) video you'll see the Xperia Arc starring in, but it is the most comprehensive look we've had so far at this finely crafted Android Gingerbread handset. The guys over at HDBlog.it have somehow sourced both the silver and black variants of Sony Ericsson's upcoming 4.2-incher and they've given the pair a nice and thorough video overview. They happily report that Timescape and Mediascape, Sony Ericsson's pervasive features in the earlier X10, have been scaled down to mere widgets, making them "far less intrusive" and resulting in the rest of the UI being "faster and easier to use." Make the leap past the break to get the full dish on SE's latest and greatest.

Continue reading Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc subjected to a thorough video preview

Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc subjected to a thorough video preview originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 06:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4.2-inchandroidandroid 2.3Android2.3arcgingerbreaditalianpreviewsony ericssonSonyEricssonvideoxperiaXperia ArcXperiaArcMon, 24 Jan 2011 06:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson names Xperia Arc CPU, dubs Android 2.4 appearance a 'misconfiguration']]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/10/sony-ericsson-names-xperia-arc-cpu-dubs-android-2-4-appearance/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/10/sony-ericsson-names-xperia-arc-cpu-dubs-android-2-4-appearance/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/10/sony-ericsson-names-xperia-arc-cpu-dubs-android-2-4-appearance/#comments The Xperia Arc is one pretty slice of Gingerbread, don't you think? We certainly did when we got the chance to handle one for ourselves at CES, but today we're less concerned with its exterior and more interested in what lies beneath. The 1GHz processor we knew about already has been specified as a Qualcomm MSM8255 and will be joined in the good fight against sluggish performance by an Adreno 205 graphics chip. On the software front, that random sighting of an Arc with Android 2.4 has been put down as a simple "misconfiguration" by Sony Ericsson, exploding a million conspiracy theories around the web. One encouraging note here is that SE (kinda) acknowledges its inglorious record with Android updates and promises recent changes have put it in "a good position to make sure that Xperia Arc will get later versions in a timely manner." We'll believe it when you make it, Sony.

Continue reading Sony Ericsson names Xperia Arc CPU, dubs Android 2.4 appearance a 'misconfiguration'

Sony Ericsson names Xperia Arc CPU, dubs Android 2.4 appearance a 'misconfiguration' originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 20:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adrenoadreno 205Adreno205androidandroid 2.3android 2.4Android2.3Android2.4arcerrorgingerbreadmisconfigurationmistakemsm8255qualcommsony ericssonSonyEricssonspecsvideoxperiaxperia arcXperiaArcMon, 10 Jan 2011 20:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson's Xperia Arc seeing an April release?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/08/sony-ericssons-xperia-arc-seeing-an-april-release/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/08/sony-ericssons-xperia-arc-seeing-an-april-release/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/08/sony-ericssons-xperia-arc-seeing-an-april-release/#comments We've gotten up close and personal with Sony Ericsson's Xperia Arc this week at CES, but one bit of information that the firm refused to hand over was an estimated release date. If the outfit's Indonesian portal is to be believed, however, we've just three more months to wait before at least some portions of the world have access. The image shown above translates into "three more months," which means that we'll be both saddened and depressed if our pals in the Asia-Pacific region don't have one by April. Don't make us weep, SE.

[Thanks, Matthew]

Sony Ericsson's Xperia Arc seeing an April release? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Jan 2011 19:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidarcindonesiarelease dateReleaseDaterumorrumorssesmartphoneSony EricssonSony Ericsson Xperia ArcSonyEricssonSonyEricssonXperiaArcxperiaXperia ArcXperiaArcSat, 08 Jan 2011 19:49:00 EST<![CDATA[JVC announces ACR-equipped TH-BC3 sound bar]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/06/jvc-announces-acr-equipped-th-bc3-sound-bar/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/06/jvc-announces-acr-equipped-th-bc3-sound-bar/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/06/jvc-announces-acr-equipped-th-bc3-sound-bar/#comments
Sound bars are nothing revolutionary, but JVC's newly announced TH-BC3 packs a few features worth mentioning. At the top of the list is the inclusion of an HDMI 1.4 enabled ARC (Audio Return Channel), which allows for simplified wiring since audio can travel in both directions through the HDMI cable. Additional connectivity options include one analog input and two digital audio inputs (optical and coaxial) plus a subwoofer pre-out. A slick push-open iPod / iPhone dock is another nice edition especially when combined with a composite video output. In terms of more general specs, the device features 30 watts per channel, a built-in FM tuner, and SRS StudioSound HD which is basically a branded complication of SRS TruSurround HD and SRS TruVolume. SRS TruVolume is designed to eliminate volume changes when switching sources while TruSurround HD can convert up to 6.1 channels of audio for playback over two speakers. JVC says the speaker will be available in February for $249. If that's above your budget, the TH-BC1 is essentially the same product minus the ARC and iPod dock and will be available this month for $149.

