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Nokia X2 follows X3's footsteps, welcomes Series 40 to the Xseries fold
A number of Series 40 devices were branded with Nokia's "XpressMusic" label back in the day, so why not Xseries, too? Well, Nokia must be on the same page, because it has just announced the X2 candybar without a trace of smartphone DNA to its name after the X3 kicked things off a few months ago. The relatively low-end phone clocks in with a 5 megapixel cam with flash, 2.2-inch QVGA display, Ovi Store and Facebook support, dual loudspeakers, integrated FM radio, dedicated music keys, and microSD expansion up to 16GB (32GB would've been nice, but considering the scarcity and overwhelming price of said cards, it really doesn't matter too much in practice). The 13mm-thick piece is due before the end of June for €85 ($113), which is a heck of a value by our rough math.
Sony Ericsson pushes major firmware update for Xperia X2, all three owners celebrate
Alright, X2 owners, you ready for this? Odds are you aren't, since virtually all of you are east of the Atlantic where it's getting close to bedtime and you're not likely reading this -- and for our New World friends, the North American version is still inexplicably missing in action. Be that as it may, though, Sony Ericsson hasn't given up on its critically panned Xperia X2, delivering a sizable new firmware update that offers a variety of goodies like FM radio support, video calling, sundry performance and stability improvements, and SlideView 2.0 featuring "better usability throughout with a fresh design." It's currently being rolled out market by market, but the company expects everyone to have access to it by the end of the week -- except North Americans, of course, unless SonyStyle decides to get its but in gear in the next day or two.
Sony Ericsson Xperia X2 gets its Vodafone spotlight at long last
There'd been some drama not long ago on news that Vodafone was scrubbing its exclusive launch of Sony Ericsson's troubled Xperia X2, but it turns out they still wanted a crack at the thing after all -- just not in the UK, apparently, where it had originally been listed as "coming soon." Instead, it's Voda's Spanish outpost that's taking a crack at the phone, which features WinMo 6.5 (you might recall that this thing was announced way back around the time of 6.5's release) alongside a WVGA AMOLED display, 8.1 megapixel camera, and full QWERTY keyboard -- not bad on paper. Of course, at the €700 ($957) they're charging sans contract, you're probably going to want to sign your name on the dotted line if you plan on picking it up.
X2 brings the Amtek iTablet back from the abyss, forgets that no one cared the first time
Apple might have surprised everyone -- including us -- by naming its tablet the "iPad," but the UK's X2 isn't letting this opportunity pass it by: it's managed to drum up some cheap attention today by announcing an "iTablet" powered by a "1.6GHz Intel processor" and running whatever flavor of Windows from XP to 7 your heart desires. Of course, what X2 isn't telling anyone is that it's actually not doing anything more than simply reselling the Amtek iTablet, a product that's been out for ages and that we've covered in the past -- you might recognize this early post by one Mr. Joshua Topolsky in which he said the resistive touchscreen looked "quite frisky." How dramatically things change. Anyway, we don't have a detailed spec list right now, but the Amtek iTablet has a 1.6GHz Pentium M, not an Atom, so this thing could potentially be a serious dog. Feel like making with the goods, X2? Update: X2 tells Register Hardware that its iTablet will go on sale in April in both 10 and 12-inch sizes, but declined to say what kind of Intel chip is powering this thing. If we had to guess, we'd say they're using the name and pictures of the older Amtek device to cash in on iPad hype right now while they get their actual product in order -- and hey, it seems to be working. We'll let you know if we see the real deal anytime soon.
Sony Ericsson Xperia X2a appears on US site screaming 'I'm coming!'
Whoa! After two months of delay Sony Ericsson's finally done something with the Xperia X2 -- giving it an extra 'a' (for North America) instead of pushing it out to us mere mortals. Mind you, the number of times we've seen this thing -- even as a KIRF -- may fool you into thinking it's been out forever, but the reality is it's slowly morphing into a unicorn. You know what though? If we wait for another two months, the X2 / X2a might even get a piece of that Windows Mobile 7 action. Or Windows Mobile 8, when SE's eventually done with its siesta.