Continue reading JVC announces ACR-equipped TH-BC3 sound bar

JVC announces ACR-equipped TH-BC3 sound bar originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ARCAudio Return ChannelAudioReturnChannelcesces 2011ces2011jvcJVC TH-BC1JvcTh-bc1sound barsSoundBarsspakersSRS StudioSound HDSRS TruSurround HDSRS TruVolumeSrsStudiosoundHdSrsTrusurroundHdSrsTruvolumeTH-BC1Thu, 06 Jan 2011 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Nyko's CES 2011 gaming peripheral lineup: Intercooler STS, Perfect Shot Pro, and more]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/06/nykos-ces-2011-gaming-peripheral-lineup-intercooler-sts-perfe/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/06/nykos-ces-2011-gaming-peripheral-lineup-intercooler-sts-perfe/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/06/nykos-ces-2011-gaming-peripheral-lineup-intercooler-sts-perfe/#comments A pinch of gaming here at the annual Consumer Electronics Show? Yeah, we'll take that. Nyko's just revealed a wheelbarrow full of new goods to pore over at this year's edition of the show, and we get the feeling that PlayStation Move owners will be particularly pleased with what's on offer. For the PS3, the outfit has revealed that its Raven Standard and Raven Alternative controllers are shipping now for $34.99 apiece, as is the 2- / 4-port charging station. Moving onto newer goods, the Power Shot for Move is a newfangled rifle attachment (seen above) for Sony's play on motion gaming, with an MSRP that's not quite final and a projected release date of March 2011. Moreover, there's a pistol-like Perfect Shot for Move (also shipping in March at a price that's TBD), and if you're looking for a similar charging solution for your Xbox 360, the Charge Base S will do just that for $24.99.

Comically enough, this year marks the return of the infamous Intercooler, but hopefully the STS version won't cause your Xbox 360 S to go up in smoke. For those who like to take chances, it'll hit retail next month for $19.99. Closing things out is the Perfect Shot Pro for Wii, which is a revamped version of the original Perfect Shot that features vibration support; it'll ship in April for right around $20. Head on past the break for the full release, or spend a few precious minutes digging into the eye candy below. Or both.

Continue reading Nyko's CES 2011 gaming peripheral lineup: Intercooler STS, Perfect Shot Pro, and more

Nyko's CES 2011 gaming peripheral lineup: Intercooler STS, Perfect Shot Pro, and more originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesaccessoryarccesces 2011ces2011movenykoplaystationplaystation movePlaystationMovesonyThu, 06 Jan 2011 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc announced, we go hands-on (update: video!)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/sony-ericsson-xperia-arc-first-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/sony-ericsson-xperia-arc-first-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/sony-ericsson-xperia-arc-first-hands-on/#comments The cat is out of the bag, Sony! We just walked into Sony's CES press conference and look at what we found hanging around in the back? It's Sony's Xperia Arc, and it is one slim smartphone. Seriously, it's really thin and its concave back reminds us a lot of the Nexus S. According to the placard it has a "Reality Display" with a Mobile BRAVIA Engine. We're not sure what those fancy words mean, but the display (we're assuming it is 4.2 inches) is definitely extremely bright and crisp -- like AMOLED bright and crisp. We don't know the exact measurements of the handset, but it looks just as thin as the iPhone... if not thinner. Other than that we know it has an mini-HDMI port and runs Android 2.3 (confirmed on the device itself!). It also has a Sony Exmor R camera. We should be learning much more about this thing as soon as it becomes "official," but until then hit the break for some hands-on shots.

Gallery: Sony Xperia Arc hands-on



Update: Ah, finally some confirmed specs. The Arc does in fact have a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, 4.2-inch display, 8.3 megapixel camera, and measures just 8.7mm thick. Hit the break for the full PR and specs.

Continue reading Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc announced, we go hands-on (update: video!)

Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc announced, we go hands-on (update: video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcartbreaking newsBreakingNewscesces 2011ces2011hands-onjumbophonesonysony ericcssonSony Xperia ArcSonyEriccssonSonyXperiaArcvideoxperiaXperia ArcXperiaArcWed, 05 Jan 2011 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony poster at CES shows unannounced, extremely slim-looking phone (update: it's the Arc)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/sony-poster-at-ces-shows-off-unannounced-extremely-slim-looking/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/sony-poster-at-ces-shows-off-unannounced-extremely-slim-looking/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/sony-poster-at-ces-shows-off-unannounced-extremely-slim-looking/#comments Sony's CES banners have been unfurled around the Las Vegas Convention Center here and one of them has a particularly alluring, and particularly skinny, phone to show us. The above image of half a touchscreen handset (more closeup photography of which you'll find in the gallery below) shows a Sony Ericsson brand and what looks like a 3.5mm headphone jack -- the latter of which would suggest that this phone is no more than six or seven millimeters thick. Even more enticing is the promise of "more entertainment at the touch of a button," suggesting some processing and graphics firepower contained within as well -- could it be SE's answer to the dual-core LG Optimus 2X? We get the feeling we'll love this thing whatever the hell's inside it.

Update: Closer investigation of the imagery has led us to believe this is probably the Anzu / X12 that we first saw back in November. That device's claim to fame was a 4.3-inch display allied to a "very, very thin" profile.

Update 2: The mysterious handset has now been revealed as the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc.

Gallery: Sony poster at CES shows off unannounced phone

Sony poster at CES shows unannounced, extremely slim-looking phone (update: it's the Arc) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anzuarcbreaking newsBreakingNewscesces 2011ces2011posterskinnyslimsonysony ericssonSonyEricssonteaseteaserthinunannouncedx12xperiaxperia arcXperiaArcTue, 04 Jan 2011 15:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Arc Touch Mouse now on sale for $60 at all Microsoft retail stores]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/14/arc-touch-mouse-now-on-sale-for-60-at-all-microsoft-retail-stor/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/14/arc-touch-mouse-now-on-sale-for-60-at-all-microsoft-retail-stor/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/14/arc-touch-mouse-now-on-sale-for-60-at-all-microsoft-retail-stor/#comments It may not be available at your favorite e-tailer quite yet, but Microsoft's Arc Touch Mouse is indeed on sale at the company's seven retail stores, each of which got a shipment of the flexible critters this morning. (How do we know? We just called every one.) What's more, they'll only cost you $60 apiece, a full portrait of Alexander Hamilton less than the original batch of preorders, so if you're looking for a thoroughly unique rodent partner that bows to your will, now might be the best chance to nab one.

[Thanks, Elliot B.]

Arc Touch Mouse now on sale for $60 at all Microsoft retail stores originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 21:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcarc touchArc Touch MouseArcTouchArcTouchMousemicemicrosoftmicrosoft arc touch mouseMicrosoft retailmicrosoft retail storemicrosoft retail storesMicrosoftArcTouchMouseMicrosoftRetailMicrosoftRetailStoreMicrosoftRetailStoresmouseon saleOnSalePeripheralperipheralsTue, 14 Dec 2010 21:34:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Move review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/01/playstation-move-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/01/playstation-move-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/01/playstation-move-review/#comments The PlayStation Move. It's funny to think just 15 months have passed since Sony first unveiled its motion controller, and now we're mere weeks away from hitting the retail market. To be sure, it's not like the company didn't have waggle on the mind already -- patents dating as far back as 2005 reveal as much, and of course the incredible success of Nintendo's Wii proved there's a market for more physically exerting gameplay. And it's not just PlayStation; Microsoft's got its controller-free Kinect motion camera system coming this November. So, in the year where all major game consoles now ask you to get off the couch and earn arm muscle, how does Move fare? Read on for more!

Gallery: PlayStation Move review

Continue reading PlayStation Move review

PlayStation Move review originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arceye petEyePetfightfight 3dFight3dgemgolfheavy rainHeavyRainmotionmotion controlmotion controllermotion controlsMotionControlMotionControllerMotionControlsmovenav controlNavControlnavigation controllerNavigationControllerplay stationplay station 3play station 3 moveplay station movePlayStationPlayStation3PlayStation3MovePlayStationMovepsps 3ps 3 moveps movePs3Ps3MovePsMover u s ereviewRUSEscesceasocomsocom 4Socom4sonysports championsSportsChampionstiger woodsTigerWoodstumblevideoWed, 01 Sep 2010 03:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Arc Touch mouse marketing shots turn up, now all we need is an Arc Touch mouse and we'll be all set]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/19/microsoft-arc-touch-mouse-marketing-shots-turn-up-now-all-we-ne/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/19/microsoft-arc-touch-mouse-marketing-shots-turn-up-now-all-we-ne/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/19/microsoft-arc-touch-mouse-marketing-shots-turn-up-now-all-we-ne/#comments At this point we're less talking about "leaks" with Microsoft's upcoming Arc Touch mouse, and really just wading into the ocean. Yesterday the mouse popped up on a German online store, and now another German site has gotten ahold of marketing shots of the mouse. They aren't a ton of surprises or anything, but it's nice to see it in context. Hit the source link for a couple more shots that aren't in the gallery below.