Eye-Fi announces 802.11n Eye-Fi Pro X2 memory card
Eye-Fi just busted out at CES with its next generation WiFi-enabled SD card, the Eye-Fi Pro X2. The big features of the new 8GB Class 6 SD card are 802.11n support and the Endless Memory mode, which automatically clears photos and videos as they're uploaded to your machine over WiFi, and there are also some new sharing options in the mix, as well as geotagging support. No word on a ship date, but it's up for pre-order on Amazon and other retailers now for $149. Eye-Fi is also launching its new Eye-Fi Center software, which should make managing media delivered from Eye-Fi cards a little simpler -- it'll be out later this month. Couple more images in the gallery, full PR after the break. %Gallery-81437%
Keepin' it real fake, part CCXLVIII: Xderia X2 packs 2X the KIRF
Sony Ericsson's Xperia X2 may have been delayed until next month, but official delays have never held back the inevitable KIRF hordes, as exemplified by this intriguing "Xderia X2." Not content with simply approximating SE's stylish QWERTY slider, this one goes the extra mile with a KIRF edition of Windows Mobile, not to mention some impressive specs like a 12.1 megapixel camera, dual SIM card slots, and a built-in FM radio -- which may or may not match the phone's actual specs. No word on a price just yet, but we're guessing you'll be able to buy anywhere from four to fourteen of these for the price of an actual X2.
MSI Wind U230 gets handled on video, SIM slot found hiding underneath
MSI's latest (and arguably greatest) 12.1-inch netbook just popped official earlier this month, and already it's making the rounds at various shows. The crew over at NetbookNews managed to get their hands around one for just under three minutes, and during that brief window of time they were able to confirm that an AMD Athlon Neo X2 chip was within. Also on tap was a 500GB hard drive and a previously unannounced SIM card slot, though the €440 ($661) price tag seems a bit steep for "a netbook." Check the walk-around just after the break.
Vodafone nabbing Sony Ericsson X2 in November, Samsung Corby as 'Genio'
Vodafone UK never seems to have a shortage of exciting new models in the pipeline; right now they've got no fewer than eight biggies listed on their Coming Soon page, and while we wouldn't necessarily categorize every last one as "exciting," there are a couple doozies in there. Besides the HTC Tattoo that we mentioned earlier, the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 is following on a month later in November holding down Windows Mobile 6.5 with its positively mind-bending customized home screen. Also notable is the Samsung "Genio," known globally as the recently-announced Corby -- Samsung intended it as an entry-level full-touch phone for the younger crowd, and to that end, Voda looks to be selling it on prepaid. It's gotta be a tough call deciding what to buy next for subscribers, but if you ask us, that's a positively awesome problem to have. [Via CoolSmartPhone]
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 lovingly unboxed on video
We'll confess - Sony Ericsson's XPERIA X2 is going to have quite the time attracting attention now that the Android-equipped X3 is all but confirmed, but those who aren't yet ready to ditch Windows Mobile may be interested in seeing the first video unboxing of the Q4-bound smartphone. Unfortunately, the actual box that it's emerging from is one of those ultra-plain units given to employees and the like when carrier testing is in full swing, but hey -- a box is a box. Have a peek in the read link below, but be sure to bring a cup of patience. You'll see.[Via Slashgear]
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 to launch in France within two months?