Update: And here's a bundle from Microsoft itself. Thanks, guys / gals!

Gallery: Microsoft Arc Touch mouse marketing shots turn up

Microsoft Arc Touch mouse marketing shots turn up, now all we need is an Arc Touch mouse and we'll be all set originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcarc toucharc touch mouseArcTouchArcTouchMousemarketing shotsMarketingShotsmicrosoftmousepress shotsPressShotsThu, 19 Aug 2010 11:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Marantz adds Blu-ray 3D, internet streaming features across 2010 Blu-ray player, audio line]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/23/marantz-adds-blu-ray-3d-internet-streaming-features-across-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/23/marantz-adds-blu-ray-3d-internet-streaming-features-across-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/23/marantz-adds-blu-ray-3d-internet-streaming-features-across-2010/#comments Marantz has unveiled its 2010 line of high end receivers, amplifiers, pre amplifiers and Blu-ray players, and naturally the headlining upgrades have to do with streaming internet video access, Blu-ray 3D and HDMI 1.4 compatibility. You can check out the press releases for all the details, but we'll highlight the UD7005 ($899, due in September) and UD5005 ($499, August) "Universal Media Players," which earn the tag by including everything SACD, DVD-Audio, DivX and even Blu-ray 3D playback, plus improving on their predecessors by featuring DLNA v1.5 streaming access and built in Netflix and YouTube compatibility. One disappointment however, while some are still waiting for an updated version of the flagship SR8002 receiver, with only new editions in the form of the SR5005, SR6005 and SR7005 receivers. The SR7005 features six HDMI 1.4a inputs, with Windows 7-compatible DLNA, iPod, IP control, Pandora and the other usual feature boxes checked when it ships next month for $1,599.

Marantz adds Blu-ray 3D, internet streaming features across 2010 Blu-ray player, audio line originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 18:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3d ready3dReadyarcblu-ray 3dBlu-ray3dcd5004dlnahdmi 1.4aHdmi1.4ahifimarantzmm7025na7004netflixnr1601pandorapm5004pm8004receiversa8004sr5005sr6005sr7005ud5005ud7005Fri, 23 Jul 2010 18:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft prepping Magic Mouse-like Arc Touch Mouse?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/microsoft-prepping-magic-mouse-like-arc-touch-mouse/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/microsoft-prepping-magic-mouse-like-arc-touch-mouse/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/microsoft-prepping-magic-mouse-like-arc-touch-mouse/#comments
Microsoft isn't saying anything about this one just yet, but there's a growing amount of evidence that the company is set to take on Apple's Magic Mouse with its own Arc Touch Mouse. As istartedsomething reports, that includes a product listing for an "Arc Touch Mouse" at several European retailers (with a $70 price tag), an arctouchmouse.com domain registered to Microsoft in late March, and some Microsoft Research projects that show that the company has indeed been working on multitouch mice since at least late last year (one of those prototypes is pictured above). Just one big coincidence? Probably not, but we'll have to wait to hear from Microsoft to know for sure.

Microsoft prepping Magic Mouse-like Arc Touch Mouse? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcarc mousearc touch mouseArcMouseArcTouchMousemicrosoftmultitouchmultitouch mouseMultitouchMouserumorFri, 02 Jul 2010 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Arc Keyboard now available in white exclusively from Amazon]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/microsoft-arc-keyboard-now-available-in-white-exclusively-from-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/microsoft-arc-keyboard-now-available-in-white-exclusively-from-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/microsoft-arc-keyboard-now-available-in-white-exclusively-from-a/#comments
Microsoft's Arc Keyboard was already quite an eye-catcher in its original black, but we may just have to give the edge to this new white version with lime green accents, which is now exclusively available for pre-order from Amazon. Of course, the color is the only thing that's changed here, with the keyboard still sporting the same slim, arched design, the same tiny 2.4GHz USB transmitter and, unfortunately, the same $59.95 price tag. Still no exact release date just yet, but the keyboard will apparently start shipping out sometime in June.

Microsoft Arc Keyboard now available in white exclusively from Amazon originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcarc keyboardArcKeyboardkeyboardmicrosoftmicrosoft arcmicrosoft arc keyboardMicrosoftArcMicrosoftArcKeyboardwhitewireless keyboardWirelessKeyboardTue, 13 Apr 2010 16:07:00 EST