According to the French (who we'd like to take this opportunity to thank for Histoire de Melody Nelson), the WinMo 6.5-packin' Xperia X2 (which we got our hot little hands on about two weeks ago) will be hitting store shelves in France "within two months" from now. The cited price, some €600 (about $880) doesn't take carrier subsidies into account, so we'll keep our eyes peeled for that bit of information. We're looking forward to seeing how that new OS handles itself outside of the realm of preproduction, although the resistive touchscreen nature of the device doesn't give us much hope. Salut! [Via OLED Display]
Oh, by the way: September 7, 2009
Here's some of the other stuff that happened in the wide world of mobile for Monday, September 7, 2009: Samsung's got a version of the Jet for its domestic Korean market, the clumsily-named "Haptic AMOLED." Unlike its international cousin, the Haptic AMOLED packs a T-DMB tuner (as just about all Korean phones do) and it's available in spicy pink and white shades for the usual carriers SKT, KTF, and LGT. Did you know that AT&T used to have a stake in the Indian wireless market? Yeah, us neither, but they did prior to the Cingular merger -- and rumor has it they're looking to get back in by buying a chunk of state-owned operator BSNL, ostensibly because the market -- which is still in a heavy growth phase -- is seen as a powder keg waiting to explode. This one's been going around for a few days, and with the carrier's full-court press on Android, it makes total sense: the Bluetooth SIG is reporting that the Samsung T939 Behold2 for T-Mobile will feature "Google Mobile services," which would fit in with an earlier user agent profile leak. [Via Cell Phone Signal] There's a new Samsung i8910 HD firmware that's starting to hit some regions, and it's a good one -- it features an all-new 3D task switcher and a built-in weather forecast widget for TouchWiz. [Via PhoneArena] Surprise, surprise: Toshiba is relaunching the mighty TG01 with Windows Mobile 6.5 next month, a move that was fully expected all along. If anything, there'd be riots had this not happened. Sony Ericsson's Panel SDK for the X2 is now available, featuring new "Panelizer" tools to convert existing apps into panels in a few easy steps -- and starting in the next few days, devs will be able to submit their work for inclusion in the PlayNow arena. Vodafone has launched a range of eight new self-branded devices that'll be available in time for the holidays this year, and as usual, they're positioned squarely at the lower end of the market. Some of them like the E71 ripoff 1240 (pictured) are straight-up KIRFs, while others like the "Crystal" member of the 533 Catwalk Collection are trying to ooze fashion and style without killing the wad of cash stuffed in your pocket. Whether they've succeeded in doing that... well, that's another question altogether. [Via Unwired View]
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 first hands-on (with video!)
Here it is, folks. Sony Ericsson's newly official XPERIA X2 in the flesh. It's got a flashy (gimmicky?) home screen, along with a view for "snacking" on bubbled-up information. Lots of buzzwords, but we'll need more time hands-on to know how we feel. The hardware? It's still a heavy beast, but perhaps just a bit more loving in this incarnation. We don't love the resistive touchscreen one bit. After a strong caveat that what we're looking at is preproduction software, a Sony Ericsson rep admitted that Windows Mobile 6.5 isn't all it could be -- though we're unsure why Sony Ericsson didn't throw a bit more hardware at the problem, Toshiba style. Still, the interface breaks down to stylus-friendly Windows Mobile-isms with just a few taps, and none of the "wow" of the floating Sony Ericsson home screen seemed to excuse any of the UI lag it introduces. Again, early software, but the X1 didn't exactly rise above its preproduction jankiness.Update: Video is after the break!
Official: XPERIA X2 launching Q4, Windows Mobile 6.5 onboard (video)
If you've been waiting with bated breath for some real news on the XPERIA X2, wait no longer. News has just broken that the re-styled, gutted refresh of Sony Ericsson's popular (and expensive) X1 is due to hit "selected markets" in Q4. According to a post on SE's Xperiancers blog, the company is in talks with various carries right now, and will be detailing the plans in the coming weeks. Additionally, the blog delivers some info on the device itself, calling out its 8.1 megapixel camera, inclusion of a standard 4GB microSD card, and 13 pre-loaded "panels" in its reworked Windows Mobile skin (which appears to have a new SDK for the forthcoming OS update). Oh, and speaking of Windows Mobile, it'll be shipping with 6.5 onboard. To learn much, much more, check the two videos after the break. We'll also be grabbing an up close and personal hands-on with the device in a few moments, so keep your inter-set tuned to the Engadget channel.
Sony Ericsson's XPERIA X2 demoed on video
You know what frustrates us? Someone with their hands on a totally sweet piece of gadgetry who clearly doesn't know what to do with it. Such is the case in the video below, which seems to depict a gentlemen fondling Sony Ericsson's next XPERIA installment, the X2. While there's not much to see of the device itself, the phone is apparently running a fairly recent version of Windows Mobile 6.5, and the company has clearly taken its skinning team to parts of the OS, as the user in the video manages to stumble past some pretty magnificent looking UI trickery. It doesn't seem as dressed up as the X1's Panel interface does, though this likely isn't the final product. Truck on after the break to see the X2 in action, and try to quell your anger as the phone is repeatedly put to sleep during the demo.[Thanks, David]
XPERIA X2 appears next to his sibling in a charming family photo
As you know, compelling pics of the X2 have been making the scene for quite some time now, and thanks to the gang at Mobile Bulgaria we can add a few more to the collection. Held up next to its predecessor for comparison, the newer model does indeed look like its more of the same, but for what looks like an improved keyboard (can't wait to put it through its paces) and a thinner form factor -- although the most exciting changes are taking place under the hood. Unless, of course, the rumored OLED display comes to pass -- that would be most excellent! Hit that read link to see the newest pics in all their glory.
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 drawings tell the tale from every angle
We've already seen Sony Ericsson's supposed next-gen Windows Mobile device in the wild a couple times, but there's one way we haven't seen it yet: as a sketch. Danish site mobil.nu appears to have stumbled upon engineering drawings that detail the XPERIA X2 from every conceivable angle, showing that it faithfully carries over the shapely slider curve made famous by its predecessor; the mesh on either end is an interesting design detail, too, but otherwise, nothing new has really been revealed here. If anyone notices a microprint release date buried somewhere in these lovely pictures, though, do let us know, alright?[Via mobile-review]
Sony Ericsson event at CommunicAsia to be a snoozefest, no X2?
Look, we're not going to stop you if you insist on staying up until 4:30AM ET tomorrow morning to see what Sony Ericsson has in store at its CommunicAsia press conference, we just don't want you to walk away with a broken heart if nothing cool happens there, alright? Xperiancers is now reporting that the show will be little more than a recap on the company's recent announcements -- chiefly the GreenHeart stuff, the Satio, and the Aino -- which means the X2 may not be happening for a while yet. That's disappointing, yes, but no one's exactly calling the X1 a slouch in the spec department just yet, so maybe this is a strategic win for Sony Ericsson -- particularly with a big Rogers launch just around the corner.
Sony Ericsson launching something at ComunicAsia this week -- XPERIA X2, maybe?
Nokia certainly took its launch lineup seriously ahead of CommunicAsia's grand opening in Singapore this week with the launch of the 5530 XpressMusic and E72, and considering that, we're willing to bet that Sony Ericsson would want to make a similarly big splash when it holds its press conference on Wednesday -- but what could it be? The Satio and Aino are already out there, so it seems like the odds-on favorite for announcement here would have to be the well-leaked XPERIA X2. If the leaks turn out to be spot-on accurate, we're definitely not sold that the phone's any better-looking than the X1 it replaces, but then again, it'd be awfully hard to argue with an 8.1 megapixel cam and OLED display running Windows Mobile 6.5, even if you're not a WinMo kinda person. The action kicks off at 4:30PM Singapore time, which works out to a torturous 4:30AM for you New Yorkers -- so just how badly do you want to see it possibly unveiled, eh? And more importantly, how peeved will you be if it isn't?[Via WMExperts and Electronista]
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 shows up again, this time in silver
Reaction to the rumored X2 pictures leaked this far has been lukewarm at best, but hold up -- it's looking a whole lot different (and arguably better) in silver. We can certainly buy that this is dead-on real, since... well, it looks real, and also because the X1's also available in both shades. We're still not convinced it outshines its predecessor for sheer sex appeal, but an 8.1 megapixel camera upgrade is hard to argue with, isn't it? Anyhow, with this many units seemingly floating around in the wild, let's hope we're not too far off from an official announcement.[Via Daily Mobile, thanks Daniel]
